Lake Como is nestled in one of the most beautiful areas in Italy’s Lombardy region. It’s a resort area at the base of the Alps, so it offers incredible mountain scenery, fresh air, and clear waters. When you visit this popular tourist area, you’ll also be treated to great food and fascinating history.

There are numerous towns are Lake Como which is the third-largest lake in Italy. As this is a resort area, it can be difficult to find the best neighborhood to stay in Lake Como if you are on a budget, but that’s why we’re here to help.

Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, we’ve created this list of the best areas to stay in Lake Como for every kind of traveler, so let’s get started.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Lake Como?

• Where to stay in Lake Como first time – Bellagio
• Where to stay in Lake Como on a budget – Como
• Best neighborhood in Lake Como for families – Menaggio

Where to Stay in Lake Como

Here are a few good accommodation choices for every kind of traveler that visits Lake Como.

Lake Como Neighborhood Guide

There are lots of small towns around Lake Como, each of them with its own attractions and style. Some of them can be quite expensive to stay in, but there are also some areas that are more budget-friendly, particularly if you book at the right time of year!

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Lake Como for your first time, then head to Bellagio. This town is popular with local and international tourists, and it has everything from great nightlife to lots of shops and restaurants.

The next area on our list is Como. Although this town is still fairly resort-heavy, it also offers a wider range of accommodation than other parts of the region, meaning you should be able to snatch up a bargain!

The last area on this list is Menaggio, a flat town that’s a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Lake Como for families as it’s easily walkable and offers lots to do and eat.

Lake Como’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Are you still having trouble making the right choice for your holiday? Well, here’s a closer look at what each area has to offer.

Neighborhood#1 – Bellagio

Where to stay in Lake Como first time

• COOLEST thing to do in Bellagio – Relax with a drink at one of the local bars like Aperitivo et Al
• BEST place to visit in Bellagio – Lungolago Europa for great hiking

Bellagio sees a lot of tourists and is one of the most popular destinations on Lake Como. It caters to tourists of all styles and tastes and has lots of restaurants, lounges, bars, shops, amenities, and attractions. This is why it’s a good base for your first trip to Lake Como, and it’s also why Bellagio is the best choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Lake Como for nightlife.

Despite its popularity, Bellagio is still a pretty, atmospheric town with lots of character. It can get a little crowded, particularly on the weekends when the locals move in, so try to plan your trip for weekdays if you can.

• Relax in the gardens at I Giardini di Villa Melzi
• Explore the exhibits at Museo Degli Strumenti Per La Navigazione
• Take in the water views from Punta Spartivento
• Check out the local creative scene at Original Watercolors
• Hire a boat to explore the surrounding waterways
• Explore the national monument and private gardens at Villa Melzi D’Eril
• Relax with a drink at the Angolo DiVino Enoteca Wine Bar
• Stop for a meal at Bellavita or Ristorante Mistral with its lake views

Best B&B in Bellagio

Bike & Active Hotel II Perlo Panorama

This hotel is about 1.9 miles from the town center, located in a garden area with beautiful views of the lake. It’s the perfect base if you’re looking for a quieter holiday, during which you can relax on the shared balcony, in the garden, or on the veranda while you enjoy a buffet breakfast. The hotel also has a restaurant for easy meals and comfortable rooms with modern amenities.

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Best Budget Hotel in Bellagio

Borgo Le Terrazze

Located right on the lake, in the best neighborhood in Lake Como for your first time, this hotel offers rooms with balconies that have panoramic views. It has a beautiful garden and a swimming pool, both of which boast million-dollar views, and the rooms are large and bright, with all the modern amenities. There’s also a bar at the hotel for a meal or snacks throughout the day.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Bellagio

Hotel Bellagio

Like many hotels in this area, the best thing about Hotel Bellagio is the views over the lake. Located in the center of Bellagio and just across from the main square, this hotel is within walking distance of lots of shops and restaurants. It serves a great continental breakfast every morning and has its own gym and simple rooms with minimalist decor.

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Best Luxury hotel in Bellagio

Hotel Florence

If you’re looking for a touch of luxury at a good price, then this hotel is for you. It has its own restaurant and bar as well as a wellness center with a sauna, hot tub, and hammam. It’s also only steps from the shore of the lake, and the rooms feature classic decor with all the usual modern amenities. There’s even a patio outside so you can have a drink overlooking the lake in warmer weather.

