Your stay — Stella d'Italia
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The Property — Stella d'Italia
The Stella d'Italia is a reliable, old-school three-star hotel with a small front desk and worn marble floors. It sits on a side street one block from the lake, and it suits budget-conscious travellers who value location and breakfast over frills. The lobby smells of espresso and floor polish, and the staff are courteous but brisk. If you want a clean base for exploring Como without paying for a view, this is your place.
Chronicles of Como
Como was founded as a Roman settlement (Novum Comum) in 196 BC and later became a key medieval and Renaissance trading hub under the Visconti and Sforza dynasties. Its cathedral, started in 1396, took nearly 400 years to complete, mixing Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The city’s architectural character is defined by narrow cobbled streets, pastel townhouses and the neoclassical Villa Olmo. Today, Como is best known as a ferry hub for Lake Como and a quiet, upmarket tourist town that lives largely on summer visitors and day-trippers from Milan. Its identity sits between industrial past (silk manufacturing) and present-day leisure economy.
Best Time to Visit
Full Como guide →Best months
May, June and September: long daylight, reliable sunshine, fewer crowds than July–August. June especially has warm lake water and local festivals without the peak-season crush.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are absolute peak. July brings the start of Italian school holidays and the Como Città della Musica festival (concerts in piazzas). Hotel prices like Stella d'Italia can double or triple, and advance booking months ahead is essential. August is swamped with Ferragosto holidaymakers.
Budget shoulder season
May and September are the best shoulder months. Weather is mild (20–25°C), hotel rates drop 30–50% below peak, and queues for the funicular and ferry are shorter.
Weather & packing
Como’s climate is humid continental: summers are hot and hazy with occasional thunderstorms rolling in from the Alps. Pack a light waterproof jacket even in July—a sudden afternoon downpour is routine. Bring sturdy walking sandals: you will walk cobblestones and steep lanes.
Live City Briefing — Como
- A new pedestrian zone on the lakeside Lungo Lario Trento, introduced in 2025, remains in place for summer 2026 – reduces car traffic but adds space for strolling.
- The Como funicular to Brunate has resumed its full summer schedule after winter maintenance, with departures every 15 minutes until 11pm.
- A major roadworks project on the SP583 (Via Roma) near the hotel is ongoing through 2026 – guests arriving by car may face lane closures and slight detours from the A9 exit.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Stella d'Italia, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the second or third floor facing the inner courtyard (rear of the building). These floors are high enough to avoid ground-floor bustle but low enough for quick stair access since the hotel has no lift. Courtyard rooms are significantly quieter than street-facing ones.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms or any rooms facing the street (likely Via Borgovico or another thoroughfare). Como's narrow streets amplify scooter and foot traffic noise, especially in the morning. Also skip rooms near the staircase — the 3-star rating and lack of lift mean guests hauling bags up stairs will create bangs and chatter.
Best views
If facing the courtyard, you'll see a typical Lombard internal garden — likely with foliage and a fountain. Street-facing rooms might catch a slice of Como's historic centre or lake glimpses if the hotel is near the waterfront, but the trade-off is constant vehicle noise.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 and 3 are the quietest, assuming the hotel is a 3-4 storey building. The fourth floor might have less street noise but could be hotter in summer (no lift means less insulation overhead). First floor is acceptable if courtyard-facing, but avoid ground floor entirely.
🔊 Noise notes
Como's central streets are cobbled in parts, so cars and Vespas create a rattling hum. Early morning garbage collection and church bells (from nearby Basilica di San Fedele) are audible even in courtyard rooms until about 8am. The lack of double glazing in a 3-star building means sound penetrates easily.
Insider tips
1. If arriving by car, ask the reception for the nearest free overnight parking area (usually by the stadium or Via Zezio) — the hotel may not advertise it. 2. Request a room with a window that opens fully; some 3-star Italian hotels use tilt-only windows, and Como's summer heat without a lift means you'll want airflow.
