Renovated in 2016, the three-pearl Hotel Garni Corona has 24 spacious rooms, the majority of which overlook the town's main piazza and Lake Como. It's a great hotel for couples and families to use as a base for exploring the area's charming towns -- the harbor is just a six-minute walk away -- and Menaggio's restaurants and cafes are all accessible on foot. Breakfast is included and fantastic, though that's the extent of facilities offered. The standout feature here, however, is the widespread views of Lake Como. Most guests who stay are families (the triple and quadruple rooms are ideal for those with kids), but with the view from the rooms and a location this romantic, it's suitable for couples, too. Note that the hotel closes annually from late October to mid-March.

The 10-room Hotel Orso Bruno is a family-run, two-and-a-half-pearl property nestled on Lake Como, across from the Urio Pier, a convenient base to explore the other lakeside towns. The husband and wife owners serve free breakfast and run a pizzeria with a terrace facing the lake. Downstairs is a separately owned bar. Private parking, for a fee, is also available. Simple, modest rooms come with small flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms, and some have balconies with lovely lake views. This location is quiet and laid-back, but travelers seeking a livelier setting might prefer Hotel Garni Corona, which is ideally located in the heart of Menaggio, with easy access to the harbor for town-hopping.

The two-pearl Hotel Centrale, as its name implies, is centrally located in the city of Bellagio. The 18 rooms are small, like those at other budget bed-and-breakfast hotels in Italy; they each provide a tiny tube TV, hairdryer, safe, and air-conditioning, an amenity that is not common in the similar porperties. However, it’s the Old World romantic charm and the amiable service of the family who runs the hotel that make this place worth a stay. From the balconies and terraces with lovely city and lake views, to the outdoor veranda where the free breakfast is served overlooking the well-maintained garden, the property feels cozy and even a bit romantic. However, while Orso Bruno has a charming pizzeria with lake views and homey rooms with flat-screen TVs, Hotel Centrale lacks a full restaurant on-site and its rooms have tiny tube TVs.

Family-owned since 1919, Hotel Silvio is a quaint, three-pearl property set in the hillside overlooking the famously picturesque Lake Como. Its scenic, leafy surroundings add to the overall romantic vibe, with the small but buzzy town of Bellagio a short drive away. Each of the 21 guest rooms and suites has some kind of lake view, mostly gorgeous and many panoramic from small balconies. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, kettles, laptop-size safes, and free Wi-Fi. With very limited facilities, after the views its all about the food, with outstanding local cooking using lake-caught fish. One drawback is that Hotel Silvio is on the outskirts of Bellagio with no other dining in the immediate area; in comparison, Hotel Centrale has a prime Bellagio location, within walking distance of the ferry, dining, and entertainment.

The six-room Villa Torretta is a quaint, two-and-a-half-pearl bed-and-breakfast located in a 19th-century villa overlooking Lake Como. The spectacular views and convenient location -- a short walk from Varenna's ferry and restaurants -- are the main draws here, as this family-run guesthouse has few features. Guests pick up their room key at a sister hotel nearby, where a daily continental breakfast is served. The villa has a lovely garden and a waterfront terrace, with interiors that are tastefully antique. Classically styled rooms are spacious and most offer fantastic views from windows or small balconies, though not all rooms have TVs and none have air-conditioning (for those amenities, stick with Hotel Silvio, or any of our top five picks). 

Nest On The Lake is a two-and-a-half-pearl bed-and-breakfast with a charming Italian vibe and some seriously gorgeous lake views from the four guest rooms and main terrace. This hotel exudes warmth in the homey decor and personal service from the owners. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, kettles, and balconies. Some have air-conditioning or mini-fridges, and the apartment features a kitchenette. Free breakfast with cold items is offered daily, though it costs a fee for apartment guests. One of the best highlights here is a private rocky beach and free kayaks to borrow. Though there’s not much to do in this small village, it’s just a 10-minute drive to Bellagio. As an alternative, travelers might prefer Villa Torretta for its convenient location behind the ferry, a five-minute walk from restaurants.