Borgovico Hotel

The pink four-story exterior of the 19th-century Borgovico Hotel blends in with the other buildings that line the cobblestone street. One of the two large glass windows on the ground floor looks into the contemporary breakfast lounge, with its white chairs and booth seating. Greenery, tile floors, and brightly painted walls create a cheery ambience in the small reception area, where abstract artwork hangs on the walls. Formerly a hostel, the Borgovico is still modest in style, with preserved brick in the common areas. At the center of the hotel is a small courtyard with dining tables -- and ashtrays for smokers. The property is popular with couples, families, and solo travelers.

On a narrow one-way cobblestone street, this hotel is in a convenient area for travelers who want to explore the city on foot. The main attractions, including Como Cathedral, Teatro Sociale di Como, and the restaurants and shops of the historic center, are within a 15-minute walk of the property, and the Como San Giovanni train station is a six-minute walk from the hotel. A pizzeria is next door to the hotel, and there are several other restaurants on the same street. The lakefront promenade, with ferry service to other cites bordering Lake Como, is a 10-minute walk away. The funicular train to Brunate is also near the lakefront. Orio al Serio International Airport is a little more than an hour's drive.

Traditional Italian design and metal bed frames pair with colorful accent walls and the work of local artists. Rooms aren’t fancy, but they're clean with tile floors. Superior and Deluxe rooms have such charming features as exposed brick walls and lovely wooden ceiling beams. There are three Single Rooms for solo travelers, six Standard Double Rooms, and three Superior Double Rooms, which are larger. One Deluxe Double Room has a loft bedroom reachable via a spiral staircase, and a downstairs bedroom area. Cribs can be requested for an additional fee. Rooms overlook the street or the courtyard, and include mounted flat-screen TVs, desks, and wardrobes with safes. Private bathrooms include showers or shower/tub combos, hairdryers, bidets, and heated towel racks. Small dogs and cats are allowed in rooms for free, but additional charges might apply for larger animals.

The Borgovico Hotel serves a simple breakfast of fruit, yogurt, pastries, and strong coffee. There's a small bar/cafe and an outside courtyard with limited seating. The front desk will help with taxis and printing boarding passes, and Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the hotel. Parking is available in front of the hotel for a fee, and guests can book the limited spaces in advance, or park in a nearby garage.