The 12 Best Lake Como Hotels for an Active Break

Lake Como’s beautiful turquoise waters are an idyllic setting for sailing, rowing, kayaking and various watersports while the surrounding hills and mountains provide miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. So, as well as being glamorous and beautiful, Lake Como is also a great backdrop for an active holiday. Best yet, the area is renowned for its world-class hotels many of which are set in grand traditional villas. Some hotels are more geared towards an active break from quaint mountain hideaways where you can hop right on the trails to waterfront properties with watersports facilities. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best Lake Como hotels for an active break selected on their location, amenities, design and service. Whether you are planning a family getaway or a couples' escape, there is something to suit most trips here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next trip?

For a traditional stay

• Grand Hotel Tremezzo is an elegant five-star hotel right on the water’s edge with a plethora of activities from tennis to watersports. Expect generous sun terraces, an excellent restaurant, a spa, and stunning parkland. With one of the pools floating on the lake — this is a special stay.

For contemporary design

• Casa Sull'Albero is a modern villa set in a scenic garden with panoramic views of Lake Como. Chic contemporary rooms have floor to ceiling windows. Guests are invited to treat this as their home and enjoy the honesty kitchen. With plenty of activities nearby from skiing to horse riding or mountain biking — this is ideal for those looking for an active getaway.

For couples

• Relais Villa Vittoria in Laglio is a wonderfully romantic hotel, right on the edge of the lake. As well as beautiful views, this hotel has 11 delicately sumptuous rooms, an excellent restaurant, and peaceful terraces overlooking the water. The villa’s facilities (cookery and art classes can be arranged and you're a stone's throw from endless water-based activities) mean that this is the perfect destination for people who like to keep active and busy, but the romantic atmosphere means that it’s also ideal for a honeymoon.
• If you're looking for ultimate luxury with all the facilities you could imagine, in a truly glorious setting, the Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como is perfect. Naturally, it's five stars and its two restaurants are excellent. But it also has a wonderful floating swimming pool, and a subterranean spa hewn into the rock of the shoreline. Perfect for relaxing in after a long, adventurous day.

For the location

• Varenna's Hotel Du Lac Varenna is a charming lakeside hotel, which has been run by the same family since 1959. There are 16 comfortable bedrooms — some with lake views and private balconies — and a peaceful terrace overlooking the lake with a lovely shaded dining area. Small, but the service is fantastic and very knowledgable.
• Filario Hotel in Lezzeno is a stylish design hotel with an outdoor infinity pool, a private beach area, and a wide range of water activities right on Lake Como. Bedrooms are decorated in cool earth tones with modern amenities and large showers. A restaurant with a terrace overlooking the lake serves traditional Italian fare.

For a B&B

• B&B Vista Lago is a quiet spot in the hills above the lake making it the perfect hideaway. There are just three rooms, each of them spacious and modern with its own sun terrace and panoramic lake views. A tranquil stay for adults only, perfect for hiking and cycling enthusiasts.

For foodies

• Locanda Osteria Marascia is a charming traditional hotel located in a quiet village near Lake Como and surrounded by fabulous hiking and mountain biking trails. Interiors are rustic chic while the fantastic cellar restaurant serves homemade Italian dishes, perfect to return to after a day spent outdoors.

For luxury

• Hotel Villa Flori offers an unbeatable setting on the water's edge of Lake Como. A beautiful hotel with a wide choice of nearby activities sailing, cycling, and watersports. Boasting contemporary chic rooms and suites — the best of which have enormous balconies overlooking the lake. Complete with al fresco dining, delicious Italian cuisine, and a spa.

For great value

• Lezzeno’s Nest on the Lake is a charming little lakeside B&B with five rooms and self-catering apartments. Bedrooms have four-poster beds and private terraces and there are lovely sun decks to share. The option to rent a bike or a canoe is a nice touch. All offered at extremely reasonable rates.

Still not sure where to book?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Lake Como.
• Refine your search the best hotels with a view on Lake Como or the best hotels on Lake Como for foodies.
• Search by location and look at the best places to stay in Como or the best places to Stay in Varenna.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • Relais Villa Vittoria Laglio 11 rooms from AU$342

    
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    Weddings  -  Receptions and intimate marriages are regularly held here and can cater for up to 68 seated guests

    Total relaxation  -  Spend days lounging in the infinity pool overlooking the lake and mountains or unwind in the spa

    Local exploring  -  Just a short paddle from the village of Laglio

    Views  -  Breathtaking views over Lake Como

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, CN Traveller

    Utterly romantic hotel on the edge of Lake Como. Spectacular views, delicately sumptuous rooms, excellent restaurant and terraces, and plenty to do on the lake. Honeymooners would be in heaven! See More

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  • Grand Hotel Tremezzo Tremezzo 89 rooms from AU$978

    
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    Spa breaks  -  T-spa specialises in anti-stress and rebalancing treatments, all custom-designed with ESPA

    Outstanding location  -  Set right on Lake Como and commanding spectacular views, this property is hard to beat

    Foodies  -  Dine in the superb La Terrazza which serves traditional gourmet Italian fare

    Views  -  Wonderful views of Bellagio and the Grigne mountains

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Kiwi Collection

    Five Star Luxury from a Grand Hotel on the water's edge of Lake Como. Elegant interiors are understated, rather than overly lavish. Glossy parquet floors, brightly coloured walls, a mixture of contemporary and Baroque furniture, spectacular views from terraces. Excellent restaurant, spa, parklands. See More

