12 top places to stay at and around the lake

For centuries, Lake Como has shimmered with quiet sophistication. Its silk-smooth waters and mountain-framed villages have drawn poets, aristocrats, and film stars (yes, that coffee man) alike. But after years of gentle slumber, something remarkable is stirring on the lake’s legendary shores—a renaissance in hospitality.

Lake Como is having a major comeback. Grande dames are being revived by global luxury brands, while fresh, design-led independents are staking bold new claims on the shoreline. The result? A hotel scene that’s as rich, layered, and dazzling as the lake itself.

The Newcomers: Where Style Meets Substance

This isn’t just another trend-chasing revival—it’s a real transformation. Several of the world’s most respected hospitality names are arriving on Lake Como, each with their own take on Italian elegance.

The Lake Como EDITION is set to make waves with the brand’s signature cool minimalism. EDITION’s first Italian property will occupy a former 19th-century palace (ex-Hotel Britannia Excelsior), bringing its blend of cutting-edge design and social energy to the lake. Think sleek interiors, a buzzy bar scene, and elevated dining—all with Como’s iconic views.

Also on the horizon is the Six Senses Lake Como (ex-Grand Hotel Cadenabbia), promising sustainability-focused luxury nestled in the hills of the western shore. Known for its serene, spa-forward properties, Six Senses will bring a sense of wellness and conscious design that perfectly complements the lake’s natural beauty.

Meanwhile, Raffles—synonymous with storied grandeur—is restoring a historic palace (ex-Grand Hotel Imperiale) near Bellagio, transforming it into a refined retreat with that classic Raffles blend of timeless hospitality and rich narrative.

And for something more playful, Mama Shelter is set to bring its irreverent Paris-meets-pop vibe to Lake Como. Expect bold prints, buzzing communal spaces, and a completely different energy—one that speaks to a younger, more adventurous crowd looking for lakeside fun with a twist.

Even Radisson Collection (ex-Hotel San Gottordo, which sat empty for three decades), with its focus on contemporary luxury in heritage settings, is planting its flag, betting on the enduring allure of Como with sleek design and an international polish.

Already Making Headlines

Some of the most exciting properties are already open and thriving.

Il Sereno, designed by Patricia Urquiola, was a game-changer when it opened—and remains the gold standard for modern design on the lake. Its glass-and-wood architecture, infinity pool, and understated luxury are a sharp contrast to the area’s traditional villas, proving there’s room for the contemporary amid the classical.

Then there’s Passalacqua, an 18th-century villa transformed into a 24-suite masterpiece by the team behind the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. With its terraced gardens, private theater, and frescoed salons, it feels like a love letter to Como’s aristocratic past—only better dressed.

Boutique DNA: Intimate & Inspired

For travelers seeking a deeper connection with the region’s soul, a new generation of independent hotels is emerging—full of personality, story, and design savvy.

Dandelion Como Suites & Park, housed in a restored 18th-century residence in Villa Guardia, offers a blend of country estate charm and modern hospitality. Its verdant parkland and curated interiors create a retreat that feels both intimate and artful.

In the hills above the lake, Villa Ponti Bellavista, designed in the 1960s by the legendary Gio Ponti at the height of his fame, this is a hidden gem. With sweeping views and only a handful of suites, it offers an almost cinematic sense of escape—equal parts James Bond hideaway and design-lover’s dream.

The Grande Dames: Still Glorious, Still Waiting

Some of Lake Como’s most iconic properties never truly faded—but now they’re being re-evaluated in a new light.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, with its floating pool and flamboyant belle époque flair, remains an undisputed icon. It’s luxury without apology—sunset aperitivos, vintage lifts, and views that make you pause mid-sentence.

Villa d’Este, stately and serene, continues to channel the grandeur of another era with its imperial gardens, marble halls, and discreet service. It’s one of those rare places where you can feel the weight of history—beautifully maintained and entirely timeless.

Still, a few historic hotels are waiting for a fresh chapter. Hotel Villa Serbelloni, in Bellagio, brims with potential. Its grand spaces, lakeside location, and palatial vibe are crying out for a sensitive refresh that could return it to the front ranks of European luxury.

Como’s New Era

What’s happening on Lake Como isn’t just a hotel boom—it’s a reimagining of what luxury can look like in one of the world’s most storied destinations. From five-star retreats carved into historic villas to eco-conscious boutiques and avant-garde debuts, there’s something thrilling about this convergence of past and future.

In a place where silence, style, and scenery have always reigned supreme, a new rhythm is emerging. The grande dames are waking up. The new generation is setting the tone. And the lake—eternally glamorous—is gleaming brighter than ever.