With over 1 million visitors flocking to its shores annually, Varenna remains one of Lake Como’s most precious hidden gems!
You are here mean you are want to visit Lake Como or right now in near Lake Como and looking for place to stay in Varenna.
When it comes to places to stay in Varenna, nothing beats waking up to those breathtaking azure waters framed by majestic mountains. Trust me, you’ll want to splurge a little here – those lake views are worth every penny!
In this guide, I’m sharing my personal experiences and insights into the five most spectacular luxury hotels that offer not just accommodation, but a true Lake Como experience.
Hotel Royal Victoria
Location: Piazza San Giorgio, Varenna, Lake Como, Italy
Nearest airport: Milan Malpensa Airport (60 miles)
Facilities:
- Lakefront garden
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant with lake view terrace
- Bar
- Room service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Historic 19th-century building
- Concierge service
- Excellent breakfast included
If you’re looking for timeless elegance on the waterfront, Hotel Royal Victoria offers an experience fit for royalty. Named after Queen Victoria who once stayed here, this property delivers old-world charm from the moment you step into the lobby.
The hotel occupies a meticulously preserved 19th-century villa that perfectly balances historical features with modern luxuries.
The Superior Lake View rooms provide stunning vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Como’s sparkling waters like a living painting! For the ultimate experience, book the Deluxe Lake View rooms on the third floor with private balconies perfect for morning coffee or evening aperitivos.
The hotel’s crown jewel is its rare lakefront garden where you can read under century-old trees with spectacular views.
Their restaurant serves regional Lombardy specialties with a refined twist on a terrace overlooking the lake, while the breakfast spread features local cheeses and freshly baked pastries.
Located within easy walking distance of Varenna’s main attractions, Hotel Royal Victoria is just a 60-minute train ride from Milan, making it an accessible luxury option for those seeking authentic Italian elegance.
Click here to know more about the hotel.
Hotel Du Lac
Location: Via del Prestino 11, Varenna, Lake Como, Italy
Nearest airport: Milan Malpensa Airport (60 miles)
Facilities:
- Direct waterfront location
- Rooftop terrace
- Modern renovated suites
- Smart room controls
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Room service
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Two-bedroom apartments available
- Tablet for room service ordering
- Steps from ferry terminal
For those who prefer contemporary design over historical grandeur, Hotel Du Lac delivers modern luxury with panoramic lake vistas.
Its superpower is location – sitting directly on Varenna’s picturesque waterfront promenade and just 45 seconds from having your feet dangling over the lake at the best waterfront cafés!
The recently renovated Panorama Suites feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open completely, transforming your room into an open-air lakefront terrace.
The hotel’s commitment to technology means rooms come with smart controls for everything from lighting to temperature, automated blackout blinds, and tablets for ordering room service.
The standout rooftop terrace offers an elevated perspective perfect for watching the sunset paint the mountains in shades of pink and purple with a glass of local Lombardy wine.
Families should consider their two-bedroom lake view apartment option with a small kitchenette while still accessing all hotel amenities.
With its unmatched location just steps from the ferry terminal and Varenna’s best restaurants, Hotel Du Lac is perfect for tech-savvy travelers or those celebrating special occasions who want luxury with modern conveniences.
Click here for more information.
Albergo Milano
Location: Via XX Settembre 29, Varenna, Lake Como, Italy
Nearest airport: Milan Malpensa Airport (60 miles)
Facilities:
- Panoramic lake view restaurant “La Vista”
- Private terraces in select rooms
- Family-run boutique hotel
- Excellent breakfast included
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Personalized concierge service
- Locally-sourced bathroom amenities
- Superior soundproofing
If you’re seeking intimate boutique charm with uninterrupted Como views, Albergo Milano delivers a personalized experience that larger properties simply can’t match.
With just 16 rooms, this family-run hotel offers a level of personalization where the owner herself helps plan daily itineraries and the breakfast staff knows exactly how you like your coffee by day three!
The Deluxe Terrace rooms feature private outdoor spaces that seem to hover directly above the lake – perfect for watching the changing patterns on the water even on rainy afternoons.
Their restaurant, “La Vista,” lives up to its name with stunning panoramas and local specialties like risotto al pesce persico (risotto with local lake fish).
Room designs blend traditional Italian elements with thoughtful modern touches, featuring handcrafted headboards, locally-sourced linens, and bathrooms with rainfall showers. Despite being in the heart of town, the exceptional soundproofing ensures lake-facing rooms remain whisper-quiet.
With rates typically between €220-380 per night including breakfast, Albergo Milano offers a luxury experience at a more accessible price point than some competitors. Their impressive 60% return guest rate speaks volumes about satisfaction levels. Just remember to book far in advance – with just a handful of their most desirable rooms, they often fill up 6-8 months ahead for peak season.
Villa Monti
Location: Via IV Novembre 22, Varenna, Lake Como, Italy
Nearest airport: Milan Malpensa Airport (60 miles)
Facilities:
- Luxury apartment-style accommodations
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Terraced gardens
- Plunge pool
- Daily housekeeping
- Concierge service
- Private chef services available
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- In-apartment cooking classes available
- Multiple lake-view terraces
- Spacious living areas
For those seeking more space than traditional hotel rooms offer, Villa Monti provides exclusive apartments with Lake Como at your doorstep. This historic villa converted into just five luxury apartments combines hotel-like services with residential comforts perfect for families or extended stays.