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  • Hotel du Lac Varenna Varenna (Lake Como) 16 rooms from AU$326

    
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    Romantic Break  -  Draw back the curtains in the morning for unforgettable views of Lake Como

    Back to Nature  -  Hills, lakes and stunning countryside on your doorstep

    Sights nearby  -  Spend the day exploring nearby Verona

    Great walks  -  Enjoy walking in the nearby hills

    

    A charming lakeside hotel with 16 comfortable air-conditioned bedrooms - some with lake views and private balconies. The hotel has a peaceful terrace overlooking the lake with a lovely shaded dining area. A family run property and the number one spot to explore the local area. See More

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  • Filario Hotel Lezzeno 13 rooms from AU$522

    
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    Total relaxation  -  With its private beach, infinity pool with a view, delicious Italian food and super stylish rooms, there's no need to move!

    Foodies  -  Authentic Italian cuisine served either in the stylish restaurant or on the terrace overlooking the lake

    Self catering to rent  -  The property features a range of one to three bedroom properties - ideal for families or small groups

    Lakeside  -  Lake Como - with private beach area

    

    A super stylish design hotel with an outdoor infinity pool and private beach area on Lake Como. Bedrooms are decorated in cool earth tones with modern amenities and large showers. Restaurant with terrace overlooking the lake serves trad Italian fare. A chic spot in an excellent lakeside location. See More

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  • Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como Blevio 73 rooms from AU$1141

    
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    Elegant  -  A grand 19th century villa decorated with that signiture Asian style of the Mandarin Oriental group

    Families  -  Interconnecting rooms make this a great choice for those travelling with children

    Total relaxation  -  With a glorious spa and quiet location this is a place to come and truly unwind

    Hotel boats for hire  -  Take a cruise across the lake on one of the property's boats

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Small Luxury Hotels

    A five-star luxury spa hotel on Lake Como. Sprawling villas house magnificent rooms, a huge spa, and two gourmet restaurants. The floating swimming pool extends into the lake. A great choice for total pampering and relaxation. See More

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  • Nest on the Lake Lezzeno 5 rooms from AU$179

    
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    Hideaway  -  The lakeside property feels secluded and quiet, perfect to get away from it all

    Local exploring  -  Located an easy boat ride to Varenna and other attractions

    Views  -  Wonderful views over Lake Como

    Sights nearby  -  Some of Como's most spectacular villas are very close by

    

    An adorable lakeside B&B with rooms and self-catering apartments. Elegant bedrooms have four poster beds and private terraces. Lovely sun deck and bikes and canoes to rent. Great value for families, groups or couples. See More

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  • Casa Sull'Albero Malgrate 12 rooms from AU$231

    
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    Active Holiday  -  From skiing to horse riding or mountain biking, there's plenty to do in the surrounding area

    Total relaxation  -  Surrounded by parkland with lake views this is the perfect spot to come and unwind

    Back to Nature  -  Floor to ceiling glass walls bring the outside - inside

    Skiing  -  There's ski resorts a short drive away

    

    Set in a scenic garden of tall trees with panoramic views of Lake Como. This modern villa has chic, contemporary bedrooms with floor to ceiling windows decorated in a minimalist style. Guests are invited to treat this as their home - come and go as they please and enjoy the honesty kitchen. See More

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  • B&B Vista Lago Como 3 rooms from AU$285

    
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    Romantic Break  -  With only three smart bedrooms, and no kids allowed, plus views to die for from your private terrace, it's perfect for romantics

    Local exploring  -  You can hire bikes or cars at the property, so it's an ideal base for exploring further afield

    Great walks  -  On the edge of Parco Regionale Spina Verde di Como, with fantastic walking on the doorstep

    Sights nearby  -  Just outside Como and easy access to the best local sights.

    

    This quiet B&B, set in the hills above Lake Como offers guests spacious, modern bedrooms, each with a private sun terrace and panoramic lake views. With just three rooms and no kids allowed, it is ideal for a romantic break or as a base for exploring the surrounding area. See More

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  • Villa Flori Cernobbio 53 rooms from AU$354

    
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    Cycling  -  Bike storage is provided and guests can either take an easy amble around the lake or head into the mountains

    Elegant  -  Beautifully mixing original stuccoes, floral frescoes and wooden floors alongside chic contemporary touches

    Foodies  -  Ristorante Raimondi offers excellent Italian al fresco dining

    Romantic  -  A fairytale setting and rooms to match!

    

    An unbeatable setting on the water's edge of Lake Como. A beautiful hotel with fabulous facilities. Contemporary chic rooms and suites, some with enormous balconies overhanging the lake. Al fresco dining, delicious Italian cuisine and spa. La Dolce Vita! See More

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  • Locanda Osteria Marascia Calolziocorte (Lake Como) 5 rooms from AU$139

    
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    Value chic  -  With doubles from just €80 per night including breakfast, these smart rooms are excellent value

    Local exploring  -  Great location for exploring the Italian Lakes

    Great walks  -  Parco Regionale di Montevecchia e della Valle del Curone. There are good routes for all abilities

    Sights nearby  -  Spend a day in Milan

    

    Located in a quiet village just a short drive from Lake Como. This traditional hotel has a charming rustic chic feel with exposed beams, stone walls and antiques galore. The fantastic cellar restaurant serves home-made Italian dishes - the host's recipes have been perfected over five generations! See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Tuesday, 24th May 2022