Arguably the most beautiful of the Italian Lakes, Lake Como is a favorite summer playground of European royals and celebrities like George Clooney. Backed by the snow-capped Alps, the lake is lined with dreamy villas, formal gardens, and charming villages.
Lake Como is shaped like an inverted Y, and Bellagio is located near the fork. It's the loveliest of the towns on Lake Como and a delightful place to spend a day or a summer.
There are several wonderful Bellagio hotels and resorts to choose from. And not all of them are expensive, although you will need to make reservations well in advance to stay in one of the inexpensive hotels here. It's such a wonderful place to unwind, you might want to splurge a little.
The five-star deluxe Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is probably the best known resort in Bellagio. It was once a private estate, but it's been a hotel since 1873. Luminaries like JFK and Winston Churchill have been guests, and service is impeccable. The grounds and pool are delightful, and the restaurant, which has a Michelin star, is located on a huge terrace overlooking the lake. In addition to the outdoor pool, there's an indoor one, a private beach, gym, spa, and tennis courts. Rooms and public areas are palatial and luxurious.
Hotel Florence is in a 19th-century villa across from Bellagio's ferry dock. With a pretty terrace overlooking the lake and an old fireplace imported from Florence, it's an inviting place to stay and one of the most popular hotels in Bellagio. It's also hosted famous guests, including Mark Twain and the composer Puccini. Rooms, which have hardwoods floors and nice woodwork, are furnished with antiques and many have views. A full-service spa provides health and beauty treatments. The bar is a lovely spot for a cocktail.
Hotel du Lac is also near the dock and main square. In business for over 150 years, the hotel boasts stunning views from almost every turn. The terrace of the arcaded restaurant and rooftop garden are perfect for gazing at the lake - a pleasure that can also be enjoyed from most of the rooms. For the ultimate vacation, upgrade to a room with a terrace or balcony. The guest rooms are outfitted with mini bars and satellite TV and there's WiFi in the common areas. Guests of Hotel du Lac can use the pool and health club at the Bellagio Sporting Club.
Travelers looking for affordable accommodations in Bellagio will appreciate Hotel Suisse. Housed in a building that dates from the 15th century, it has a lot of charm for the money. Parquet floors and carved paneling add character and WiFi access makes it convenient for today's guests. The terrace restaurant that looks out over the lake is very enjoyable. Although the rooms aren't luxurious, they're clean and well maintained. Some even have lake views. Breakfast is included in the rate, making Hotel Suisse one of the best values in Bellagio.
Budget travelers can stay in two lake-side trattorias. La Pergola and Silvio both rent small, tidy rooms. Not all of them have private baths or views, so ask when you make reservations.
Find more Bellagio hotels here. And more Italian lakes hotels here.
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