Villa Làrio
Relaxed luxury with a holiday-home soul. Monochrome palette of white, grey, and black — unusual for Como — mixed with fresco-ceilinged salons in Il Palazzo. The watchwords are 'dolce vita' and simplicity: no TVs, yoga in the gardens, and aperitivo at the pontoon at sunset. It's the kind of place where guests arrive stressed and leave genuinely restored.
Casa Làrio Bottega & Cocktails is open to the public and accessible by boat — you can dock at the pier and walk straight in for lunch or an aperitivo without being a hotel guest
Why It Matters
One of very few all-suite properties on Lake Como with a fully private lakefront, including a private pier where guests can tie up a boat. The property is literally built into the cliff, giving it a dramatically vertical layout — outdoor lifts connect the different levels. Rates are meaningfully more accessible than Como's grand hotels while the service and setting are comparable.
Villa Làrio is an 18-suite all-suite property spread across four historic buildings on the eastern shore of Lake Como, about 13km from Como city center. The estate — Il Palazzo (a 19th-century lakefront palazzo), Villa Bianca, the Pavilion, and the Garden Suite — sits within 2 acres of private gardens literally carved into the cliff face, with the lake directly below. Interior designer Pietro Castagna, a Como native, handled the renovation: clean lines, natural tones, bespoke furniture, and books everywhere — deliberately no TVs. The result is a property that feels more like a well-loved private home than a hotel, and one that trades the grand-dame stuffiness of Como's big names for genuine quiet and space.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Corner Suite
Located in Villa Bianca, these one-bedroom corner suites have a private terrace with direct lake views. The white-and-grey design palette gives them a clean, contemporary feel — unusually minimalist for this part of the lake. Sun-bathed all day thanks to Villa Bianca's orientation above the cliff.
35 sqm
Double Suite
In Villa Bianca — two master bedrooms each with their own en-suite bathroom, plus a shared living area and terrace or balcony with lake views. Sleeps up to 4. A practical choice for two couples travelling together or a family with older kids who need separate sleeping quarters.
55 sqm
Guest Suite
Found in both Il Palazzo and the standalone Garden Suite. All have lake-front views with double exposure — lake on one side, gardens and cliffs on the other. En-suite bathroom with shower. Some rooms have stairs, so check with reception if mobility is a concern. A good entry-level option that still puts you right on the water.
35 sqm
Junior Suite
Situated in Il Palazzo, these lake-front rooms face west so they catch the full sunset. Most have a lake-facing balcony and large walk-in closets. Classic Italian palazzo bones — think high ceilings and heritage details — updated with contemporary finishes. The go-to choice for couples who want the historical main building.
35 sqm
Master Tower Suite
On the second floor of Il Palazzo — the signature suite of the main building. The standout feature is a living room with floor-to-ceiling glass panels that slide fully open on warm days, effectively turning it into a wraparound terrace. Bedroom has a full bathtub and dressing room. Named the 'Tower Suite' by guests who keep coming back to book it specifically.
55 sqmPavilion
A fully independent 2-bedroom villa perched on a cliff above the lake. The most private option on the property — with its own kitchen (full oven, dishwasher), large living and dining room, and a private terrace with sunbeds looking straight out over the water. Private access to the swimming pool. The Michelin Guide notes its industrial-chic lower-level living room. Perfect for families or a group of four who want complete autonomy while still having access to the hotel's services.
120 sqm
Penthouse
The top floor of Il Palazzo. Two master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms (one with a bathtub), a separate kids-only bedroom with its own bathroom, a large open-plan living room, and a private terrace over the lake. At 140m², it's the biggest accommodation on the property and the only one with a dedicated children's room — making it the natural choice for a family that wants genuine space. Includes a fireplace.
140 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Rental boats and classic pontoons are available from the private pier for self-guided or guided tours of the lake. Destinations include Bellagio and Varenna. Water-skiing also available. Contact reception for arrangements.
Hands-on cooking class led by Executive Chef Davide Maci. Focuses on authentic Italian technique using seasonal local ingredients. Suitable for all skill levels. Dishes cooked during the class are eaten with lake views. Book in advance via reception.
Gourmet picnic baskets filled with fresh local Italian produce and drinks, designed for enjoying on a boat out on the lake. Available for breakfast, lunch, or sunset aperitivo.
On-site fitness room with lake views. Available for independent use; private yoga and Pilates classes can be arranged here as well.
The hotel can arrange a day at one of three nearby golf clubs: Monticello Golf Club, Circolo Golf Villa d'Este, or Menaggio Golf Club. Contact reception for a tailor-made proposal.
Two acres of private gardens with century-old cedar trees, suspended terraced areas, and quiet reading spots. A genuinely serene alternative to the pool.
A 20-metre infinity pool suspended between the cliffs and the lake. Pool deck with sunbeds for lounging, and lunch service available poolside. One of the best vantage points on the property.
Villa Làrio hosts occasional classical concerts in association with the LacMus Festival, staged in the Il Palazzo gardens. Also hosts vintage car race events and sunset DJ performances at the pier. Check with reception for current season schedule.
Direct access to the lake via the private pier. Guests can swim, take a drink at water level, or arrange water sports. Classic wooden pontoons (classic Riva-style boats) available for lake tours.
Private yoga and Pilates sessions bookable on demand. Some reviews note complimentary morning yoga sessions in the gardens as a recurring feature — confirm with reception at time of booking.
A deck perched just above the water's surface — the prime spot for afternoon reading, board games, or a sunset aperitivo with drinks from Casa Làrio.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Cliff-face outdoor lifts connect the different levels of the vertically built property, which spans approximately 60 metres in height.
The entire property can be privatised for weddings and private events. Reception terraces, gardens, and loggia available. The whole hotel must be booked for events — no mixing of event and regular guests.
On-site gym with lake views.
Eco-responsible AC system throughout. Note: during exceptional heatwaves, the system is capped at a maximum 10°C delta vs. outside temperature as a sustainability measure.
Pets accepted at an additional fee.
20-metre outdoor infinity pool between the cliff and the lake, with pool deck and sunbeds.
Concierge team assists with boat hire, restaurant bookings, airport transfers, golf arrangements, and lake excursions.
Available on request. Property is approximately 45km from Milan Malpensa Airport.
Covered parking garage on-site at no additional charge. One of the more practical advantages over other Como properties.
Private direct lakefront with a pontoon pier accessible to guests. Boats can dock directly at the property.
BUILD YOUR VILLA LÀRIO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning