Mandarin Oriental Lake Como is one of the most beautiful properties we have ever set foot on. Set directly on the lake in Blevio, the resort spans nine buildings surrounded by historic villas, steep gardens, and enormous trees, with lake views seemingly everywhere you look. At the center is the 19th-century Villa Roccabruna, the former CastaDiva estate and once home to opera singer Giuditta Pasta. The property also features a 40-meter heated floating pool built over the lake and one of the most impressive spa facilities we have experienced in Italy.
Our stay was part of a broader family trip through Italy that also included Belmond Castello di Casole, giving us the chance to experience two very different styles of luxury Italian hospitality on the same trip.
We spent five nights here as a family in a Two-Bedroom Vista Lago Suite, giving us enough time to experience the property at a much deeper level than a quick tour. We used the private dock for a boat day, spent plenty of time at the floating pool, ate at the hotel’s restaurants, experienced the spa, and explored how the resort works day to day.
We have spent the past 20 years traveling to and reviewing some of the best hotels around the world, and those experiences have given us a pretty good sense of what makes a luxury property truly stand out. That said, we know every hotel is different, and we never aim to tell you one property is universally better than another. Instead, we share what we experienced firsthand so you can decide whether a hotel fits your trip.
Our overall impression is a little more nuanced than simply calling Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como beautiful, although it certainly is. This is a polished, formal interpretation of Lake Como luxury, and as one of Virtuoso’s Luxury Hotels of Lake Como, it feels particularly suited to travelers who appreciate that elevated sense of occasion. Guests dress for dinner, service is highly attentive, and a sense of occasion runs through the property. For the right traveler, that formality is part of the appeal. If you are picturing a casual, barefoot week by the lake, however, this probably is not the hotel we’d choose.
The property also comes with a few trade-offs worth understanding before booking. The grounds are steep and spread across nine buildings, pool loungers can be difficult to secure on busy days, and the hotel is not within walking distance of the lake’s famous towns. On the other hand, the private dock makes exploring Lake Como by boat remarkably easy, the spa is a genuine destination in its own right, and choosing the right room category can completely change the experience.
If you’ve already decided Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is the right hotel for your trip, you can use our complimentary booking tool to get started. If you’re still deciding, keep reading. We’ll break down everything we think you should know before booking, including the location, arrival experience, rooms and suites, floating pool, spa, dining, activities, family experience, and how Mandarin Oriental compares to other standout Lake Como hotels.
Is Mandarin Oriental Lake Como Right for You?
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como is the pick for travelers who want a glamorous, polished Lake Como experience with outstanding wellness facilities, beautiful dining, and easy boat access to the lake. It is not the hotel we’d choose for travelers looking for a casual, barefoot week by the water or a property where you can walk out the front door and immediately find yourself in a lively lake town.
After five nights here, we think the biggest question is less about whether Mandarin Oriental is a good hotel and more about whether its particular style of luxury matches the trip you have in mind.
Stay Here If…
- Wellness is a priority. The spa is one of the property’s biggest strengths and, in our opinion, one of the best reasons to choose Mandarin Oriental Lake Como. It is extensive, beautifully designed, and much more than a place to book a massage.
- You want the floating pool experience. The 40-meter heated pool extends directly over the lake and is one of the most striking pool settings we have seen. It is the kind of feature that makes the hotel immediately recognizable, and swimming over Lake Como is an experience in itself.
- You love a sense of occasion. This is a formal hotel. Guests dress for dinner, the service is highly attentive, and the property has a polished energy throughout. If you enjoy getting dressed up for dinner and staying somewhere that feels special from morning through evening, you’ll probably appreciate the atmosphere here.
- You want Michelin-starred dining without leaving the property. L’ARIA has one Michelin star and was completely redesigned for the 2026 season by Herzog & de Meuron. The dining experience is central to the hotel, not just an amenity.
- You plan to explore Lake Como by boat. The private dock is one of the hotel’s biggest advantages. Being able to step onto a boat directly from the property makes it incredibly easy to spend a day exploring Bellagio, Tremezzo, Lenno, Isola Comacina, Cernobbio, and other parts of the lake.
- You’re traveling as a family but still want a refined experience. Our Two-Bedroom Vista Lago Suite gave our family plenty of space and privacy, and the private outdoor area made a significant difference. Families who enjoy refined restaurants, sightseeing, boat days, and structured activities will likely feel very comfortable here.
Consider Something Else If…
- You want casual, barefoot lake living. The formality here is real. We never found the service anything but kind and welcoming, but the overall atmosphere is polished and scene-driven. If you prefer the relaxed, residential warmth of a smaller Italian property, somewhere like Passalacqua may be a better fit.
- You want to walk out of the hotel into a town. Mandarin Oriental sits in Blevio, a quiet stretch of the lake rather than a town center. The hotel can arrange transportation to Como, and the private dock makes exploring by boat easy, but this isn’t the place to stay if your ideal evening involves strolling straight from the hotel into shops, restaurants, and piazzas.
- Spending all day by the pool is the centerpiece of your trip. The floating pool is spectacular, but loungers are limited, and there is no lawn or second sun terrace to fall back on. On one particularly busy afternoon, we waited about an hour and still only managed to get two loungers for our group. This is where having private outdoor space at your accommodation becomes especially valuable.
