The leading luxury hotel on Lake Como right now — a 24-suite neoclassical villa dating to 1787 on seven acres of terraced gardens cascading to the water. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2026, Hot List 2023. The finest small luxury hotel on the lake.
Why We Chose It
Passalacqua is the top-rated hotel on Lake Como — a 24-suite property in a painstakingly restored 1787 neoclassical villa above Moltrasio, with five acres of terraced gardens planted with azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, ancient trees, and an olive grove descending to the lake. Originally built for Count Andrea Lucini-Passalacqua, it is the second Lake Como hotel from the De Santis family (after Grand Hotel Tremezzo). Suites are spread across three historic buildings — the original villa, stables, and Casa al Lago — each individually decorated with original frescoes, ceiling carvings, Como silks, and antique furniture. Guests arrive by private vintage houseboat (Didi or Giumello); the swimming terrace hosts unfussy Lombardy lunches under La DoubleJ–designed parasols beside a 200-year-old greenhouse. The most complete expression of Italian villeggiatura on the lake. CNT Gold List 2026, Hot List 2023, Readers' Choice 2024.
What Stands Out
- CNT Gold List 2026, Hot List 2023 — most awarded hotel on Lake Como
- 24 suites across three historic buildings of a 1787 neoclassical villa
- Seven acres of terraced gardens with olives, camellias, and ancient trees
- Private vintage houseboats Didi and Giumello for lake arrivals
- The De Santis family's masterpiece — finest expression of Italian villeggiatura