The money I saved by not staying on the lake in Italy bought me a daily scoop of gelato.
Somewhere in Northern Italy 🇮🇹
Took a summer trip to Italy 🇮🇹❣️ This time I went to Como. While researching, I saw that accommodation around Lake Como is super expensive, especially those hotels right on the lake with a view—a single night there will easily burn a hole in your travel budget. This time, I chose the B&B Hotel Como. Even though it's not right on the waterfront, my overall stay was fantastic, and the price was very reasonable. Highly recommend it to budget-conscious travelers who don't want to settle for a hostel.
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📍 Location: 15-minute walk from the train station, direct bus to the lake
I took the train from Milan to Como, and it's about a 15-minute walk to the hotel after exiting the station. It's not a long walk, and the roads are flat, making it a pretty easy stroll.
Although the hotel isn't by the lake, there's a bus stop nearby. A 10-minute bus ride takes you straight to the Lake Como waterfront (Piazza Cavour). The buses run quite frequently, making it super convenient for daytime shopping and lake tours. Heading back at night isn't a hassle either.
A quick heads-up: If you're carrying a large suitcase, while the walk from the train station to the hotel isn't long, some parts of Como have cobblestone streets, making it a bit tough to drag luggage. I recommend packing light.
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🛏️ Room Experience: Super spacious with an en-suite bathroom
I stayed in a standard double room this time, and my first thought was—it's huge! Way more spacious than I expected. You can completely open and lay your suitcase flat and still have plenty of room to walk around. The bed was clean and comfortable, and the pillows were just right.
The room has a private bathroom and toilet, all kept very clean. The water pressure is solid, the hot water is plenty hot, and there's no need to fight other guests for the restroom.
The overall vibe is bright and minimalist. Without too much fuss, it has everything you need: a desk, a wardrobe, a TV, AC, and free Wi-Fi (speeds are decent).
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🍽️ Amenities: Microwave available, pastries for sale, and dinner savings
One awesome thing about this hotel is that there's a microwave in the lobby! This is a game-changer for budget travelers. You can buy food from nearby supermarkets to heat up for dinner or breakfast.
For example, I bought instant pasta, roasted chicken legs, salad, and bread from the supermarket, heated them up in the microwave at night, and paired it with some supermarket tiramisu for a rich and cheap Italian dinner. The money saved was exactly enough to treat myself to some gelato.
Plus, the hotel offers a simple, discounted breakfast: you can get fresh pastries, jam, coffee, etc., for a really cheap price. If you're in a rush in the morning, grabbing a bite right at the hotel is super convenient.
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🛒 Neighborhood Convenience: Several supermarkets nearby, super easy shopping
There are several supermarkets (like Lidl and Conad) right near the hotel, just a 5-8 minute walk away. Whether you need water, snacks, fruit, or ingredients for dinner, it's incredibly convenient.
I hit up the supermarket almost every day to restock, buying bread, ham, cheese, and lettuce to make myself simple breakfasts or lunches. I also bought a huge bottle of mineral water (water at Italian restaurants is pricey!), saving quite a bit of cash.
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💡 Quick Tips
1. Milan to Como: Take the train from Milano Centrale to Como Camerlata. It's best to book your tickets online in advance. The Milan train station is massive with tons of platforms, so I recommend arriving 30 minutes early to find your platform and avoid missing your train.
2. Pack light: The road from the train station to the hotel has cobblestones, so dragging luggage can be a workout. Try not to bring a super heavy suitcase, or just bring a backpack.
3. Where to buy bus tickets? You can just buy them directly from the driver when you board.
4. Weekend markets: If you happen to be in Como over the weekend, don't miss the weekend market by the lake. It's a quick bus ride from the hotel.
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📌 Bottom Line
B&B Hotel Como isn't some dreamy lake-view hotel, but it nails three major perks: "affordable, comfortable, and convenient":
· 15-minute walk from the train station
· Spacious rooms with an en-suite bathroom
· Microwave in the lobby, cheap breakfast available
· Multiple supermarkets nearby
· 10-minute bus ride to the lake
If you want to explore Lake Como on a budget without sacrificing your accommodation quality, this hotel is a solid choice. Use the money you save on lodging to eat gelato and take ferry rides around the lake 🚤