- You have mobility concerns but haven’t discussed them before arrival. The resort spans nine buildings on steep, hilly grounds, with sloped stone and gravel paths connecting the accommodations, restaurants, spa, and waterfront. The team is happy to drive guests around by golf cart, but guests cannot drive the carts themselves. We’d recommend flagging any mobility concerns when booking and requesting a building that minimizes the amount of walking you’ll need to do.
Location: Blevio, on Lake Como's Quieter Eastern Shore
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como sits directly on the water in Blevio, on the quieter eastern shore of Lake Como. The setting is beautiful and noticeably removed from the busier towns and tourist activity that define other parts of the lake. Historic villas, steep gardens, and enormous trees surround the property, with water views from almost everywhere you look.
That peaceful setting is one of the hotel’s biggest strengths, but it also means you’ll want to think about transportation before you arrive. Mandarin Oriental is not a hotel where you can walk out the front door and spend the afternoon wandering between lakefront shops and restaurants. Como town is relatively easy to reach by car, while the famous mid-lake destinations are much better experienced by boat.
Getting to Mandarin Oriental Lake Como
There are several practical ways to reach the resort depending on where you’re coming from.
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Approximately 45 to 50 minutes by car.
- Milan Linate Airport (LIN): Approximately 60 to 75 minutes by car.
- Milano Centrale: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.
We traveled through Italy by train, taking the Frecciarossa from Florence to Milano Centrale in about 1 hour and 55 minutes before transferring to a private car for the roughly one-hour drive to the hotel. If you’re already traveling through Italy, this can be an easy alternative to flying into Milan.
If you’re coming directly from the United States, your arrival logistics will depend on your itinerary and flight availability. We recommend coordinating the transfer in advance rather than figuring it out once you arrive in Milan.
Getting Around During Your Stay
The hotel has several options for getting around, and we used them throughout our stay.
The Mandarin Oriental-branded van operates as a complimentary shuttle to and from Como town, which was particularly convenient when we wanted to spend time in Como without arranging a separate car.
The hotel also has house cars that you can arrange for destinations farther afield. We used one for dinner at Villa d’Este and appreciated not having to worry about transportation after dinner.
But the most valuable transportation amenity is the private dock. If you’re planning to see Lake Como properly, we’d prioritize at least one boat day during your stay. Being picked up directly from the hotel means you can spend the day on the water without an extra transfer to a marina.
The Resort's Layout
One thing we did not fully appreciate before arriving is how spread out the property feels. The 75 rooms and suites are divided among nine separate buildings, giving the accommodations plenty of privacy but also making the resort feel much larger than its key count suggests.
The grounds are extremely hilly, with sloped stone and gravel paths connecting the rooms, restaurants, spa, and waterfront. The hotel team will drive you around by golf cart when needed, but guests cannot operate the carts themselves.
If you prefer to walk rather than rely on transportation, we’d specifically request a building closer to the waterfront and restaurants when booking. If mobility is a concern, mention it in your reservation notes from the beginning so the hotel can take it into account when assigning your accommodation.
One of the things we liked most about the setting is that the resort never feels like it is simply sitting beside Lake Como. The lake, gardens, historic architecture, and enormous mature trees are integrated into the experience at every turn. You do have to work a little harder to get around, but the payoff is a property that feels exceptionally private and secluded.
Our Take: The Blevio location is ideal if you want a quieter Lake Como base and plan to spend meaningful time enjoying the hotel itself. It is less convenient if you want to explore a different town every night on foot. For us, the private dock more than made up for the lack of walkability because it made the lake the easiest way to explore.
Arrival at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como
Our arrival immediately set the tone for the rest of the stay. We were greeted by name and brought into a beautiful private room at the end of the hallway to check in. Instead of standing at a traditional front desk, we settled into a more private space, where we were offered warm towels and a welcome tea.
It was a small but meaningful introduction to the hotel’s style. Everything felt gracious, polished, and highly attentive from the beginning, without feeling rushed.
After check-in, we were escorted to our room by buggy. Once we arrived, the team took the time to walk us through the suite and explain how everything worked. We were also welcomed with a generous in-room amenity, including large flower arrangements, fresh fruit, and chocolates.
Communicating With the Hotel
Throughout our stay, WhatsApp was our primary way of communicating with the hotel, and it was particularly useful given how spread out the property is. Instead of tracking down a phone or walking to the front desk, we could communicate with the team directly from our phones.
The hotel also has traditional room phones available if you prefer to communicate that way.
One small detail worth knowing before you arrive: the hotel provides a resort map, which is useful for getting your bearings across the nine-building property. The layout isn’t immediately intuitive, especially when you’re trying to find facilities like the fitness center, so we recommend keeping the map handy on your first day.
The Overall Atmosphere
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is decidedly formal. Guests dressed for dinner, service was highly attentive, and the property consistently felt polished and glamorous. We never found that formality unwelcoming, but travelers looking for the relaxed, residential feeling of a small Italian villa may prefer another Lake Como property.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como Rooms & Suites: Which Should You Book
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como has 75 rooms, suites, and private villas spread across nine separate buildings. That layout gives the accommodations privacy and makes the resort feel much larger than the key count suggests. Most accommodations face the lake, and because the buildings are scattered throughout the gardens, the experience can feel more like staying in a private estate than a traditional hotel.
After five nights here, the room decision we think matters most isn’t simply choosing the largest category. It is choosing an accommodation with meaningful private outdoor space.
