25 Best Hotels in Lombardy and the Lakes, Italy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brothers Gigi and Paolo Zani transformed a castle and soldiers' barracks dating from the Middle Ages into a retreat just above the Città Alta. Original architectural features like stone arches and wooden beams are seen in many of the rooms, along with the castle fortification, which is incorporated into the terraced gardens and pergolas where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and aperitifs during the spring and summer. Rooms are tastefully decorated in shades of gray and white and each has a unique modern work of art created by a Bergamo artist as well as vintage pieces—like a leather vaulting horse. Opt for one of the "relax" rooms, which has a soaking tub and shower, or a terrace room with views of the city below; there are also two rooms designed for families with sofas that become single beds. An on-site restaurant, Cucina, serves lunch, dinner, and tasting menus with a focus on meat and fish and Italian-influenced dishes with a contemporary flair. 

The tranquillity and flavors of Lake Iseo permeate through this relaxed retreat in the tiny village Sensole on car-free Monte Isola—nine simple rooms in a 19th-century palazzo have black and white contemporary decor and the best have sweeping lake views; or soak up the panorama from the top-floor terrace. The high-energy and hospitable team running the show, with Giovanni Lo Presti in the house and Giulio Pittioni helming the kitchen, met while working at Michelin-starred restaurants in the Veneto. Their culinary acumen includes house-made sourdough bread and pastries for breakfast alongside local jams, tasting menus with organic vegetables, and lake-caught fish in the restaurant, and an extensive cantina of regional and natural wines. Take a stroll along the placid waterfront and then unwind on a private beach among an olive grove (which also supplies Sensole's kitchen with olive oil), while lounging on oversized turquoise bean bags as you watch the sun set on the lake.

A narrow winding road takes you from town to this imposing villa, now a luxurious hotel retreat thanks to its valley and lake views and its peaceful grounds, which have an outdoor pool and a tennis court. You may think twice about a busy sightseeing itinerary once you've settled into a sunny spot, cool drink in hand.

This 1892 Art Nouveau villa hotel, named for the Italian publishing family who once vacationed here, has attracted the likes of Winston Churchill, D.H. Lawrence, and Benito Mussolini to its private lake-view gardens; extensive library; sumptuous and palatial rooms (as befits the final bill); and overall opulent interior of fresco ceilings, wood paneling, and antique ceramics. If you can afford it, take the tower room or one of the independent guesthouses.

A fine restaurant and five tastefully furnished guest rooms are housed in the pink-and-white lakeside villa given to Benito Mussolini's mistress, Claretta Petacci, by Il Duce himself. The Art Nouveau restaurant features seasonal ingredients especially in salads and soups; for even more romance, dine outside, beside the lake.