Photo: official website
Your stay — Piccolo Paradiso
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The Property — Piccolo Paradiso
Piccolo Paradiso is a modest three-star with genuine lake views from its hillside perch in the Como suburb of Cernobbio. The lobby feels like a sunlit, tiled sitting room — polished terrazzo floors, a vase of fresh flowers on the reception desk, and French doors opening onto a terrace that drops towards the water. Its USP is quiet: no disco bar, no tour groups, just solid Italian hospitality and a free shuttle down to the ferry dock. It suits couples or solo travellers who want a clean, calm base within walking distance of the lake but not right on the crowded waterfront.
Chronicles of Como
Como began as a Roman garrison town (Novum Comum) in 59 BC, founded by Julius Caesar to control the Alpine passes. Its medieval centre grew around the cathedral — begun in 1396 in Gothic style but finished with a Renaissance dome — and the Broletto, the old town hall. The silk industry, established in the 15th century using mulberry trees along the lake, made Como wealthy and remains a major employer today. Architecturally, the city is a compact mix of Romanesque churches, neoclassical facades by the Piermarini family, and rationalist villas from the 1930s. Contemporary Como is a prosperous lakeside town balancing high-end tourism (the Villa d’Este crowd) with a workaday Italian life that still feels authentic.
Best Time to Visit
Full Como guide →Best months
May and June for warm days (22-27°C), low rainfall, and the lake at its greenest before the peak crowds. September is equally good: the water is still swimmable, and the promenades are quieter.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are the absolute peak: school holidays across Europe, outdoor events like the Palio del Baradello in early July, and daily temperatures above 30°C. Hotel prices double or triple; book at least six months ahead for Piccolo Paradiso.
Budget shoulder season
Late April and October offer the best deals — 30-40% discounts on summer rates, highs around 17-20°C, and almost empty lake ferries. Just pack for occasional rain.
Weather & packing
Como’s climate quirk is the sudden late-afternoon storm that rolls off the Alps in summer, dropping hail and clearing within an hour. Pack a thin waterproof jacket (not an umbrella — it’s too windy on the lake) and a pair of sturdy slip-on shoes for the steep cobbled alleys.
Live City Briefing — Como
- The Funicolare Como-Brunate reopened after maintenance in spring 2026 — the 7-minute ride up to Brunate offers a free panoramic view of the lake and Alps.
- From June 2026, Como’s ZTL (limited traffic zone) expands to include more of the historic centre on weekends; non-resident cars need a permit or face fines, so use the free hotel shuttle or the 11 bus from Cernobbio.
- The new pedestrianised piazza in front of the cathedral is complete, with outdoor seating for the cafes on Via Vittorio Emanuele — expect it to be packed in July but worth a slow coffee.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Piccolo Paradiso, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floor 2 or higher, facing the internal courtyard rather than the street. These are likely quieter and offer more privacy.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floor 1 (ground level) facing the street — this is closest to Como's pedestrian traffic and any late-night footfall. Also avoid rooms directly adjacent to the lift shaft, which can carry mechanical noise.
Best views
Rooms at the rear of the building (likely facing internal courtyard or garden) give a quieter outlook; if you want a view of the town or lake, request a front-facing room on a higher floor, but expect more street noise.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 and above (assuming max 4 storeys for a 3-star in Como) are the quietest, especially if set back from the road.
🔊 Noise notes
Como's historic centre has pedestrian and light vehicle noise until late evening. Early morning deliveries and bin collections are common near smaller hotels. Street-facing rooms on lower floors will pick up chatter from nearby bars and restaurants.
Insider tips
1. Request a room with a balcony if available — many 3-star hotels in Como offer them, and they give you the option to open windows for fresh air without letting in ground-floor noise. 2. If arriving by car, ask about nearby public parking (Como has limited hotel parking) and whether they offer a discount at a partner garage.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Piccolo Paradiso
Free basic WiFi (up to 10 Mbps) for all guests; no login required on first device; premium 50 Mbps available at €5/day
Small lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections
No digital newsstand; complimentary physical copies of Corriere della Sera and The Guardian at breakfast
Check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop available from 10:00 at reception; late check-out until 12:30 for €25, subject to availability
Free storage at reception on check-in day only; no overnight storage
Step-free access via side ramp; lift fits standard wheelchair; room 103 has widened doors and roll-in shower — book direct
No on-site parking; nearest public garage is Garage Lario at Viale Varese 38, €25/night (uncovered); no EV charging on-site
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €4.00 per person per night, collected at check-in; children under 14 exempt
Deposit & card hold: First night charged as deposit at booking; €100 incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Chiesa di San Bernardino (689 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa della Madonna della Neve (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di San Martino (1.9 km · ~23 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Piazza dei Caduti — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
Museo Barca Lariana — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the station or tourist spots—they take high commissions.
