B&B Hotel Como

B&B Hotel Como sits on a busy street, but as soon as guest pull into the cobblestone drive, which is screened from the road by shrubs and trees, the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed. The unusual design of the hotel is recognizable for the curved brick face with recessed windows and a long, arched entryway. The multipurpose lobby is small, but well-designed with a trendy look that takes advantage of the limited space. Comfy couches, stools, a long table, and bar seating around the edges serve as seating for breakfast, as well as a lounge for arriving guests. The front desk is tucked behind a counter with a glass wall and a rollaway window, reminiscent of a cafe stand in a train station. Hallways are punctuated with photographic murals and bright accent colors around doorways. The hotel has a fresh, youthful feel that makes it appealing primarily to budget-conscious couples who don’t need a lot of frills. Families also come for the convenient location and excellent price. However, be aware that despite the B&B name, breakfast is charged extra. 

The hotel is in southern Como, Italy, a 15-minute drive south of the Switzerland's border. There are a few bars and shops nearby, but it is mostly surrounded by hotels, schools, and businesses. A bus stops directly in front of the hotel for easy access to sites. Central Como is a walkable area full of restaurants, shops, and sites like cathedrals and monuments to explore, with the center about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. It's a similar distance to the southern tip of Lake Como, where there are a pier and boat rentals available, plus a scenic walkway along the lake with many restaurants. A 10-minute drive from the hotel is Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to the Italian inventor of the electric battery, Alessandro Volta. It is a 45-minute drive to the center of Milan from the hotel. 

Rooms have a modern, minimalist design, with spaces done mostly in neutral colors -- think ivory or gray walls, off-white furniture, and wood floors and trim. A striking mural featuring a black-and-white photo of an Italian landmark with blue highlights covers the wall behind the two twins or single queen bed. A few other blue and bright-green accents pepper the rooms. Otherwise, the rooms are simple, with understated beds, built-in desks. some shelves, and clothes racks. Standard amenities include wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and safes, but there are no kettles or mini-fridges. Bathrooms are likewise straightforward, with good-size showers, bidets, and hairdryers. Toiletries are limited, so guests may need to bring their own. 

This hotel is light on features, notably lacking a full restaurant, pool, and fitness center. However, a buffet breakfast is served in the lobby for a fee. The food is reportedly good, albeit pricey for the area. There are also a range of snacks for purchase all day. Pets are welcome for a nominal nightly fee. Free parking is available in front of the hotel, though spaces are limited, and there’s garage parking for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.