A proper vacation list for Europe’s old money isn’t complete without mentioning Lake Como in Italy. This idyllic destination, dotted with classical vacation villas along its shores, has even given rise to the world’s top-ranked hotel.
Nestled at the southern foothills of the Alps, Lake Como was formed by melting glacial snow. The water retains a sapphire-like brilliance throughout the year, earning it the nickname “The Blue Eye of Europe.” Since the Roman Empire, European aristocrats have claimed Lake Como as their retreat, and even today, owning a villa here is a badge of honor among the elite. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Shelley, Flaubert, and Liszt resided by the lake for inspiration, while figures like Napoleon and various archbishops built private residences to host grand festivities.
Given its rich history, Lake Como’s hotels reflect centuries of refinement. Many are converted antique villas with a legacy of grandeur, while new contenders seamlessly merge classic Italian aesthetics with modern luxury, creating stylish yet secluded havens. 
Part 01: Passalacqua
Within just one year of opening, Passalacqua claimed the top spot on the list of the world’s 50 best hotels. As part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts luxury portfolio, Passalacqua has quickly become one of Lake Como’s most sought-after destinations.
The hotel was originally an 18th-century villa built by Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua and has hosted historical figures such as Napoleon, Bellini, and Churchill. The villa tells countless legendary stories of life by the lake.
Passalacqua offers the ultimate answer to the question: “What does it mean to truly live in Italy?” With only 24 suites spread across the villa, a palazzo, and lakeside residences, each room has a unique design.
Featuring shades of rose pink, butter yellow, and pistachio green, the rooms embrace a vintage aesthetic with elegant classical furnishings, evoking the splendor of bygone eras. Staying here feels like stepping into the world of a refined marquis or a princess from a distant past.
The property’s lush gardens are just steps away from the lake’s sapphire-blue waters. A private dock awaits nearby, where vintage boats invite you to glide across the serene surface of the lake—bringing the idyllic charm of Italian cinematic holidays to life.
Passalacqua carries on the traditions of Lake Como’s aristocratic past by offering open-air movie screenings, art classes, hiking excursions, wine and cheese tastings, and gelato-making sessions. Guests can also explore the villa’s secret passages, historic stables, and tree-filled greenhouses in a retro orange Fiat 500 convertible.
Part 02: Grand Hotel Tremezzo
After marveling at newcomer Passalacqua, don’t forget its sister property, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Founded in 1910 by explorer Enea Gandola upon his return home, it was one of the first hotels in the area. Located in Bellagio, known as the “Heart of Lake Como,” the hotel offers panoramic views of the lake and even the snow-capped Alps in the distance.
Unlike the private residences around the lake, Tremezzo was purpose-built as a hotel, featuring a stately façade with a symmetrical and grand design. Its Renaissance-inspired interiors exude sophistication and opulence, while outdoor features like the floating pool, aptly named “Water on the Water,” embody the founder’s unforgettable experience of swimming in glacial lakes.
The hotel’s 80 rooms are designed to emphasize the surrounding scenery, whether it’s the lake, peaceful villages, or the lush gardens.
Tremezzo boasts four historic suites, each steeped in history and visited by countless luminaries. The other suites combine classic and contemporary designs, creating a bold yet fashionable vibe.
Guests can savor Italian cuisine at the panoramic La Terrazza restaurant, where meals are complemented by the glow of the setting sun. For relaxation, the hotel’s spa, designed by architect Ruggero Venelli, harmonizes perfectly with the lake views, offering marble baths, an indoor pool, and a 360-degree lounge area.
Part 03: Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como
Among Lake Como’s many stunning pools, the floating infinity pool at the Mandarin Oriental ranks as one of the most spectacular. Designed by the Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, the visionaries behind Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium, this 40-meter masterpiece blends seamlessly into the lake’s cobalt-blue waters.
Inspired by local Cardoso stone, the pool creates the illusion of merging with the lake’s surface, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that feels as if you’re swimming in the lake itself.
Inside, the hotel combines the Mandarin Oriental’s signature Asian elegance with Italian sophistication. The property features 73 rooms, suites, and two standalone villas, all with breathtaking views and terraces that bring guests closer to nature.
Each room is adorned with custom artworks created by global artists who stayed at the resort for inspiration. Among the highlights is Villa della Quercia, a standalone villa renovated by Reveria Studio, which offers a cinematic living experience.
Though the floating pool steals the show, the indoor pool is equally enchanting, with ceilings inspired by rippling water and arches framing the lake views.
Part 04: Villa Balbiano
Many international celebrities take pride in owning a private villa on Lake Como, and the late Aldo Gucci, the second-generation head of the Gucci family, was no exception. His former residence, Villa Balbiano, opened to the public in 2021.
This 400-year-old villa was once the private club of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio before being expanded into its current grandeur with gardens, fountains, and pergolas by Duke Durini.
The villa offers only six suites, ensuring unparalleled exclusivity. The walls are adorned with 17th-century frescoes by the Recchi brothers and Agostino Silva, while velvet sofas and crystal chandeliers lend an air of vintage sophistication.
Each room tells its own story, with standout features like a 17th-century red-themed master bedroom and a wood-paneled study that exudes understated elegance. Bathrooms feature luxury bathtubs facing the lake for an ultra-exclusive vibe.
Part 05: Il Sereno Lago di Como
For a modern twist, the Il Sereno hotel designed by Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola stands out. Known for her bold use of color, Urquiola transformed a former boathouse into a minimalist yet striking retreat with clean lines and lush vertical gardens by French botanist Patrick Blanc.
Inside, the hotel features Urquiola’s signature “floating staircase,” with walnut and bronze structures seemingly suspended in mid-air. The 40 suites combine earthy tones with playful pops of color, offering an avant-garde take on Lake Como luxury.
The restaurant, set within the arched framework of the old boathouse, provides a dining experience that’s both chic and charming. Meanwhile, the pool area, with its green loungers and serene setting, adds to the hotel’s contemporary appeal.
Part 06: Vista Lago di Como
Vista Lago di Como, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers a boutique experience in the heart of Como. Housed in a 19th-century Venetian-style building, the hotel has only 18 suites, each over 52 square meters and boasting panoramic lake views.
Its rooftop restaurant, Ristorante Sottovoce, was the first of its kind on Lake Como, and the Infinity Bar provides the perfect spot for evening drinks with breathtaking scenery.
Part 07: Villa d’Este
Dating back to 1568, Villa d’Este was originally a summer residence for the Bishop of Como before opening as a luxury hotel in 1873. Over the years, it has attracted numerous Hollywood stars, earning it the nickname “Hollywood on Lake Como.”
Its Italian gardens are a treasure, with a 100-meter-long cascading fountain and the famed Hercules mosaic wall, both listed as national heritage sites.
While modern updates have kept it relevant, Villa d’Este retains its old-world elegance. Its floating pool, which pioneered the concept on Lake Como, remains one of its most iconic features.
Part 08: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
One of the oldest buildings on Lake Como, Villa Serbelloni dates back to the 15th century and was opened as a public villa in the 18th century.
The hotel’s neoclassical design shines through its opulent Persian carpets, crystal chandeliers, and frescoed walls, reminiscent of its days as a gathering place for Europe’s elite.
Though its 108 rooms could use some updates, the hotel’s timeless charm persists. Its Michelin-starred Mistral restaurant, led by chef Ettore Bocchia for nearly 20 years, is another highlight.