Our Suite: Two-Bedroom Vista Lago Suite in Abete
We stayed in the Two-Bedroom Vista Lago Suite in Abete, which is roughly 1,097 square feet. The suite has two large bedrooms, separate living and dining areas, a marble bathroom, and a furnished terrace overlooking the lake.
For a family, the layout worked extremely well. We had plenty of room to spread out over five nights, and the separation between the bedrooms and living spaces gave everyone comfortable privacy.
The best part of the suite, however, was the outdoor space.
We had our own private lawn with loungers and a hot tub overlooking Lake Como. It felt genuinely private, and having that much outdoor space completely changed our experience of the property. This became especially important once we experienced the limited number of loungers around the floating pool.
If you are choosing between a room with a beautiful view and a room with meaningful private outdoor space, we would give the outdoor space serious consideration here. Having your own lawn and loungers meant we never had to worry about finding somewhere comfortable to spend the afternoon.
One service issue with the hot tub is worth mentioning. It worked perfectly for the first two days and then stopped working. We contacted the hotel and asked someone to take a look, but unfortunately no one came before the end of our stay. This was the one meaningful service miss we experienced during an otherwise gracious and highly professional stay.
How to Choose a Room
| Room Category | Size | View | Best For | Our Take |
| Superior Room | 269 sq. ft. | Garden | Short stays, travelers who plan to spend little time in the room | The entry-level option. Lovely, but we’d upgrade if the budget allows. |
| Deluxe Room | 473 sq. ft. | Partial lake | Couples wanting more space | A meaningful step up in size, with a private balcony and partial lake views. |
| Vista Lago Room | 333 sq. ft. | Lake | Couples who prioritize views | Our pick among the standard rooms. The private balcony or terrace makes a big difference. |
| Junior Suite | 721 sq. ft. | Garden | Couples wanting a little more space | A good middle ground if you want suite-style space without moving into the larger categories. |
| Vista Lago Suite | 581 sq. ft. | Lake | Couples who want a true suite | Our favorite for couples. Separate living space, lake views, and a balcony or terrace. |
| Mandarin Vista Lago Suite | 861 sq. ft. | Lake | Couples or small families | Best overall upgrade. Recently redesigned with a spacious living room, master bedroom, kitchenette, and balcony or terrace. |
| Vista Lago Duplex Terrace Suite | 914 sq. ft. | Lake + pool | Travelers who want a dramatic terrace | A distinctive split-level option with floor-to-ceiling windows and views toward the floating pool and lake. |
| Two Bedroom Vista Lago Suite | 1,097 sq. ft. | Lake | Families | Our family pick. Large furnished terrace, separate living and dining areas, and plenty of space to spread out. |
| Panoramic Terrace Suite | 624 sq. ft. | Lake + mountains + gardens | Special occasions | The standout for entertaining and views, with a remarkable 270-degree terrace in Villa Roccabruna. |
| Penthouse Suite | 1,044 sq. ft. | Lake | Romantic splurge | Historic Villa Roccabruna setting, high ceilings, exposed beams, and a large terrace. |
| Panoramic Suite with Private Pool | 1,248 sq. ft. | Lake | The ultimate splurge | The most exclusive suite. It has the resort’s only private pool overlooking Lake Como. |
| Villa Della Rocca | 1,098 sq. ft. | Lake + mountains | Couples seeking privacy | A one-bedroom, two-level villa with private terrace and outdoor lounge. |
| Villa Del Lago | 3,692 sq. ft. | Lake + mountains | Large families/groups | A three-bedroom private villa spread across four floors with its own garden and expansive living spaces. |
Private outdoor space is the single biggest room-selection consideration we’d keep in mind when booking Mandarin Oriental Lake Como. Because loungers around the floating pool are limited, having your own terrace, lawn, or garden gives you a valuable alternative on busy days. Building placement matters too: if minimizing walking is important, request accommodations closer to the waterfront and restaurants.
For couples, we’d look at the lake-view suites with a furnished terrace, particularly if you plan to spend several days enjoying the property rather than using the hotel primarily as a base for exploring.
For families or longer stays, we particularly liked the Two-Bedroom Vista Lago Suite configuration. Two real bedrooms, separate living and dining areas, and private outdoor space made the five-night stay much more comfortable than a standard hotel room would have been.
Building placement is another consideration. Because the resort spans nine buildings and the grounds are steep, we’d request a building closer to the waterfront and restaurants if minimizing walking is important to you. If you have mobility concerns, mention them when booking so the hotel or your travel advisor can consider them when assigning your room.
The rooms also feature Diptyque toiletries, which were provided throughout our stay.
When comparing categories, we would also recommend looking beyond the room’s interior square footage. At this property, the location of your accommodation, the amount of outdoor space, and how easily you can access the rest of the resort can have just as much impact on your stay as the size of the room itself.
Because room categories and inventory can change, we recommend confirming the current accommodation options and private outdoor space availability before booking.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como Pool & Beach: What to Know
The Floating Pool: Spectacular, With One Honest Trade-Off
The floating pool at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is one of the most visually incredible pool settings we have experienced. It is 40 meters long, heated, and built directly out over the lake, creating the feeling that you are swimming on Lake Como itself. The pool was also restored ahead of the 2026 season, so the entire area felt fresh during our stay.
NAMI Cafe sits directly beside the pool, making it easy to spend most of the afternoon here without needing to leave the waterfront. We especially enjoyed the Limone Pizza from the poolside menu.
