Italy is brimming with incredible destinations, and narrowing down a choice can be quite the task. Many travelers find themselves weighing up the allure of Lake Como against the charm of Portofino. I’ve spent time in both locations, staying at comparable hotels to help you decide where to spend your precious vacation days.
The Case for Lake Como
Lake Como, set in the northern region of Italy, offers an upscale resort experience. While exploring this area, I stayed at a hotel built in 1890, which offered a beautiful blend of historic architecture and modern comfort. The lobby itself was a treat, with polished marble floors and elegant chandeliers.
A Lakeside Retreat
The rooms here were designed for ultimate comfort, featuring high-thread-count cotton sheets and spacious balconies. The views from these balconies were truly the highlight, showcasing the stunning panorama of the lake. While the price point for rooms reflects the luxury, it aligns with the expectations for this renowned part of the world. Standard rooms can start from around £580 in the low season and climb to over £1,078 in the high season.
Inside the hotel, there were engaging activities available, including cooking classes that taught me how to make fresh pasta and tiramisu. I also indulged in a full-body oil massage at the elegant spa, which was incredibly destressing. The spa also featured unique shower trails with alternating temperatures designed to invigorate.
For relaxation, the hotel boasted a beach club with private cabanas and loungers surrounding a large pool that overlooked the lake. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and take in the scenery.
Exploring Menaggio and Beyond
The town where the hotel is located, Menaggio, serves as an excellent base for exploring Lake Como. It’s characterized by narrow, winding streets and felt less crowded than some of the more famous neighboring towns like Bellagio or Varenna, which are just a short boat ride away. Menaggio has a good selection of restaurants; I found a local spot that served some of the best pasta I’ve ever tasted. Lunch at this particular trattoria, featuring fresh pasta with wild boar ragu, cost about £17, similar to prices you might find in London.
It’s worth noting that in high season, enjoying a drink in a prime central location can come with a hefty price tag. However, within walking distance of the hotel, you’ll find many shops and bars, along with ferry services to other lakeside towns. Varenna, for instance, is a popular spot with a famously picturesque entranceway that draws many visitors.
Lake Como has become increasingly popular, and to manage overtourism, a tourist tax was introduced in April 2024 for day-trippers. This is in addition to the existing city taxes for overnight stays. Visiting in the shoulder seasons, like October when I went, meant fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience. Considering the grandeur and amenities, the hotel I stayed at felt like a good value for its surroundings.
Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa Review
My experience at the Grand [link_1541:Hotel Victoria] Concept & Spa earned a strong 9/10 rating.
The Case for Portofino
After my time at Lake Como, I traveled south to the Italian Riviera and the trendy fishing village of Portofino. My accommodation was in a nearby town called Rapallo, at a hotel that had a distinctive, maximalist pink facade, reminiscent of a grand old manor.
A Seaside Stay
This hotel was designed so that most rooms offered uninterrupted sea views. Compared to the luxurious Lake Como counterpart, this hotel felt more casual, akin to a charming seaside hotel you might find in other coastal towns. The rooms were pleasant, featuring a simple blue and yellow color scheme and bathrooms with wooden fixtures. The pricing reflected this more relaxed ambiance, with standard rooms starting from approximately £193 in the low season and rising to around £354 in the high season.
The hotel is situated on a hill, and with only two small elevators, accessibility might be a consideration for some. There is a spacious veranda perfect for outdoor dining, enjoying cocktails, or having breakfast while soaking up the sun. The hotel also has a rooftop restaurant offering beautiful ocean views.
A fun touch at this hotel was the Campari-inspired bar, with its bold red seating and abstract art. The spa area includes a large outdoor pool, ideal for a quiet afternoon with a book. There’s also a small art gallery that showcases local artists.
Exploring Portofino
Portofino itself is easily accessible from Rapallo by a short car or ferry ride. Once in Portofino, you’ll find hotel prices are significantly higher. I enjoyed a cappuccino at a designer boutique and later had an excellent lunch at a well-regarded restaurant. Standout dishes included sole in butter and a pasta dish described as ‘Grandmother’s pasta.’ However, dining here is on the pricier side; a bowl of fish soup costing around £34 during my visit last year. For the most iconic view of Portofino, a visit to Castello Brown is recommended. The entrance fee for this historic fortress, perched high on the cliff, is modest, around £4.25 to £6.80 depending on the season.
Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa Review
My stay at the Grand [link_887:Hotel Bristol] Resort & Spa resulted in a 7/10 rating.
Making Your Choice
Reflecting on my experiences, my fondest memories are tied to Lake Como. While both destinations come with a significant price tag, Como felt like it offered slightly better value for the luxury provided.
The sea vistas in Portofino were beautiful, but Lake Como offered a captivating charm that resonated more with me. When it comes to activities, Menaggio provided a good variety, and it felt like a place where everyday life continued alongside tourism. In Como, ordering drinks often came with complimentary snacks like crisps and olives, whereas in Portofino, the expensive drinks were typically just that—drinks.
If you’re deciding between these two Italian gems, I would lean towards Lake Como. It’s larger, offers more diverse exploration opportunities, and is clear about the premium experience it provides.