4 Best Hotels in Como, Lombardy and the Lakes

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).

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.

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.

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.