35 Best Hotels in Lombardy and the Lakes, Italy

Europe's rich and famous have long favored this hotel, one of Italy's grandest, where rooms are done in Empire style; a broad veranda sweeps out to the lakefront; a swimming pool extends above the water; a restaurant offers top-notch views and cuisine; there are four private villas; and pavilions, miniature forts, and other follies ensure whimsical garden walks. Built on the site of a former nunnery as Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio's summer residence, this lakeside retreat has had a checkered history since its completion in 1568, swinging between extremes of grandeur and dereliction. Its life as a private summer residence ended in 1873, when it was turned into a fashionable luxury hotel.

This palatial, Liberty-style hotel has catered to a demanding European clientele since 1863, and although its spacious salons and guest rooms still have lavish turn-of-the-last-century furnishings, there are signs of modernity, including a redesigned bar (Hemingway Bar), low-calorie and gluten-free options at the restaurant, and extensive wellness treatments. The views, lakeside grounds, and amenities (like a whirlpool tub in every room) render this hotel a true luxury destination.

Used as a hunting lodge in the 19th century, the Fasano has matured into a seasonal hotel with high standards, opulent rooms, and many amenities—including an Aveda Destination Spa and a well-regarded restaurant, Il Fagiano, in addition to three more casual eateries (one a short walk away). There are also two golf courses in the vicinity. To one side you face the deep waters of Lake Garda; on the others you're surrounded by a 31,080-square-km (12,000-square-mile) private park where the original Austrian owners no doubt spent their days chasing game.

Creature comforts in this turn-of-the-20th-century building—one of the top grand hotels on the lake—include a lush park, three heated swimming pools (one of them floats on pontoons on the lake), a small private beach, and sumptuous guest rooms where old-world style meets modern amenities. Get a lake-view room if you can: the Bellagio vistas across the water are spectacular, and for the ultimate splurge, the rooftop suites have their own terraces with heated, outdoor whirlpool tubs. The formal restaurant, La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, serves seasonal cuisine and fresh fish with that same wondrous view from its terrace; L'Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar is a fun, casual option. Continue the pampering at the lovely T Spa, where you may splurge on a Spa Suite with private whirlpool tub, sauna, and Turkish bath.

The 19th-century luxury at this grand lake hotel—originally designed to cradle nobility and still a refined haven for the discreetly wealthy—has not so much faded as mellowed: guest rooms remain immaculate and plush; public areas are still awash with gilt ornamentation and marble; and breakfast is served in a ballroom. The staff are unobtrusive and very knowledgeable about lake transportation and sightseeing. One of the restaurants, Mistral, features inventive molecular gastronomy dishes along with a more traditional menu.

Throughout this, the first European outpost of the luxe Il Sereno Hotel in St. Barths, you'll find floor-to-ceiling lake-view windows and an understated retro-mod aesthetic, with a muted palette of browns and grays complementing a panoply of wood, stone, leather, and copper accents. Thoughtful guest room touches include heated toilets and comfy beds; splurgeworthy penthouse perks include a private wraparound terrace and outdoor whirlpool tub. Relax by the infinity pool on the lake, sit amid the orange grove, and admire the vertical garden designed by architect Stefano Boeri, creator of Milan’s famous apartment buildings, Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest).

Outdoor perks here include a big garden, a large swimming pool, and an included half-day bike rental to explore paths around the lake; interior draws include unique design touches—such as the lobby's collection of vintage luggage labels—and spacious rooms, all with comfy beds and a playful vibe and some with a whirlpool tub and a balcony.

Set in an early-20th-century villa amid Franciacorta's hilly vineyards, this Relais & Chateaux property is a true sanctuary, with an enormous spa, a botanical garden, and vast, sculpture-filled grounds to explore. Each guest room is different, though all are decked out with luxurious fabrics; most have balconies or terraces with garden, lake, or Alpine views, and some feature Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. The hotel is owned by the same family as the neighboring Bellavista and Contadi Castaldi wineries, and you can sample these wines with your meals in the on-site gourmet Leone Felice or L'aurum restaurants or La Filiale pizzeria. You'll want to devote time to the spa's top-notch treatments—including hydrotherapy, body scrubs, facials, and massage—as well as its large pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and gym.

