Como without the crowds, where to stay?
Four stunning places to stay in Como without the crowds
I’ve been excited to visit Como for quite some time now. Not just because it’s absurdly beautiful, but because it holds a bit of personal mythology for me: Como is the birthplace of Pliny. And since Pliny is Plinius in Dutch, it felt like a little pilgrimage.
I’ve been to Lago di Como a few times before, and each time I’ve been completely floored by its beauty. Of all the places I’ve visited, this might just be one of the most breathtaking.
Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who saw the beauty in the lake. It’s no secret that Como—especially the town itself—gets a lot of visitors each year. Luckily, I found four hidden gems where you can enjoy the lake without the crowds.
1. Passalaqua
Ok this hotel is an easy one, because if you are able to pay this much for a room, ofcourse you’ll get a place without the crowds haha. But have I have a slight obsession with discovering places like this. As it feels like stepping into a whole new world. So I couldn’t resist sharing it with you, even if it’s just to day dream.
The other places are more budget-friendly, I promise!
2. Ca Spiga
Name a better way to start the day than with this breakfast on this terrace.
I felt so at home here. This family-owned guesthouse is run by two brothers, Alessandro and Matteo. The left part of the house used to belong to their grandmother. They later bought the house next door, connected the two, and created this lovely guesthouse with eight beautiful rooms, all facing the lake.
They run the place with so much care — from the charming details to the amazing breakfast, featuring homemade products and fresh, local cheeses and cold cuts from their family-owned deli, Da Luciano Bottega e Caffè, just a bit further down the lake.
This place is family-run, incredibly welcoming, and offers a truly authentic slice of Como. It’s located in Laglio, an ideal spot if you’re looking to stay away from the crowds and enjoy a peaceful and elegant part of lago di Como.
3. Roncole dell’Abata
Tucked into the hills just above the city of Como, Ronco dell’Abate is a beautifully preserved historic villa that once belonged to the influential Italian political thinker Gianfranco Miglio. Now a boutique B&B, it offers just four uniquely decorated rooms, one of them is named PLINY!! So cool. And the coolest of this place is the antique Library that holds over 20,000 books and a secret staircase to the winecellar ;). It’s a serene and highly romantic place, close enough to walk to the city center of Como, but just far enough out, to enjoy it without the crowds.
4. Relais Villino Rubini
Relais Villino Rubini sits quietly in the peaceful hilltop village of Brunate, just above the busy town of Como. This elegant villa used to be a private getaway for a noble family from Milan. It’s one of many beautiful Liberty-style homes built around the early 1900s, when Brunate became a favorite spot for writers, thinkers, and aristocrats who wanted fresh air, great views, and a calm place to create.
Brunate has always drawn interesting and cultured people. Families from Milan—artists, business leaders, and politicians—built their summer homes here. Nearby, the Faro Voltiano lighthouse honors Alessandro Volta, the famous inventor from Como whose work helped change the world.
In 1894, the funicolare (a fun mountain railway) opened, making it easy for these families to travel quickly from Como up to Brunate.
Whether you’re reading in the garden or just enjoying the mountain air, it’s a place where the past gently stays with you, inviting you to slow down and take it all in.
Let me know if you’d also like to read about the restaurants and swimming spots I discovered on my last trip!
X Shari
Thanks for these recommendations. They all look Super! I hope one day we'll be able to enjoy the lake and a bit of calm.
Please do share the other places, restaurants etc. that you've discovered and appreciate.