There are cabanas at one end of the pool deck, but the main thing to understand before booking is that the number of loungers is limited. All of the loungers are confined to the deck immediately surrounding the floating pool. There is no lawn, second sun terrace, or overflow area where guests can spread out once the main deck fills up.
We experienced this firsthand. On one particularly busy day, we waited about an hour and still only managed to get two loungers for our group. The small seating area beside NAMI Cafe is not really an alternative if your goal is to lie in the sun and spend the afternoon by the water.
This is where the private lawn at our suite made such a difference. With our own outdoor space, we could retreat to our loungers and enjoy the lake view without worrying about whether we would find a chair at the pool. In our experience, this is one of the strongest reasons to prioritize a room or suite with private outdoor space when booking this hotel.
If spending your days by the pool is important to you, we would either book a category with a private lawn, terrace, or garden, or plan to arrive early on sunny days to claim loungers.
The hotel also has an indoor pool located within the spa. It is heated and includes a jacuzzi and massage stations, making it a good alternative when the outdoor pool is busy or when you simply want a quieter swim.
Does Mandarin Oriental Lake Como Have a Beach?
No. Unlike some Lake Como hotels, Mandarin Oriental does not have a traditional beach or lakeside swimming area. Instead, the floating pool serves as the property’s primary waterfront swimming experience.
For direct access to the lake, the resort’s private dock is one of its biggest advantages. Private boats and water taxis can pick you up directly from the hotel, making it easy to explore Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, and other towns around Lake Como without relying entirely on the roads.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como Spa & Wellness
The spa was one of the biggest highlights of our entire stay. It is huge, beautifully designed, and much more extensive than we expected, with enough facilities to make it worth setting aside several hours rather than simply booking a treatment and leaving.
At roughly 1,300 square meters, the spa is the largest on Lake Como, and for travelers who prioritize wellness, we think it is one of the strongest reasons to choose Mandarin Oriental.
The facilities include a heated indoor pool with a jacuzzi and massage stations, a saline bath, experience showers, a Finnish sauna, a steam room, and a cold plunge. The cold plunge was particularly memorable because snow falls from the ceiling while you use it. It was easily one of the most unusual and memorable wellness facilities we experienced during our entire trip.
We also booked a massage during our stay. Before the treatment, the therapist spent time going through our preferences, including scents and areas we wanted to focus on, so the experience felt personalized rather than like a standard treatment.
The massage itself was wonderful, but the bigger takeaway was to plan time around your treatment. This is not a spa where we’d recommend arriving five minutes before your appointment and leaving as soon as it ends. The heat and water facilities are a major part of the experience, and we would leave at least some time before or after your treatment to actually use them.
The Fitness Center
We found the fitness center unnecessarily difficult to locate. It is two floors down in a separate building and at the end of a long hallway, and it does not connect directly to the spa.
The hotel provides a resort map that identifies the building, but we didn’t find the location particularly intuitive. The team also did not really explain where it was during check-in. If working out is important to you, we’d recommend asking for directions or requesting a cart the first time rather than trying to find it on your own.
The fitness center also has a kids’ playroom with a movie screen, which is a nice addition for families.
The spa, by contrast, was one of the easiest parts of the resort to appreciate. Between the indoor pool, thermal facilities, treatment rooms, and unusual cold plunge, it feels much more like a destination wellness facility than a standard hotel spa. If you are considering Mandarin Oriental Lake Como specifically for a wellness-focused trip, we would build your itinerary around the spa rather than treating it as an optional afternoon activity.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como Restaurants & Dining
Dining is another strong part of the Mandarin Oriental Lake Como experience, with three restaurants and bars on property, plus in-room and private dining. The three main options give you a good range, from Michelin-starred fine dining at L’ARIA to casual meals by the water at CO.MO Bar & Bistrot and poolside dining at NAMI Cafe.
Breakfast is served at L’ARIA in a beautiful glassed-in greenhouse room surrounded by windows. We thought this was one of the prettiest breakfast settings on the property, and breakfast was included with our advisor booking.
L’ARIA
L’ARIA is the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant and holds one Michelin star. Executive Chef Massimiliano Blasone’s menu combines Italian dishes with Japanese technique, creating a more contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine.
The restaurant was completely redesigned for the 2026 season by Herzog & de Meuron, with Venetian terrazzo, Italian marble, dark woods, and a pressed cast-glass ceiling. The design feels sophisticated and appropriately formal for the hotel’s overall atmosphere.
Breakfast is also served here each morning. The greenhouse-style dining room is surrounded by windows, so you get plenty of natural light while looking out toward the gardens and lake. We appreciated that breakfast felt like an experience rather than simply a meal you squeeze in before heading out for the day.
CO.MO Bar & Bistrot
CO.MO Bar & Bistrot was our favorite casual dining option on the property.
It sits directly on the water and has a large outdoor terrace, making it one of the best places to enjoy the lake without committing to a formal meal. It is open from 11 a.m. until midnight and serves Italian-inspired all-day dining, along with a cocktail list built around different regions of Italy.
Our standout dish was the ricotta ravioli with pesto and coulis di pomodorini. It was one of our favorite dishes of the entire stay and exactly the kind of meal we wanted after a day spent by the lake.
CO.MO is also the most practical restaurant for families because it offers a kids’ menu.
Another small detail we loved was the gelato cart that appeared on the patio in the evenings. The stracciatella was so good that we looked forward to it each night.