Cards are accepted nearly everywhere, including small shops and most cafes; contactless and mobile pay are common.
Tipping is not expected but rounded up to the nearest euro for good service; no set percentage for restaurants or taxis.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A caffè (espresso) at a bar counter costs about €1.20; sitting down doubles the price.
A pizza or pasta at a casual trattoria for lunch costs around €12–15, often with cover charge included.
A pizza or a simple pasta main in a basic restaurant runs €10–15; avoid waterfront for lower prices.
The old town lanes near Piazza Cavour have several takeaway pizza slices and panzerotti stalls; head one street back from the lakefront for deals.
Supermarket chains: Conad, Coop, and Migross; also a Lidl on Via Isonzo for budget basics.
Corso Como has mid-range chain stores (like Zara, H&M) and a few independent boutiques; the Sunday market on Viale Innocenzo XI offers cheaper clothing.
A single bus ticket is €1.50 valid for 70 minutes; a day pass (24h) is €4.50. From Milan, the regional train to Como San Giovanni costs around €4.80.
Eat at lunchtime for fixed-price menus rather than dinner. Buy bus tickets at tabacchi (tobacconists) to avoid surcharges. Refill water bottles at public fountains (fontanelle) for free.
Good to know — Como
Type C/F/L · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Como, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Piccolo Paradiso
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Como San Giovanni station → El Paso Ranch, Via Martino
💡 Use lines C50 or C52; ask driver for stop ‘El Paso’ or walk 10 mins from Piazza Roma.
Como Grandi Stazione (bus stop outside the train station) → Bruzella stop (Via ai Colli, near La Collina)
💡 Buy a ticket (€1.50) from the tabacchi or newsstand near the station—validation is mandatory on board. The bus is steep and winding, so grab a seat. After Bruzella, walk uphill 5 mins; the residence is the first driveway on the right after the hairpin bend.
Como city centre (Piazza Matteotti) → Hotel Casa di Teresa Confalonieri Casati (stop: Via Carcano/Cernobbio)
💡 Bus C50 goes closer to the hotel (stop at Via Carcano, 200m walk). C40 stops at Piazza Roma — a 10-minute walk uphill. Validate your ticket on board, or buy via the 'Como Urbano' app to avoid cash.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) → Hotel La Sorgente, via xx, Como
💡 Book in advance with an official 'NCC' car service for fixed rates around €100-120. Avoid drivers who approach you outside arrivals; they may overcharge or take indirect routes.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), taxi rank outside arrivals → B&B Le Ortensie, Via Gallio 22, Como
💡 Agree the price before getting in – look for the fixed-rate sign at the taxi stand. For a group of 3–4, it's not much more than the bus. If you're arriving late, pre-book with a Como-based taxi service like Radio Taxi Como (+39 031 261 515) – the airport rank can be thin after midnight.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) → Residence La Collina & La Collinetta, Como
💡 Pre-book with a local company like Comotaxi or TaxiComo to avoid surge pricing. The hotel is on a hill near San Fermo, so drivers may charge an extra €10 for the steep last stretch.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) → Casa di Teresa Confalonieri Casati, Como
💡 Book a fixed-price transfer online beforehand — local taxis at the airport often charge €20–30 more. The hotel can arrange a driver for a similar rate.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Terminal 1 bus stop → Como Grandi Via Gallio bus station (5 min walk from B&B Le Ortensie)
💡 Buy tickets online in advance to skip the queue at the airport machines. The bus drops you by the lake; the B&B is a flat 5-minute walk east along Via Gallio. No shuttle runs after 10.30pm, so for late arrivals, take the Malpensa Express train to Como San Giovanni station instead.
