Hotel La Perla is a quaint, mid-range hotel that caters to both families and couples. Hotel owners provide free breakfast, make restaurant recommendations, and go above and beyond when it comes to personal attention and service -- from staying up for delayed travelers to helping families sterilize their baby bottles.

The three-story building sits on a hill above Tremezzo and is set back from the busy road next to Lake Como. The hotel was originally built in 1962 and was completely renovated in 2006. It features rooms with terraces that overlook the hotel’s pool and the lake, with mountaintops providing a stunning backdrop.

Not every boutique hotel in Lake Como has its own private pool, so the pool deck at Hotel La Perla is a unique feature of the property. The restaurant terrace overlooks the pool and the picturesque lake below. Room rates are reasonable compared to similar hotels and guests rave about the location, views, and service.

Nestled in a town called Tremezzo on the banks of Lake Como, the hotel sits on a hill on the west shore, directly opposite from Bellagio. The neighborhood is known for its lush vegetation, tranquil gardens, and olive and myrtle trees that surround the lake. There’s a scenic path that leads to the water’s edge and it takes about 20 minutes to walk from the hotel to the docks. From the dock at the lake, ferry boats shuttle travelers to waterfront restaurants, historic villas, and other lakeside towns. Potential guests should take note that the walk back to the hotel is uphill. There is a free shuttle that takes guests to and fro, but it only runs a couple of times a day.

The best feature of the rooms are the incredible lake and mountain views from the terraces. Some rooms overlook both the pool and Lake Como. Rooms were recently updated in 2006 and have a quaint, country cottage-style feel with floral prints on the beds and curtains. Bedroom furniture pieces aren’t upscale, but they are functional, and keep with the cottage vibe. There are tile floors throughout the bedroom and bathroom. Bathrooms have either a tub, walk-in shower, or both, with showerheads that could use an upgrade. Each room has a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning (not all hotels have A/C in Lake Como), and a mini-bar.

One of the most unique features of the hotel is its lovely (albeit small) pool that overlooks Lake Como, making for stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. Tables on the hotel terrace also offer beautiful, panoramic views. Each morning the staff serves a free breakfast buffet with a variety of both hot and cold items. Drinks are served at the hotel’s cozy bar in the corner each evening and basic pasta dishes are served for dinner. The hotel owners are happy to make recommendations for nearby restaurants that can be reached by ferry boat. There’s a free shuttle bus service that operates on fixed times from the hotel and the ferry dock in Tremezzo. Parking is free, and guests have the option to use either the hotel’s garage or parking lot.