This former private villa in a secluded park is known for its bucolic lakeside setting, charming decor of the older rooms, and accommodating staff. The hotel dominates a low hill, and the grounds—a mixture of lawns, trees, statues, fountains, and a clay tennis court—go right down to the lake. The villa itself dates from the early part of the 19th century, although a wing was added in 1952: ask for a higher floor for a better lake view.

Ideally positioned on the edge of Bergamo Alta, a stone's throw from the old town's delightful shops and restaurants, this ultramodern luxury hotel nods to its historic location by incorporating Roman ruins found during construction into the restaurant and bar. The stylish black-and-white guest rooms, some with terraces overlooking the valley below, include rain showers (some also have oversize tubs), Moulton Brown toiletries, and Nespresso coffee makers. The small yet sophisticated spa includes a sauna, steam room, and salt relaxation room—perfect for chilling out after a day wandering Bergamo's medieval streets.

In addition to Lake Como panoramas, this early-20th-century Art Nouveau landmark has marbled public spaces and guest rooms with floral fabrics, walnut wardrobes, and silk-covered sofas. Relax with a drink on the garden terrace, or enjoy a romantic meal, ensconced in a plush, red-velvet chair at the candlelit Bar delle Terme restaurant.

A refreshing minimalist influence, attention to detail, and creative touches (like the room number projected onto the hall floor) create a welcoming ambience with contemporary flair. Natural fabrics add to the relaxed feel; common areas include a reading room, gym, and an indoor garden.

With modern interiors and eclectic but comfortable designer furniture, this aptly named hotel makes a nice counterpoint to the historical surroundings of Cremona. Though it's a fine base for leisure travelers, conference rooms and other amenities make it popular with a business clientele.

Most of the modern, inviting guest rooms at this comfortable hotel—owned by an Anglo-Italian family and right in the center of Bellagio's action—have lake and mountain views, and the rooftop terrace garden is a perfect spot for drinks or dozing. There's a relaxed and congenial feel throughout, and the extensive buffet breakfast (included) wins rave reviews.

Highly personalized service and well-appointed guest rooms (including bungalows perfect for families) are among the hallmarks of Riva's largest resort; another is the beautifully manicured 17-acre garden with more than 200 species of plants. Airy public spaces include a restaurant, poolside-pizzeria, bar, spa, and wellness center. The resort is not on the waterfront, but there's a private path to the public beach and two outdoor pools, with another small outdoor pool just for the younger set, plus one indoor pool to use when the weather doesn't cooperate.

Some of the comfortable (if generic) rooms at this Bergamo Bassa hotel a short walk from the funicular have balconies with amazing upper town views. In good weather you can breakfast on the rooftop terrace. Unlike some other places in town, parking is available right in front of the hotel for a fee.

In Italian, belvedere means "beautiful view," and it's an apt name for this enchanting spot, where the modern rooms have classic touches such as antique furniture, decorative tiles, and marble bathrooms. The hotel has been in the Martinelli-Manoni family since 1880, and the unbroken tradition of service makes it some of the best lodging in town. Terraced gardens, a lovely pool, and a spa have replaced the vineyards that once surrounded the house.

Most of the large and comfortable rooms in this 1880s villa across from the ferry stop are furnished with interesting antiques and have splendid views of the lake. The impressive lobby has a vaulted ceiling and an imposing Florentine fireplace, and the restaurant and bar draw locals and visitors, who appreciate the friendly and helpful staff.

Just a few minutes' walk from the Duomo and the Museo del Violino, this comfortable hotel with functional yet pleasant rooms (the best of which overlook the piazza) is well equipped to satisfy both leisure and business travelers. Note, too, that the Impero makes a convenient base for those (wisely) disinclined to navigate old Cremona by car.

Amid a large garden on the hillside above Tremezzo, this hotel offers small, private, comfortably simple rooms; a pool with a nice view; and a popular restaurant that serves tasty Italian classics. A shuttle for arrival and departure at the Tremezzo ferry stop can be arranged.

A homey feel with comfortable beds and upholstered furnishings with matching drapery, along with access to a luxurious thermal spa included in the rates, keeps many guests returning year after year. The location is perfect: just inside the city walls, near the Castello, set amid lakeside gardens and terraces.

