Hotel Villa Aurora — Hotel in Lezzeno

Prego! Hotel Villa Aurora in Lezzeno is a true gem on the shores of Lake Como—our stay was everything we hoped for and more. From the moment we arrived, the warmth and professionalism of the staff made us feel right at home. The hotel’s family-run charm and attention to detail shine through in every aspect, from the immaculate rooms to the exceptional service at the restaurant. The staff were always helpful (English). No one asked for a tip (refreshing coming from the Americas)

Rooms & Comfort Our accommodations were spotlessly clean, cozy, and exactly as pictured on the website. We stayed in the IL Molo Apartment, just a short stroll from the main hotel- Hotel Villa Aurora. The three-story layout was perfect for our group, would comfortably sleep six, and the fully stocked kitchen made it easy to settle in. Waking up to breathtaking lake views each morning was an absolute highlight. The rooms in the main hotel are equally inviting, with elegant furnishings and all the comforts you need for a relaxing stay. We kept our windows open at night and listened the song birds in the morning as we sipped on our espresso! We even checked out the property in Nesso (Old Mill) on a day hike.

Location & Walkability The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring Lake Como. It’s a quick walk to both the ferry (7 minutes) and bus stops (1 minute), making it easy to visit nearby towns like Bellagio (35 minutes) and Como (50 minutes) without a car (don't rent one). The area is very walkable, and we felt safe at all hours—even when returning late at night on public transportation. While the picturesque lakeside paths and charming villages are best enjoyed on foot, travelers with mobility issues or strollers should be aware that some routes can be steep or uneven.

Activities & Experiences There’s no shortage of things to do, both on and off the water. We enjoyed hiking, exploring historic castles, shopping in local boutiques, wine tasting, and even taking a cooking class. Water sports are a big draw here—kayaks, paddle boards, and even wake surfing are available right from the hotel’s private sun deck. We got lucky with the sunshine in late April. The hotel’s proximity to natural beaches and scenic trails makes it a perfect base for outdoor adventures.

Dining & Local Cuisine Fine dining is the norm in this region, and the hotel’s lakeside restaurant is no exception. We savored delicious seafood, fresh pasta, and wood-fired pizza while soaking in panoramic views of the lake (go at sunset to the local restaurants). For those with dietary sensitivities, we were pleasantly surprised: despite having issues with bread and cheese back home, we had no problems enjoying these staples in Italy. The breakfast buffet was outstanding, with options for all tastes, including gluten-free choices it was €10. There is a bar in the hotel where you can order food, snacks, drinks and visit with other guests and friendly staff.

Safety & Peace of Mind We always felt completely safe, whether walking around after dark or taking the last bus home. The friendly local atmosphere and helpful staff did their best to make the trip unforgettable!

Travel Tips A couple of tech tips made our trip even smoother:

Google Maps was invaluable for navigating the area and planning public transit, especially with an eSIM for reliable connectivity. Use it to get on/off the bus.

I used Airalo and got a unlimited data eSim. It worked from Amsterdam, Milano, to Zurich. Data speed was more than I needed.

Using our phone’s camera and a translation button (download the Italian pack!) made reading menus and signs effortless.

Final Thoughts Our stay at Hotel Villa Aurora was unforgettable. The combination of stunning scenery, exceptional hospitality, and endless activities makes it a perfect choice for anyone visiting Lake Como. We would return in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to friends, families, and couples alike.

Five stars—don’t miss this...

Where to begin?

We had a group of 16 visiting Lake Como for our wedding in June and could not have asked for a better experience. From arrival to checkout (5 days total), the staff were attentive, warm, friendly, and the biggest help with such a big week. Cristina especially was so amazing to work with. From coordinating our lodging for so many people to helping plan and organize our wedding dinner, she made the process so smooth from half a world away (we’re based in the U.S.).

The location was perfect. Lezzeno is much quieter than Como or Bellagio but still has stunning views. The water ferry port was less than a 10 minute walk from the hotel. If you’re driving or planning to arrange private transfers to get around, Lezzeno is about an hour drive from Como and 10-15 minutes from Bellagio.

The hotel itself was beautiful; very much a classic Italian villa style. It was well maintained and clean with daily housekeeping. The views from the hotel are incredible, I highly recommend getting a suite or a lakeview room with a balcony (we personally stayed in their suite with a patio). We were impressed with the complimentary breakfast every morning which had plentiful arrangements of pastries, meats, cheeses, fruit, and more! My personal favorite was the self-serve espresso machine which made the most delicious cappuccinos.

The restaurant, which is a separate building across the street from the café, had some of the best food we have had in Italy. The bruschetta was our favorite which we enjoyed at every meal and family members raved about the pear ravioli. You could also never miss with the pizza. The staff were very accommodating for such a large group and took great care as we had a couple of dietary restrictions (vegetarian and gluten-free) for some of our guests.

As mentioned, we held our wedding dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, and it was truly magical. We selected their meat menu, and each course was perfect. The hotel created personalized menus for the dinner which we kept copies of and will be a cherished keepsake.

It’s difficult to fully encapsulate how great this hotel is, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for an amazing stay when visiting Lake Como. We’ll be back for our 10-year...

We stayed as a family of 4 in a Deluxe room with lake view for 3 nights, and used the recommended pre-booked transfer taxi service from Malpensa airport, straight to the hotel. The view was breathtaking once on the winding road along the lake. After an efficient check-in, the room itself was across the road from the reception and down the car ramp, through a door and we discovered that the knack to opening our room door was to tap the card whilst simultaneously pushing the heavy door. Our room had bath towels, beach towels, toiletries, and slippers even for the children. Kettle and teabags/coffee packets, fridge with complimentary bottled water and wine glasses were provided. A very pleasant surprise! The new deck was lovely, and the neighbours has ‘borrowed’ our deck chairs!, but that was soon reclaimed. Housekeeping was polite and discreet, and everyone in the hotel was efficient, ready to help if asked. There was a trampoline near the waters edge for kids, a mini water assault course, paddle boards, kayaks and life jackets for hotel guests use. Public could pay €25 for daily access. We went on a chargeable self-drive boat from the hotel, which a lovely beach counter boy explained how to use. We took the boat to see the gorge at Nesso and back within an hour, as we were more tortoises than hares. Dinner at the beautiful hotel restaurant must be booked especially during high season. We watched a few dressed up walk-ins being disappointed, although mama who handles the books does try hard to accommodate. There are only so many tables in a restaurant!

We have had very different experiences in other parts of Italy, and this is by far the most pleasant and best part to be! It was all we wanted in a family holiday - family run hotel, friendly and efficient, quieter area off the tourist madness, and good food and wine. It is definitely not a place for hard-to-please princesses, and Tik-tok influencers, of which we are neither thankfully, so we...