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Neighborhood#2 – Como

Where to stay in Lake Como on a budget

• COOLEST thing to do in Como – Hike up to the historic watchtower of Castello Baradello for amazing views of the city
• BEST place to visit in Como – The amazing Cathedral of Como for history and architecture

Located at the southern end of the lake, Como is an elegant and yet practical town that’s more for locals than for tourists. It still gets its share of visitors though, as it contains some of the best historical sites in the entire area as well as atmospheric streets and great restaurants.

Como is the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Lake Como on a budget as it has a range of accommodation options, from high-class resorts to homestays. This means you’ll find it easier to book accommodation within your budget range!

• See an art show or just enjoy the gothic architecture of Broletto
• Relax with a drink at Bar Manhattan or Bar La Quinta
• Honor World War I’s fallen at the War Memorial
• Learn the unexpected at the Educational Silk Museum
• Take in a slice of the region’s history at the Museo Archeologico Giovio
• Catch a game at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia
• Take in the views from Punto Panoramico Baita Elisa
• Settle in for a meal at La Colombetta or Pasticceria Mignon on the Lake

Best Budget hotel in Como

Locanda Milano

This family-run hotel is a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Lake Como close to everything. It’s poised on a hilltop with panoramic views of the lake and boasts big rooms with all the modern amenities. The hotel even has a restaurant on-site that’s famous for its local cuisines and wines from all around Italy!

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Como

Ibis Como

Located in the best neighborhood in Lake Como if you are on a budget, this hotel is clean, basic, but well-positioned. It’s a little south of the town center and has modern rooms and a restaurant for last-minute meals and snacks. It also serves a daily breakfast so you can start your mornings the right way.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Como

Hotel Cruise

Boasting a bar in the hotel, you can have a drink at the end of a long day, this hotel has everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. The rooms are large and elegant, with parquet floors and private bathrooms and some of them even have a hydromassage bath. The hotel is close to the highway and to the lake, so you can explore or spend all your time on the shore during your stay.

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Neighborhood#3 – Menaggio

Best neighborhood in Lake Como for families

• COOLEST thing to do in Menaggio – Relax on the beach or do some water activities at Spiaggia Lerai
• BEST place to visit in Menaggio – Percorso salute Parco Val Sanagra to get away from the crowds and into nature

With its relaxed vibe and a huge variety of things to do and see, Menaggio is the best neighborhood in Lake Como for families. It’s on Lake Como’s western shores and has a pedestrian-only center and lots of shops, restaurants, and bars to keep you well-fed and entertained.

Menaggio is also a great base if you want to get out into nature and do lots of outdoor activities. You’ll have plenty of chances to explore the hills, the sores, or even to visit the Swiss Alps from this small town. Since it’s more local than other choices, you’ll get to enjoy some great restaurants and shops at local prices!

• Check out the exhibits at the Monumento alla Tessitrice
• Head out for some hiking at Il Dossone
• Check out some local history at Trincee della Linea Cadorna
• Marvel at the unique displays on the past at the Museo Etnografico e Naturalistico Val Sanagra
• Stop for a meal at Hosteria de Menàs or La Grolla Menaggio
• Sip some cocktails at Divino 13 or Bar Vecchia Torre

Best Budget hotel in Menaggio

Albergo II Vapore

This hotel is a great choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Lake Como on a budget. It’s just moments from the lake and has small but comfortable rooms with their own bathrooms. The hotel is close to the local bus stop and the marina and has a lake-fish restaurant, a lovely terrace, and a bar where you can hang out and observe the action all around you.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Menaggio

Hotel Loveno

Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this hotel is a short walk from the center of Menaggio and a good place to stay for couples. It has unit rooms with private bathrooms and free WiFi and there’s a bar on-site so you can relax with a drink and get to know your fellow guests.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Menaggio

Grand Hotel Victoria

This hotel’s location is simply perfect, overlooking the lake and 100m from the center of Menaggio. This is what makes it the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Lake Como for couples or any other kind of traveler. The hotel has an Art-Nouveau design, elegant furnishings, and extensive grounds with a terrace, garden, and swimming pool. Some of the rooms also have their own balconies, and there’s an à la carte restaurant on site so you can enjoy some regional and international specialties.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Lake Como

There are lots of choices when you’re looking for the best neighborhood in Lake Como close to everything. No matter where you stay, you’ll be treated to amazing scenery, delicious local food and culture, and great nature experiences. All you have to do is make a booking and get ready for an adventure!

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