NAMI Cafe
NAMI Cafe is located beside the floating pool and offers Asian-inspired dishes with an international influence.
We especially enjoyed the Limone Pizza, our favorite dish at the restaurant. The location makes NAMI an easy choice when you want to spend the day at the pool without interrupting it for lunch.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the small seating area around NAMI is not really an alternative to the pool loungers. If you are hoping to spend several hours lying in the sun, you’ll still want to secure a lounger around the floating pool or have private outdoor space at your accommodation.
In-Room Dining
We also tried in-room dining during our stay, and one of the biggest surprises was how much we enjoyed it.
The Pollo alla Diavola, served with salted chicory, was randomly one of our favorite meals of the entire trip. It is not necessarily the dish we’d have expected to remember from a luxury hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, but it was genuinely excellent.
That experience reminded us that not every great meal during a Lake Como stay needs to involve getting dressed up and sitting down for a formal dinner. Sometimes the best option is ordering dinner back to your room and enjoying it with the view.
With three distinct dining options, in-room dining, and private dining available, we never felt like we were running out of places to eat during our five nights. The biggest difference between the outlets is the level of formality, so we mixed them throughout our stay rather than planning every meal around the hotel’s most formal restaurant.
Boat Days, the Private Dock, and Activities
The private dock is one of the best things about Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como. We think seeing Lake Como from the water is essential, and stepping directly from the hotel onto a boat makes the experience remarkably easy.
During our stay, we took a three-hour private boat tour directly from the property, arranged through the hotel. Our captain was excellent and took us past many of the classic sights, including Bellagio, Tremezzo, Lenno, Isola Comacina, and Cernobbio. Being picked up at the hotel’s own dock meant we could start the day without first arranging a car to another marina.
That said, there are plenty of ways to plan a boat day on Lake Como, and the experience can vary significantly depending on what you book. Our tour was more structured and sightseeing-focused, taking us directly to Bellagio and back with sightseeing along the way. It was a great way to see the lake, but it felt somewhat more formal than the relaxed, leisurely day we had envisioned. Family friends who arranged their boat through a different provider had a much more laid-back experience, with time to swim, drinks included, and more flexibility to simply enjoy being out on the water.
The takeaway is that we would absolutely recommend doing a boat day, but think about what kind of experience you want before booking. If your priority is seeing the classic Lake Como sights, a more traditional private tour can be a great fit. If you are picturing a slower afternoon of swimming, drinks, and cruising at your own pace, look for an operator that specifically offers that style of experience. The hotel can arrange everything for you, which is certainly convenient, but it is worth discussing your preferences with the concierge so they can match you with the right type of boat day.
The boat itself also gives you a completely different perspective on the lake. You see the historic villas and villages from the water, understand how the different parts of the lake connect, and can cover much more ground without spending the day navigating the narrow roads around the shore.
If you’re visiting during the busier summer months, we’d recommend arranging your boat day well in advance. This is one of the experiences we would prioritize when booking, rather than waiting until you arrive.
For destinations that are not as easily reached by boat, the hotel can arrange transportation by car. We used a house car for dinner at Villa d’Este and also for time in Como town. The complimentary Mandarin Oriental shuttle van is another convenient option for getting into Como.
Other Activities
There is plenty to do beyond the pool, spa, and restaurants. The concierge can arrange private boat excursions, water sports on the lake, hiking in the surrounding mountains, cycling, and visits to some of the area’s most famous villas and towns.
Some of the experiences available include:
- Private boat tours on Lake Como
- Water sports on the lake
- Hiking in the surrounding mountains
- Cycling around Lake Como
- Visits to Bellagio and Varenna
- Tours of Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta
- Wine tastings at nearby vineyards and local cellars
- Spa treatments and wellness experiences
- Time at the indoor and floating pools
- Fitness facilities and classes
If you want to explore beyond the hotel, we’d recommend building at least one full day around the lake rather than trying to squeeze several destinations into a few hours. The beauty of staying at Mandarin Oriental is that you can have a very resort-focused day one day and then use the private dock to turn the next into a full Lake Como adventure.
The activity schedule and seasonal offerings can change, so we’d recommend checking the current calendar before your stay and asking the hotel or your advisor what is operating during your dates.
Is Mandarin Oriental Lake Como Family-Friendly?
We would not describe Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como as a traditional family resort. It suits families who are comfortable in refined restaurants, getting dressed for dinner, and building their days around boat trips, sightseeing, the spa, and exploring the lake.
The Two-Bedroom Vista Lago Suite suited us particularly well, with separate bedrooms, living and dining areas, and private outdoor space. The property also has a kids’ menu, a fitness center playroom, and a nightly gelato cart, although there is no kids’ club or extensive supervised programming.
The biggest consideration for families is the hotel’s formal atmosphere. We never felt unwelcome with children, but this is a polished environment rather than a casual pool resort. For us, having private outdoor space was especially valuable given the limited pool loungers, and we would consider room category carefully when booking a family stay here.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como vs. Other Luxury Hotels
Lake Como has one of the deepest luxury hotel lineups in Italy, and each of the lake’s standout properties offers a very different version of the destination. After staying at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, we think the best way to compare it is not to ask which hotel is universally better, but which one fits the trip you are planning.
