Choosing where to stay on Lake Como is partly a question of season. In summer every village has hotels open, but from November many lake hotels close until spring, and those that stay open tend to be in the larger towns. That is why our four picks are all in Como, and why this guide explains the options elsewhere.
Como town
Como is the year-round base, with trains from Milan, ferries, the funicular and the cathedral all within walking distance. It suits first-time visitors and winter trips. On the lakefront road, Hotel Villa Flori is a nineteenth-century villa on Via Cernobbio with a garden, a rooftop terrace and a restaurant, and its tourist board profile says it stays open even in January and February. It suits couples and anyone who wants villa atmosphere, and Villa Olmo is about a 14-minute walk away. On Piazza Cavour, Hotel Metropole Suisse has 71 rooms, lake-view options and the Imbarcadero restaurant, with ferries about two minutes away and the cathedral five minutes away. On the same square, Hotel Barchetta Excelsior at Piazza Cavour 1 has 84 rooms with lake-view doubles, a bistro and a terrace, and is the mid-range pick, three minutes from the cathedral. For value, Albergo Terminus on Lungo Lario Trieste has 50 rooms and a free breakfast buffet, with Como Nord Lago station two minutes away and the boat dock on the same road.
Bellagio
The most famous village on the lake, on its promontory, with lanes, shops and lake views. Bellagio is quiet in winter, and some hotels there close for the season, so we have not listed any until opening dates are confirmed. It works as a day trip by ferry from Como, Varenna or Menaggio.
Varenna
The prettiest village on the eastern shore, with a railway station, ferries and Villa Monastero, which is open Thursday to Monday in winter. It suits couples and rail travellers. Many Varenna hotels are seasonal, so check dates before you plan an overnight stay.
Menaggio and the west shore
The practical hub opposite Bellagio and Varenna, with a car ferry, a bus to Lugano and walks. It is the best base for Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, though winter services are reduced. Grand lakeside hotels in Tremezzo and Cernobbio typically keep a spring-to-autumn season, so confirm opening dates directly before relying on them.
Choosing between the four
For atmosphere and a garden, pick Hotel Villa Flori. For the shortest walk to the ferries and the cathedral, pick Hotel Metropole Suisse or Hotel Barchetta Excelsior, both on Piazza Cavour. For the lowest cost with breakfast included and the train station two minutes away, pick Albergo Terminus. All four are in Como, close to the funicular once it reopens after 27 November, so the choice comes down to budget, view and whether you want a villa or a city address.
Seasonal closures
Lake Como’s grandest hotels are mostly seasonal, and their opening dates change from year to year. If you want to stay in Tremezzo, Bellagio, Varenna or Cernobbio, ask the hotel directly for its opening dates before you book flights, and have Como as a fallback. In winter, a Como base with day trips by ferry is often simpler than moving hotels.
Practical tips
Book a room with a lake view if the view matters, and ask the hotel about parking, because spaces in Como are limited. Check that your hotel is open for your dates, as seasonal closures are common on the lake. If you stay in Como, you can still reach Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio on day trips by ferry, so check the winter timetable and the last boat back.