The Superior Lake View units span over 1,200 square feet with two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and living areas featuring panoramic windows facing the lake.
While enjoying privacy in your own apartment, you’ll still benefit from daily housekeeping, concierge assistance, and even private chef services upon request – the best of both worlds! The villa’s multi-level terraced gardens offer different perspectives of the lake, with the highest terrace featuring a small plunge pool that seemingly blends into Como’s waters.
For families or groups, Villa Monti is unbeatable – two-bedroom units easily accommodate four adults with space to both come together and find private moments.
The flexibility to eat in or dine out makes weeklong stays extremely comfortable. Consider shoulder season visits (May or September) for better availability and rates while still enjoying pleasant weather, as with just five units, Villa Monti often books up to a year in advance for summer months.
Hotel Olivedo
Location: Piazza Martiri della Libertà 4, Varenna, Lake Como, Italy
Nearest airport: Milan Malpensa Airport (60 miles)
Facilities:
- Historic early 1900s building
- Family-run restaurant
- Terrace dining with ferry views
- Room service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Steps from ferry landing
- Original architectural details
- Traditional Italian breakfast included
- Family-operated for three generations
- Corner rooms with dual-aspect views
For travelers who prioritize convenience and character over cutting-edge amenities, Hotel Olivedo offers historic charm literally steps from the ferry landing.
Its sunny yellow façade and charming terrace make a striking first impression, but the unbeatable location is what truly sets it apart – just 90 seconds from disembarking the ferry to checking in!
The building dates back to the early 1900s and retains many original architectural details, with rooms featuring tall ceilings with decorative moldings, shuttered windows that open wide to capture lake breezes, and period furniture that has been lovingly maintained.
The family-run restaurant on the main floor serves excellent lake fish specialties and tiramisu from a generations-old family recipe – the best in all of Lake Como!
The dining terrace allows you to watch the comings and goings of the ferry while enjoying your meal. Request a corner room with dual-aspect windows for the most impressive views – Room 12 offers vistas of both the main lake and the picturesque harbor.
One unexpected benefit of staying here is the insider knowledge from a family that has operated Olivedo for three generations, providing recommendations for everything from hidden hiking trails to which days certain restaurants serve special dishes.
With rates ranging from €200-350 per night, it’s one of the more accessible luxury options in prime season. Click here for more information.
How to Choose the Perfect Place to Stay in Varenna for Your Trip?
After multiple stays across different properties, I’ve developed a system for matching travelers to their ideal Varenna accommodation.
Understand your travel style
First, honestly assess your priorities. Are you the type who spends minimal time in your room, using it mainly for sleeping? Or do you value having a beautiful space to relax between explorations?
During one summer visit, I splurged on a view but barely enjoyed it because I was constantly out exploring!
Budget considerations obviously matter, but think in terms of value rather than just the nightly rate.
My stay at Albergo Milano cost less than Hotel Du Lac but included breakfast and more personalized service.
Conversely, Villa Monti’s higher nightly rate provided a full apartment and kitchenette that saved us money on dining out.
Rent Advance
Seasonal factors dramatically affect both price and experience.
July and August command premium rates but offer perfect lake swimming weather and all attractions operating at full capacity.
My personal sweet spot is late September – still warm enough for outdoor dining but with rates about 30% lower than peak season and noticeably fewer crowds.
For booking timeframes, I’ve learned some painful lessons! For summer stays, book luxury properties 6-8 months in advance minimum.
I once waited until March to book a June trip and found almost nothing available. Shoulder season (May, September, October) allows more flexibility with 3-4 months advance booking usually sufficient.
Transportation Facilities
Transportation considerations matter more than you might think.
If you’re doing a multi-destination Italian trip using public transportation, properties near the ferry and train station like Hotel Olivedo offer significant convenience.
For those with rental cars, options slightly outside the pedestrian center become viable (though note that parking is extremely limited throughout Varenna).
Don’t hesitate to make special requests when booking. I’ve successfully arranged early check-ins, specific room assignments, and even surprise anniversary decorations by communicating directly with properties.
The personal touch at most Varenna hotels means they genuinely want to accommodate such requests when possible.
Beyond Hotels – Other Luxury Places to Stay in Varenna
While hotels dominate Varenna’s luxury accommodation scene, my explorations revealed several alternatives worth considering.
Villa Cassinella
For extended stays or larger groups, private villa rentals offer unparalleled exclusivity.
During my last visit, I toured Villa Cassinella, available for weekly rental.
With six bedrooms, a private boat house, and gardens designed by renowned landscape architects, it represents the ultimate Lake Como experience – with a price tag to match (expect €15,000+ weekly).
More reasonable options exist further from the water, starting around €3,000 weekly for 3-4 bedroom properties.
Apartment
The apartment rental market has exploded in recent years.
Several agencies now specialize in luxury short-term rentals, offering hotel-like amenities (professional cleaning, concierge services) with residential privacy.
I toured several managed by Lake Como Homes that impressed me with their quality and attention to detail.
One standout featured a private garden with lake access – a rare find in space-constrained Varenna.
House in the Tree
For truly unique experiences, consider Casa sull’Albero (“House in the Tree”) just outside Varenna proper.
This architectural marvel features minimalist glass suites built around mature trees, creating the sensation of floating in the canopy while overlooking the lake.
Though technically in neighboring Malgrate, it’s just a short drive from Varenna and offers a completely different aesthetic from the village’s traditional accommodations.