Mandarin Oriental sits somewhere between the grand, formal glamour of Villa d’Este and the more resort-oriented side of Lake Como. It has the sense of occasion you expect from one of the lake’s historic addresses, but with a much more extensive spa, contemporary design elements, and a private dock that makes exploring the lake particularly easy.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como vs. Villa d’Este
Villa d’Este in Cernobbio is probably the closest comparison. Both properties are formal, glamorous, and built around a strong sense of occasion. Both also have famous pools extending over the water, making them two of the most recognizable luxury hotels on Lake Como.
The biggest difference is that Villa d’Este has the advantage of being a true historic grand dame in a more convenient town position. Mandarin Oriental feels more secluded and resort-like, with its nine-building layout, extensive gardens, enormous spa, and private dock.
We also had dinner at Villa d’Este during our Mandarin Oriental stay, and the two properties actually pair very naturally on the same trip.
If you love Villa d’Este, we think you’ll love Mandarin Oriental because it delivers that same sense of glamour and occasion while adding a much more extensive wellness experience and a private dock for exploring the lake.
Choose Villa d’Este if you want the historic grand-dame experience, a more convenient location, and the ability to step outside the hotel and explore Cernobbio.
Choose Mandarin Oriental if you want a more secluded setting, a serious spa, contemporary touches, and the convenience of departing directly from the hotel’s dock for a day on the lake.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como vs. Passalacqua
Passalacqua is almost the opposite experience. With just 24 rooms spread across three buildings on an 18th-century estate, it feels intimate and residential, whereas Mandarin Oriental feels large and polished.
If what you love about Lake Como is the feeling of staying in a private Italian villa, Passalacqua is likely the stronger choice. It has a sense of intimacy that is difficult for a 75-key resort spread across nine buildings to replicate.
Mandarin Oriental, on the other hand, makes more sense if you want a full-service resort with extensive wellness facilities, multiple dining options, a dramatic floating pool, and plenty to do without leaving the property.
Choose Passalacqua if privacy, intimacy, and residential warmth are your priorities.
Choose Mandarin Oriental if you want more amenities, a destination-level spa, multiple dining options, and the convenience of a private dock.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como vs. Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of the hotels we’d consider for a first trip to Lake Como. Its position on the western shore gives guests the classic Lake Como experience, with Bellagio directly across the water and a lively atmosphere around the hotel.
Mandarin Oriental feels quieter and more secluded. Rather than looking directly across at Bellagio, you’re tucked into the eastern shore in Blevio, surrounded by gardens and historic villas.
Choose Grand Hotel Tremezzo if this is your first Lake Como trip and you want the classic postcard setting, a beach club atmosphere, and Bellagio views.
Choose Mandarin Oriental if you want a quieter base, a more formal atmosphere, and a much deeper wellness experience.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como vs. Il Sereno
Il Sereno in Torno is another strong option on the quieter eastern side of the lake, but the design philosophy is completely different. It is small, modern, and distinctly contemporary, with Patricia Urquiola’s design throughout.
If you prefer contemporary architecture and a more intimate hotel experience, Il Sereno is worth considering. Mandarin Oriental has a much larger footprint and combines contemporary design elements with the historic Villa Roccabruna and the surrounding estate.
Choose Il Sereno if you want a small, modern, design-focused hotel.
Choose Mandarin Oriental if you want more amenities, a larger resort experience, extensive wellness facilities, and the combination of historic surroundings with contemporary touches.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como vs. Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio is the easiest choice for travelers who want to walk out of their hotel and immediately be in a town.
That’s the biggest difference. Bellagio gives you restaurants, shops, waterfront walks, and the ability to explore on foot without arranging a car or boat every time you want to go somewhere.
Mandarin Oriental is much more secluded. The trade-off is that the hotel itself feels like a destination, and the private dock makes it particularly easy to explore the lake by boat.
Choose Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni if being able to walk directly into Bellagio is important to you.
Choose Mandarin Oriental if you would rather retreat to a beautiful resort at the end of the day and have the lake itself serve as your transportation.
If You Love Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum
There is also an obvious comparison for Mandarin Oriental loyalists. If you love Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, we think you’ll find a lot to appreciate here. Both properties combine dramatic waterfront settings, standout wellness facilities, and the polished service associated with Mandarin Oriental, though the overall atmosphere and architecture differ.
Lake Como swaps the Aegean for the Italian Alps, historic villas, and one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes.
Best Time to Visit Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is a seasonal property, so when you visit can make a noticeable difference in both the atmosphere and how much you can enjoy the waterfront facilities. The floating pool typically operates from around May through October, although we recommend confirming the hotel’s current opening and closing dates before planning your trip.
Late Spring: May and June
May and June are some of our favorite months for experiencing Lake Como. The gardens are incredibly lush, the lake is surrounded by greenery, and the floating pool is generally open throughout the season, although it may still be quite cold this time of year.
This is also a good window if you want to avoid the highest summer crowds and rates. The weather can be a little less predictable than in July and August, but the trade-off is a more relaxed atmosphere throughout the lake.
Peak Summer: July and August
July and August bring the warmest weather and highest demand. The floating pool is especially popular during these months, so we’d prioritize private outdoor space and book L’ARIA, boat days, and popular off-property dinners well in advance.
September and October
September and early October are particularly appealing for travelers who want warm days without the intensity of peak summer. The crowds begin to thin, the light over the lake is beautiful, and the gardens still look fantastic.
The floating pool typically remains open into October, but seasonal schedules can change, so confirm the current operating dates before booking if the pool is an important part of your trip.
