Renovated in 2013, the 24-room Borgo Antico is located on a narrow Italian street in a recently renovated historic building. The hotel blends in with nearby shop fronts and is identified by a wide archway door and two flags. Guests must press a small white buzzer so staff will let them in.

The lobby and public areas offer a basic, welcoming vibe with tile floors, exposed stone walls, and wood ceiling beams. A country-meets-modern motif permeates the property and breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s quaint cafe area. Hallways leading to the rooms feature restored wood floors and white and yellow striped walls, keeping with the simple but clean decor.

Located on a historic street in Lake Como, the hotel is just a block away from Como San Giovanni train station. Because of its proximity to public transportation, most guests don’t find the need to hire taxis or rent a car. The popular Trattoria Pizzeria in Borgovico serves Italian cuisine and is located next door. The lake is about a 10-minute walk away while Como Cathedral requires a 15-minute walk.

Rooms at Borgo Antico are sparsely furnished but cozy and clean. Walls are painted a pale yellow and green curtains frame the windows, most leading to a view of the street. (Rooms near the back of the hotel are the quietest, while rooms near the street tend to attract more traffic noise.) Wrought iron headboards and additional green detailing are found throughout the rooms. A small flat-screen TV hangs from the wall, as well as historic photos of Italy.

Wood floors adorn both the bedroom and bathroom -- which feature showerheads (no bath tubs) and a separate bidet and toilet. Each shower glows under a purple light, giving the bathroom a kind of funky hue. Because of the hotel’s location, no rooms have views of the lake and there are no balconies. Unlike some hotels in the area, the AC usually works properly.

Like many boutique-style hotel properties, Borgo Antico doesn’t offer many on-site amenities. There’s no pool, gym, or restaurant serving lunch and dinner. The hotel does offer a free basic breakfast each morning, which is served in a cafe area with striped walls and simple tables. Parking is hard to come by, but many guests arrive via public transportation. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.