Bellagio
Climb the steep lanes in Bellagio and, improbably, the street grid opens out and deposits you in this walled lemon grove guarded by an elegant cream villa…
Must-see hotels in The Italian Lakes
Milan
In a former police station you’ll find this artsy hostel and bistro with oodles of charm. Decor is a mix of jumbled recycled materials, rooms are basic…
Lake Como
It would be difficult to feel more deeply ensconced in the rural world. Off the Pian del Tivano, a high country plain some 7km from lakeside Nesso, this…
Orta San Giulio
A red carpet leads you through the front door and regal furniture greets you in the lobby at this 200-year-old lakefront beauty. Sunny yellows and deep…
Lake Garda
Located 2km outside Riva, this burnt-orange residence situated amid olive groves and vineyards is a haven for families. Rooms and apartments overlook lush…
Cremona
A short stroll outside the historic centre, the Hotel Continental is a self-proclaimed 'lifestyle' hotel that pricks your interest with a dynamically…
Mantua
You may well feel like a duke or duchess, lounging around this 15th-century palazzo, delighting in the frescoed ceilings, vast marble fireplaces and…
Lake Como
One kilometre short of the Abbazia di Piona Cistercian abbey, on a verdant promontory jutting into the lake close to Lake Como's southeastern corner, this…
Milan
While it may lack the flights of fancy that many Milan design hotels boast, this brand new three-star property has lots of nice touches and very…
Lake Garda
This ultra-modern, glass-and-timber ecolodge 3km north of Lake Ledro looks like a cool Scandinavian-style retreat with its balconies affording views of…
Milan
This boutique B&B doesn't have a sign out the front, making it feel like you're visiting a friend's place. What it does have is lots of character in its…
Lake Iseo
One of several hotels in the centre of Iseo, the two-star, lakefront Milano is an excellent deal. The lake views are better than the slightly dated rooms,…
Milan
Styled by design-veteran Aldo Cibic, a founding member of Milan's Memphis Group, this suite hotel offers apartment-style accommodation with Instagram…
Milan
Relais & Chateaux’s self-styled 'urban chateau' is housed in a pink, art nouveau palazzo which looks like it's taken its decorating tips from Wes Anderson…
Lake Maggiore
On the Lombard side of Lake Maggiore, this delightful rural inn is a favourite of horse riders, trekkers and those who simply need a dose of nature. You…
Lake Como
In the heart of Lezzeno (the longest village on Lake Como), 11km southwest of Bellagio, this is a comfy family hotel in a village off the mainstream…
Lake Iseo
On the south bank of the river, this three-storey hotel has clean, simply designed rooms with stiff mattresses and simple furnishings (plus fridges). It's…
Mantua
Close enough to the station to drag even the heaviest suitcase, the Gonzaga is cheap and cheerful with simple rooms complemented by thoughtful little…
Orta San Giulio
Jauntily decorated with contemporary prints, bright colours and light-wood furniture, this ecofriendly hotel places modern design right in Orta San Giulio…
Lake Como
About 1.5km east of Torno, the waterfront Villa Pliniana is one of the most exclusive places to stay on Lake Como. Constructed in the 16th century,…
Bergamo
It may be metres from Bergamo’s main square, but Il Sole has the unhurried feel of a family-run B&B in a quiet Italian village. Enter via the eponymous…
Lake Como & Around
Tucked in the hillside village of Bianzone, Altavilla is well worth the effort getting off the beaten path so you can dine at the excellent on-site…
Milan
Having grown their bakery business to a citywide franchise, the Pandenus entrepreneurs have now turned their critical eye towards Milan’s limited bed and…
Milan
Designed around a sporting theme, The Yard has dark, moody interiors kitted out with worsted leather sofas, tartan prints, period portraits and curious…
Stresa
Luxuriate in turn-of-the-century style at Villa Aminta, which offers picture-perfect views of an island-studded lake. Rooms decked out with Murano…
Brescia
A short stroll from the train station, the very modern Hotel Igea offers affordably priced rooms that boast all the essential creature comforts (decent…
Milan
This chintzy boutique hotel with its huge swagged curtains, floral wallpapers, marble pillars and carved stone fireplaces is housed in a stately 18th…
Milan
Set in the shadow of the Torre Velasca is this sharp-looking hotel. Enter via the alabaster lobby where LED screens stream fashion shows and glide up to…
Lake Garda
The guest list at this gorgeous, 15th-century hotel has featured actors, writers, statespeople and kings. Painted wood and antiques fill the bedrooms,…
Milan
These 40 super stylish apartments dotted around Brera, San Babila and Porta Garibaldi are decorated with the design-conscious in mind: sleek wooden floors…
Bellagio
Tradition rules at Barchetta amid the swanky hordes that often populate Bellagio. Suspended above one of those old family-run restaurants decorated with…
Brescia
Given this grand 1938 hotel's chandeliers, extravagant ballrooms and luxurious guest rooms, resting your head here represents unexpectedly good value…
Como
Overlooking the Piazza Volta, a few blocks south of the waterfront, this smart hotel has bright, spotless rooms. Don't be put off by the somewhat gloomy…
Milan
This 19th-century 'palace' of secrets hides a shockingly modern interior and 18 subdued rooms with raw concrete finishes, rough antique wooden floorboards…
Bellagio
About 1km outside Bellagio's centre, the Hotel Fioroni offers excellent value for its sunny, handsomely appointed rooms with wood floors and framed prints…
Lake Garda
Someone with a flair for design has created 11 smart central apartments – expect suspended furniture, moulded chairs and glass-topped tables. With their…
Stresa
A welcoming family-run hotel just off the central piazza in Stresa's pedestrianised centre. Rooms, which are simple, spacious and functionally furnished,…
Bellagio
A 15-minute (1km) walk from Bellagio along cobbled lanes leads to sheltered Pescallo, a tiny port. Pescallo's quiet hotel is right on the water (and the…
Bergamo
Located on the corner of Piazza St Pancrazio, the Agnello d'Oro has 20 retro rooms and a heart-warming restaurant hung with copper pots. The building…
Stresa
Adjoining a cafe, the old-fashioned Elena is a no-frills family-run classic that you can rely on for the basics: comfortable rooms, simple furnishings and…