How Many Nights Should You Stay at Mandarin Oriental Lake Como?
We recommend two to four nights for most travelers, depending on how much time you want to spend at the hotel versus exploring Lake Como. Two to three nights works well for a shorter stay, giving you enough time to enjoy the property, spend an afternoon at the pool, experience the spa, have dinner at the property’s restaurants, and get out on the lake. Four nights gives you a little more breathing room and makes it easier to balance resort time with a full day on the water or additional exploring.
We found that five nights felt a little longer than necessary for us. While there is plenty to enjoy at the resort, we think most travelers will get the best sense of the property and the surrounding area with two to four nights, especially if exploring Lake Como is a priority.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como FAQs
Where is Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, located?
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is located directly on the lake in Blevio, on the quieter eastern shore. The resort is surrounded by historic villas, steep gardens, and mature trees, with lake views throughout the property. Milan Malpensa Airport is approximately 45 to 50 minutes away by car, while Milan Linate is about 60 to 75 minutes away.
Does Mandarin Oriental Lake Como have a floating pool?
Yes. The resort has a 40-meter heated floating pool built out over Lake Como. It was restored ahead of the 2026 season and is one of the property’s most visually impressive features.
The main thing to know is that loungers are limited to the deck immediately surrounding the pool. There is no additional lawn or second sun terrace, so the pool area can become difficult to navigate on busy days. We recommend arriving early for a lounger or choosing a room category with private outdoor space.
How many rooms does Mandarin Oriental Lake Como have?
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como has 75 rooms, suites, and private villas spread across nine separate buildings. The layout gives the accommodations a sense of privacy, but it also makes the resort feel much larger than the key count suggests.
Does Mandarin Oriental Lake Como have a beach?
No. The property does not have a traditional sandy beach. The waterfront consists of the floating pool, pool deck, and private dock.
For swimming, guests can use the heated floating pool or the heated indoor pool in the spa.
What is the spa like at Mandarin Oriental Lake Como?
The spa is one of the property’s highlights and, in our opinion, one of its strongest competitive advantages. At roughly 1,300 square meters, it is an extensive wellness facility with a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi and massage stations, saline bath, experience showers, Finnish sauna, steam room, and a cold plunge where snow falls from the ceiling.
We’d recommend allowing plenty of time around a treatment so you can actually enjoy the facilities. The spa is much more than a place to get a massage.
What restaurants are at Mandarin Oriental Lake Como?
The hotel has three main dining outlets, plus in-room and private dining.
L’ARIA is the hotel’s Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant, led by Executive Chef Massimiliano Blasone. The menu combines Italian dishes with Japanese technique, and Herzog & de Meuron redesigned the restaurant for the 2026 season. Breakfast is also served here in the beautiful glassed-in greenhouse room.
CO.MO Bar & Bistrot is the more casual option, serving Italian-inspired all-day dining directly on the water from 11 a.m. until midnight. This was our favorite casual restaurant during the stay, and the ricotta ravioli with pesto and coulis di pomodorini was one of our favorite dishes.
NAMI Cafe sits beside the floating pool and serves Asian-inspired dishes with an international influence. We especially enjoyed the Limone Pizza.
Is Mandarin Oriental Lake Como family-friendly?
For the right family, yes. Our Two-Bedroom Vista Lago Suite gave everyone plenty of space and privacy, and our private lawn and loungers made a big difference.
CO.MO Bar & Bistrot has a kids’ menu, and the fitness center has a kids’ playroom with a movie screen. The nightly gelato cart is another easy family favorite.
The important caveat is that this is a formal hotel without a kids’ club. It suits families who are comfortable in refined restaurants and enjoy boat trips, sightseeing, and structured activities, rather than families looking for a casual resort with extensive children’s programming.
Is Mandarin Oriental Lake Como walkable to the lake towns?
No. Blevio is a quiet area of the lake, and the hotel is not within walking distance of the main towns most visitors want to explore.
The hotel operates a complimentary shuttle into Como, can arrange house-car transportation for destinations farther away, and has a private dock for boat trips. We found the dock particularly valuable because it made getting around the lake much easier.
How does Mandarin Oriental Lake Como compare to Villa d’Este?
These are two of the lake’s most formal and glamorous hotels, and both have famous pools built over the water. Villa d’Este has the advantage of being the historic grand dame in a more convenient town position, while Mandarin Oriental offers a much more extensive spa, contemporary design elements, and a private dock.
We had dinner at Villa d’Este during our stay, and the two properties pair naturally on the same Lake Como itinerary.
Why book Mandarin Oriental Lake Como through Ourisman Travel?
Our firsthand experience at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como allows us to help you choose the right room, location, and overall experience for your stay. Eligible reservations may also receive Mandarin Oriental FAN Club benefits and personalized VIP support.
Final Thoughts: Is Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como Worth It?
After five nights at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, we came away thinking this is one of the strongest choices on Lake Como for travelers who want glamour, exceptional wellness facilities, beautiful dining, and easy access to the lake by boat.
What makes the property compelling is also what makes it specific: this is a polished, formal resort rather than a casual Italian escape. Room selection matters, particularly when it comes to private outdoor space, and the steep grounds and Blevio location won’t suit every traveler.
For travelers whose priorities align with what Mandarin Oriental does best, however, we think it’s an excellent choice and one of the most complete luxury resort experiences on Lake Como.