Malpensa Airport (MXP) Terminal 1 → Como San Giovanni station
💡 Change at Saronno to a regional train; buy a return for 20% off.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), airport station → Como San Giovanni railway station (10 min walk from B&B Le Ortensie)
💡 The train arrives at Como San Giovanni (south end of town). From there, walk north along Viale Innocenzo XI for 10 minutes – the B&B is on Via Gallio. Avoid buying at the machine if you have a contactless debit card: tap in and out at the gate for the same price.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), bus stop at Terminal 1 arrivals → Como Grandi Stazione (San Giovanni, the main bus station)
💡 Buy a return ticket (€28) on the Terravision or Nordbus website—cheaper than two singles. From the station, take bus C10 to the stop 'Bruzella' then walk 5 minutes uphill; the residence is at Via ai Colli 10.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) → Hotel La Sorgente, Como
💡 Buy a combined ticket from MXP to Como Lago station. At Milano Centrale change platforms but stay in the same direction. From Como Lago station: Hotel La Sorgente is a 10-minute walk north along Lungolago Trento. Cheaper than taxi, but takes longer.
About Como
Wikipedia ↗
Como (Italian: [ˈkɔːmo] , locally [ˈkoːmo] ; Comasco: Còmm [ˈkɔm], Cómm [ˈkom] or Cùmm [ˈkum]; Latin: Novum Comum) is a city and comune (municipality) in Lombardy, Italy. It is the administrative capital of the Province of Como. Its prime location on the southwestern branch of Lake Como and its pro...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Piccolo Paradiso?
Request a room on floor 2 or higher, facing the internal courtyard rather than the street. These are likely quieter and offer more privacy.
Which rooms should I avoid at Piccolo Paradiso?
Avoid rooms on floor 1 (ground level) facing the street — this is closest to Como's pedestrian traffic and any late-night footfall. Also avoid rooms directly adjacent to the lift shaft, which can carry mechanical noise.
Is Piccolo Paradiso noisy?
Como's historic centre has pedestrian and light vehicle noise until late evening. Early morning deliveries and bin collections are common near smaller hotels. Street-facing rooms on lower floors will pick up chatter from nearby bars and restaurants.
Which rooms have the best views at Piccolo Paradiso?
Rooms at the rear of the building (likely facing internal courtyard or garden) give a quieter outlook; if you want a view of the town or lake, request a front-facing room on a higher floor, but expect more street noise.
What are insider tips for staying at Piccolo Paradiso?
1. Request a room with a balcony if available — many 3-star hotels in Como offer them, and they give you the option to open windows for fresh air without letting in ground-floor noise. 2. If arriving by car, ask about nearby public parking (Como has limited hotel parking) and whether they offer a discount at a partner garage.
What time is check-in at Piccolo Paradiso?
Check-in at Piccolo Paradiso is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Piccolo Paradiso have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi (up to 10 Mbps) for all guests; no login required on first device; premium 50 Mbps available at €5/day
Is there a city or tourist tax at Piccolo Paradiso?
€4.00 per person per night, collected at check-in; children under 14 exempt
Where can I eat cheaply near Piccolo Paradiso?
A pizza or pasta at a casual trattoria for lunch costs around €12–15, often with cover charge included.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Piccolo Paradiso?
A single bus ticket is €1.50 valid for 70 minutes; a day pass (24h) is €4.50. From Milan, the regional train to Como San Giovanni costs around €4.80.
When is the best time to visit Como?
May and June for warm days (22-27°C), low rainfall, and the lake at its greenest before the peak crowds. September is equally good: the water is still swimmable, and the promenades are quieter.
Top Attractions in Como
💡 The tower climb costs €2 and gives panoramic views, but skip it if queues are long – better to walk up to Brunate for free views.
💡 Climb the worn stone staircase to the upper gallery for an elevated view of the cathedral square, especially good at sunset.
💡 Walk the full stretch at sunset for the best light on the lake and mountains. Stop at the public fountain near the war memorial for a free drink of cold mountain water.
💡 Look for the 13th-century fresco of St. Christopher on the left wall. Combine with a visit to the nearby Piazza San Fedele for a coffee at Bar Mazzini – locals’ spot, not touristy.
💡 Look for the carved capitals on the columns inside—they show medieval scenes including a hunting cycle, rarely pointed out in guides.
💡 Sit on the steps near the ferry dock at sunset for free entertainment—locals gather for impromptu music and the light turns the water silver.
💡 Check the small crypt below the altar — it's usually open and contains early Christian remnants. Combine with a walk through the adjacent old fish market square.
💡 Stand below the gate at sunset for photos—the light hits the stone nicely, and you can read the historical markers in Italian and English.