Everything You Need to Know About the Best Lake Como Hotels & Venues
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding in Lake Como! With so many incredible venues to choose from, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. But don't fret, I'm here to help by sharing my top four favorite venues. Additionally, you may want to check out The Lake Como Wedding Planner's list of contenders, which can be found here: https://www.thelakecomoweddingplanner.com/venues/
VILLA BALBIANO
On the western shores of Lake Como, specifically in Ossuccio, you'll find the striking Villa Balbiano. Built by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio in the late 16th century, it's considered one of Italy's most breathtaking palazzos. Villa Balbiano is the largest private residence on Lake Como and features waterfront views, famous gardens, an opulent outdoor swimming pool, a private pier, a beautiful boathouse, as well as countless historical pieces of art and furniture. In my opinion, the entire Villa Balbiano is a work of art.
From a photographer's perspective, Villa Balbiano is a timeless classic and one of the venues that helped put Lake Como on the map for destination weddings. You can't mention Lake Como wedding venues without mentioning Villa Balbiano! (For private rental, visit The Heritage Collection.)
VILLA ERBA
Greetings from West Lake Como in Cernobbio! I highly recommend Villa Erba, a stunning 19th century masterpiece. Originally built for the Italian noble Erba family, this villa was a favorite of famous Italian film director Luchino Visconti, and it's easy to see why it feels like an Italian movie set.
The moment you step onto the property, you're transported to another world. The interior is almost indescribable, with ancient frescoes, intricate moldings, and lovely terraces. Villa Erba is one of the most beautiful Lake Como wedding venues, with an incredible back terrace perfect for ceremonies and endless photo angles. For more information, visit the official website for Villa Erba at https://www.villaerba.it/.
VILLA SOLA CABIATI
On the western side of Lake Como, in Tremezzo, lies the neoclassical Villa Sola Cabiati. This residence is known to be one of the most extravagant historic homes in the Lombardy region of Italy. It was commissioned for the Duchess of Carretto in the early 16th century and was later acquired by the Serbelloni family, an Italian noble family, in the 18th century. Today, the Villa is managed by the nearby Hotel Tremezzo and can be booked exclusively through them.
The interiors of the Villa are absolutely stunning with beautiful Italian pastels, elaborate halls brimming with historical art, decor, and furniture, detailed gardens that overlook the water, and a picturesque outdoor pool. Villa Sola Cabiati makes for an ideal Lake Como wedding venue! (For bookings, visit The Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s website.)
VILLA PIZZO
I'm thrilled to present my last Lake Como wedding venue recommendation, which also happens to be on the west side of the lake. What can I say? The west side is simply amazing. Without a doubt, this list would not be complete without Villa Pizzo, one of the oldest residences on Lake Como.
Villa Pizzo, located in Cernobbio, boasts one of the most romantic-looking buildings in the entire Lake Como region. The villa dates back to the 15th century, and its facade is distinctively distressed, with a pastel rose-colored hue that I've never seen before. The beautiful exterior is complemented by its vibrant gardens, making Villa Pizzo one of the most stunning Lake Como wedding venues I've ever seen. If you're interested in reserving, please visit Villa Pizzo's official website at https://www.villapizzo.eu/weddings-honeymoons.html.
The Best Lake Como Hotels
Just like with wedding venues, there are many great hotel options available in Lake Como! However, to make the wedding planning process a bit easier, I've created a list of my top three recommendations for which Lake Como hotels to book for your special day. No matter which one you choose, I guarantee that you won't be disappointed!
GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO
Located in Tremezzina, the Hotel Tremezzo is an iconic establishment that is widely considered one of the best hotels in Italy, if not the very best. I have admired its chic pool and regal rooms for years, and though I have yet to stay there myself, I always make a point to stop by, snap some photos, and enjoy an Aperol spritz and a bowl of pasta. It is truly an unreal experience, and the perfect place to people-watch and soak in the atmosphere. And don't miss out on the hidden gem of pizza in the garden!
In addition, Hotel Tremezzo manages the nearby Villa Sola Cabiati, one of my favorite Lake Como wedding venues. The venue-hotel combination would be a very convenient possibility for your wedding guests. Hotel Tremezzo offers an array of amenities such as its own gallery, spa, lakeside lounges, gastronomic dining, boat excursions, and personal chauffeur options, ensuring that your guests will have an unforgettable experience.
For booking information, please visit Hotel Tremezzo’s official website.
VILLA D’ESTE
Located in Cernobbio, Italy, Villa D’Este has been one of the best hotels on Lake Como since the late 19th century (and before that—between the 16th and early 19th century—it was a royal residence).
Less than 4 miles from the breathtaking Basilica di Sant’Abbondio, Villa D’Este offers everything you could want from a hotel: impeccable service, stunning architecture, elegant interiors, and a choice of three premier restaurants and bars. The luxurious rooms, complete with balconies and terraces, are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful views. Some even come with full dining rooms and kitchens.
The outdoor seating areas and lounges provide a perfect place to unwind, while the pool on the lake is an unforgettable experience. The gardens are also a must-see, with a simple yet incredible design that will take your breath away.
The terrain-facing facade is truly a gorgeous feat of architecture and design. You can find more information about the hotel on the official Villa D’Este website, and we highly recommend a visit to this marvel and one of the best hotels on Lake Como.
IL SERENO
Il Sereno, located in Torno, Italy, has been receiving a lot of critical acclaim in the past few years. This newer addition to the shores of Lake Como boasts a more modern design that is as serene as it is lavish.
It is equipped with a next-level restaurant, which even offers cooking classes for a once-in-a-lifetime activity, a wonderful lobby bar, an excellent wine cellar with tasting opportunities, a luxurious spa, three different boating experiences, a lakeside pool, and views that leave you speechless. Il Sereno is the one modern hotel that makes my list of top Lake Como hotels. It's truly incredible.
There's just something about the clean, modern architecture of the hotel set against the lush, green, ancient landscape of Italy that is bellissima! For booking information, please visit Il Sereno's official website.
And take it from me, you can **have a lovely Lake Como shopping experience browsing and admiring all the unique handiwork, wares and craftsmanship. Here are some of my recommendations for Lake Como shopping.In Lenno, you can snag a bottle of authentic, artisan olive oil from Premiato Oleificio Vanini Osvaldo! A great bottle of Italian olive oil is the one thing that’s both affordable and useful. It’s absolutely delicious. I’ve been known to check a case of this stuff at the airport.
If you’re looking for a bit of Italian flair, you have to check out A. Picci—an authentic Italian silk shop in Como. Inside, you can find silk stoles, ties, scarves, pocket squares, handkerchiefs, scrunchies, bowties, ponchos, and more—all hand-sewn locally. It’s pretty special. If you’re in need of some new shoes, be sure to stop in at Il Capriccio in Bellagio. They sell all sorts of shoes—sophisticated, sporty, classic. You’re sure to find whatever you’re looking for, and the customer service is top-notch. While Bellagio is pretty touristy, it’s still a must-see while in the Lake Como region.