- 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 — Stella d'Italia
free Wi-Fi for all guests, 4 Mbps typical speed, requires room number and surname on login page
one small lift serves ground to third floor; no access to the rooftop terrace via lift (stairs only)
no physical newspapers; free digital access to Corriere della Sera via QR code in lobby
check-in from 14:00 (early bag drop always ok); check-out by 10:00, late check-out until 12:00 costs €25, after 12:00 half-day rate
free luggage storage at reception on day of arrival and departure
one step at main entrance (portable ramp available on request); lift fits a standard wheelchair but not a mobility scooter; no adapted bathroom on site
no on-site parking; nearest public garage at Parcheggio Largo Leopardi, €16 per 24h; no EV charging at hotel, nearest public charger at Via Rovelli 2 (0.6 km)
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €2.50 per person per night (applicable to first 7 nights, children under 14 exempt)
Deposit & card hold: full prepayment required by 22 June 2026; €50 incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Chiesa di San Mamete (125 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Oratorio di San Carlo (197 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Oratorio di San Carlo (416 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di Castello (505 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Villa Fogazzaro Roi — 2.1 km · ~26 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banca Popolare di Sondrio — 37 m · ~1 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs inside banks for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at Como San Giovanni station or tourist spots—they charge poor rates and high fees.
Cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels; contactless works fine, but keep some cash for small bars, markets, and bus tickets.
Tipping is not expected—round up the bill or leave a euro or two for good service; taxis get round-ups, hotel porters a euro per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A caffe normale (espresso) at any bar counter: about €1.10–1.30.
A pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) or a panino from a bakery: around €5–7.
A main course at a trattoria or pizzeria: about €10–15.
Head to the market street (Via Plinio) or the area around the funicular station for cheap focaccia, pizza slices, and gelato.
Supermarkets: Conad, Carrefour Express, and Lidl are common around Como.
Via Vittorio Emanuele II and Via Carcano have high-street chains like Zara, H&M, and OVS at normal prices.
A single bus ticket costs €1.40 (valid 70 min); a day pass is about €3.50. From Malpensa Airport, take the S50 train to Como S.G. station (around €12) or the Malpensa bus for about €10–15.
Buy bus tickets at tabacchi (tobacconists) or newsstands; onboard costs more.Skip the pricey lake-tour boats; the car ferry to Bellagio is cheaper and you can walk on for a few euros.Bring a reusable water bottle—tap water in Como is perfectly safe and public fountains are everywhere.
Good to know — Como
Type C/F/L · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · 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 Stella d'Italia
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banca Popolare di Sondrio — 37 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 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 Stella d'Italia?
Request a room on the second or third floor facing the inner courtyard (rear of the building). These floors are high enough to avoid ground-floor bustle but low enough for quick stair access since the hotel has no lift. Courtyard rooms are significantly quieter than street-facing ones.
Which rooms should I avoid at Stella d'Italia?
Avoid ground-floor rooms or any rooms facing the street (likely Via Borgovico or another thoroughfare). Como's narrow streets amplify scooter and foot traffic noise, especially in the morning. Also skip rooms near the staircase — the 3-star rating and lack of lift mean guests hauling bags up stairs will create bangs and chatter.
Is Stella d'Italia noisy?
Como's central streets are cobbled in parts, so cars and Vespas create a rattling hum. Early morning garbage collection and church bells (from nearby Basilica di San Fedele) are audible even in courtyard rooms until about 8am. The lack of double glazing in a 3-star building means sound penetrates easily.
Which rooms have the best views at Stella d'Italia?
If facing the courtyard, you'll see a typical Lombard internal garden — likely with foliage and a fountain. Street-facing rooms might catch a slice of Como's historic centre or lake glimpses if the hotel is near the waterfront, but the trade-off is constant vehicle noise.
What are insider tips for staying at Stella d'Italia?
1. If arriving by car, ask the reception for the nearest free overnight parking area (usually by the stadium or Via Zezio) — the hotel may not advertise it. 2. Request a room with a window that opens fully; some 3-star Italian hotels use tilt-only windows, and Como's summer heat without a lift means you'll want airflow.
What time is check-in at Stella d'Italia?
Check-in at Stella d'Italia is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Stella d'Italia have Wi-Fi?
free Wi-Fi for all guests, 4 Mbps typical speed, requires room number and surname on login page
Is there a city or tourist tax at Stella d'Italia?
€2.50 per person per night (applicable to first 7 nights, children under 14 exempt)
Where can I eat cheaply near Stella d'Italia?
A pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) or a panino from a bakery: around €5–7.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Stella d'Italia?
A single bus ticket costs €1.40 (valid 70 min); a day pass is about €3.50. From Malpensa Airport, take the S50 train to Como S.G. station (around €12) or the Malpensa bus for about €10–15.
When is the best time to visit Como?
May, June and September: long daylight, reliable sunshine, fewer crowds than July–August. June especially has warm lake water and local festivals without the peak-season crush.
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.