A 15th-century palazzo in the center of town is the setting for this classic, comfortable, and relatively affordable hotel, where front rooms have terraces with breathtaking lake views and the rooftop terrace is a perfect retreat from summer's crowded beaches.

Using space formed from a 17th-century monastery merged with an adjoining 19th-century textile factory, this hotel offers plain, functional rooms, some overlooking a lovely garden. Locals are lunchtime regulars at the restaurant, which offers attentive service, good value, and an emphasis on regional cuisine. 

For more than 170 years the same family has run this elegant inn—about an hour's drive from Verbania on the banks of the lake opposite Stresa—where guest rooms are in two late-19th-century villas surrounded by a garden and the chef does the family proud in the exceptional restaurant. Lake trout and perch find their way onto the menu, as do artichoke dishes in spring and eggplant in summer.

The first thing you’ll notice about this elegant resort in the hills above Gargnano are the stupendous lake and mountain views; the second thing will be its enormous spa, which is so filled with amenities (heated indoor-outdoor pool, saunas, well-equipped lake-view gym, extensive treatment menu) that you might just want to stay all day—and some guests do. The large rooms are modern and airy, and all afford panoramic views from their private terrace or balcony.

In a 19th-century lakeside palace, Riva's most chic hotel has a high-end spa; sleek public spaces with turquoise mod couches and classic floor-to-ceiling windows; and contemporary guest rooms, where slate floors and brown-and-gray color schemes are offset by crisp white linens. Zefiro, with inspiring lakeside views, serves expertly prepared dishes using local ingredients and has a comprehensive wine list with interesting options from nearby producers; it's open for dinner. A bistro and bar, LIDO, is open for lunch and dinner. Save time for the tranquil 16,000-square-foot spa area with indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam baths, sauna, relaxation room, and a full range of decadent treatments.

The nine 19th-century villas that comprise this Lake Como outpost of the extravagant Mandarin chain have been thoroughly updated for the 21st century, offering a quiet setting (just north of the busy town of Como) and luxurious amenities that include a 14,000-square-foot spa and a swimming pool that "floats" above the lake. Public areas, guest rooms, and suites have beautiful lake views; some accommodations also feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces or gardens. Dining options include the lakefront L˜ARIA restaurant, which serves Mediterranean cuisine, and the more casual CO.MO Bar & Bistrot. There's a car service available from the hotel to Como town and other destinations (for a fee), though it's first come, first served; since taxis on the lake are in limited supply, it's best to have your own car if you plan to explore the rest of the lake.

Set in a restored 19th-century palazzo, this Bergamo Basso hotel has modern comforts and a friendly, efficient staff, making it a good choice for both business and leisure travelers. Although rooms can be a bit dark, they're quite spacious, and some have views of the old town.

Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua hosted artists and politicians at this 5-acre lakefront villa in Moltrasio, just north of Cernobbio, until the count's death in 1890; today the Bellini Suite (a 2,700-square-foot suite with an opulent music room reserved for Vincenzo Bellini while he composed operas) and 23 others, have restored frescoes, Murano glass chandeliers, and luxurious soaking tubs. The De Santis family's luxury hideaway, in the vein of its Grand Hotel Tremezzo, has a tennis court, pool festooned with orange-and-white striped cushioned chairs and umbrellas, 15 fountains, and staff in ascots, which adds to the bygone era atmosphere. Cocktails with garden-fresh herbs (such as a Lavender Gin Sour and Rose Petal Martini), are served in a cozy fire-lit bar, with a ceiling adorned in the Lucini family's coat of arms of three pikes, which is also the insignia on brass key chains, stationery, and embroidered robes. In the on-site restaurant, black-tied waitstaff present regional dishes such as perch and veal shank with Milanese risotto, all inspired by 19th-century botany books and served on Ginori 1735 porcelain.

Just a block from the lake, on downtown Como's pedestrian-only Piazza Volta, this boutique hotel has a minimalist modern interior that's in perfect keeping with its exterior—the 1931 building that houses it was designed by Rationalist architect Giuseppe Terragni. All guest rooms have soothing gray color schemes, marble bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs; some also have piazza views (and soundproof windows). Although breakfast isn't included, you can grab a coffee and pastry in the attached bistro, a stylish spot that becomes a hip local hangout come evening. The terrace overlooking the square is a great place to relax.