What We Loved
- The setting. One of the most beautiful hotel properties we have experienced, with the lake, historic villas, gardens, and mature trees integrated throughout the estate.
- The spa. Easily one of the highlights of the stay and one of the strongest wellness facilities we’ve experienced on Lake Como.
- The private dock. Leaving directly from the hotel for a three-hour boat day made exploring the lake incredibly easy.
- The floating pool. Visually spectacular, heated, and built directly over the lake.
- Our suite. The Two-Bedroom Vista Lago Suite gave our family plenty of space, privacy, and one of the property’s most valuable amenities: a private lawn.
- L’ARIA. The Michelin-starred restaurant and beautiful greenhouse breakfast room are both highlights.
- CO.MO Bar & Bistrot. Our favorite casual dining option, particularly for the waterside setting, ricotta ravioli, and nightly gelato cart.
- The service. Consistently kind, welcoming, and highly professional throughout our stay.
- The sense of occasion. If you enjoy a more formal, polished hotel experience, Mandarin Oriental delivers it extremely well.
What to Keep in Mind
- The pool loungers. The limited number of loungers and lack of a second sun terrace are the property’s biggest practical weakness.
- The hot tub service. We reported the issue when it stopped working, but it was never repaired during our stay.
- The grounds. The steep, spread-out layout is beautiful but can be difficult to navigate on foot.
- The gym location. It is surprisingly difficult to find and is not connected to the spa.
- The formality. We enjoyed it, but travelers looking for a relaxed, residential Lake Como experience may prefer a smaller property.
- The lack of walkability. Blevio is quiet and beautiful, but you’ll need a car, shuttle, or boat to explore most of the lake.
Who Should Stay at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como?
If you want a glamorous Lake Como experience, prioritize wellness, enjoy beautiful dining, and plan to explore the lake by boat, we would absolutely recommend Mandarin Oriental.
For couples, the combination of the setting, spa, dining, and private dock makes it an especially compelling choice for a romantic trip. For families, the larger suites with private outdoor space can work extremely well, as long as everyone is comfortable with the hotel’s more formal atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a casual resort where you can spend every day barefoot by a pool or beach, we’d look elsewhere. The same goes for travelers who want to walk directly from their hotel into a lively lake town. Passalacqua, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, or another property may make more sense depending on what matters most to you.
For travelers who want a combination of glamour, wellness, privacy, and easy lake access, however, Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is a compelling choice.
Our Final Verdict: Mandarin Oriental is our choice for travelers who want one of Lake Como’s most impressive spas, a spectacular floating pool, beautiful formal dining, and the convenience of a private dock. Villa d’Este remains the classic grand-dame choice, Passalacqua is better for intimacy and residential warmth, and Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is better for walking directly into Bellagio. But if you want a polished Lake Como resort where wellness and exploring the lake by boat are central to the experience, Mandarin Oriental is hard to beat.
Booking Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como Through Ourisman Travel
Booking Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como through Ourisman Travel means having an advisor who knows the property firsthand and can help with the details that actually affect your stay. We can help select the right room or suite, communicate preferences directly with the hotel, and coordinate transportation, dining, spa appointments, boat days, and other experiences before you arrive.
Our Hotel Only service is completely complimentary, while our Tailored Luxury planning service can coordinate a more complex Italy itinerary, including Lake Como, Milan, Florence, Rome, private transfers, trains, boat charters, restaurants, and experiences.
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como participates in the Mandarin Oriental FAN Club, making the advisor relationship particularly valuable for eligible bookings.
Mandarin Oriental FAN Club Benefits
When applicable, current FAN Club benefits may include:
- Complimentary daily breakfast for two
- A hotel or property credit
- Room upgrade priority, subject to availability
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
- VIP recognition and a welcome amenity
Benefits can vary by rate and date, so we always recommend confirming the current FAN Club inclusions before booking.
At a property like Mandarin Oriental, the booking decision goes well beyond simply choosing the hotelThe room category can meaningfully change the experience. We learned firsthand that private outdoor space is particularly valuable here because of the limited number of pool loungers. We can help identify which accommodations have the outdoor space that makes the most sense for your trip and request the right building based on your preferences.
The nine-building layout is another reason to plan ahead. If you’d rather minimize walking, we can request a location closer to the waterfront and restaurants. If mobility is a concern, we can communicate that with the hotel before arrival rather than leaving it to chance.
The private dock is another feature we’d plan around. During the summer, we’d recommend arranging your boat day in advance so you can make the most of one of the hotel’s biggest advantages.
We can also coordinate L’ARIA reservations, dinners off property, house-car transportation, spa appointments, and other activities before you arrive. For the spa in particular, we’d recommend building enough time around your treatment to actually enjoy the facilities rather than simply scheduling a massage.
And perhaps most importantly, we’ll tell you if Mandarin Oriental isn’t the right hotel for your trip. If you want a casual, residential experience, a walkable town, or a relaxed pool-and-lawn resort, we’d rather point you toward a property that fits those priorities. We think that’s one of the most important parts of working with a travel advisor: knowing the hotels well enough to recommend the right one, even when that means recommending something else.
Book Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como Now
Ready to book Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como? Email us at [email protected] or submit our Travel Request Form to check current rates, availability, promotions, and Mandarin Oriental FAN club benefits, and start planning your stay.
If you’re still exploring your options, we have several resources to help you, including our complimentary booking tool, a Preferred Hotels Map, and detailed blog posts. We look forward to helping you book your journey to Lake Como!
