Albergo Firenze

Volta square is a very popular spot in Como, with lots of bars and restaurants. If you’re visiting in summer and want to sleep well, I’d choose a room overlooking the courtyard. The rooms aren’t large, but they’re fine for a short stay, and each has a minibar and safe. Breakfast is decent for a 3-star hotel. Como is popular and sits on the amazing Lake Como, so you won’t find many 3- or 4-star hotels at low rates. For what it costs, this hotel offers good value.

During a citywide power outage, the fire alarm rang for hours and nobody on staff gave guidance or helped with an evacuation. Guests ran outside in a panic, and police later confirmed it was a false alarm. It kept going until 3:30 a.m., then started again at 6 a.m. Staff said they were “testing how to turn it off.” There was no visible management, poor service, and no sense of safety. I can’t understand the high rating. The room was very basic, more like a hostel, and the hotel had almost no soundproofing. Noise from the square went on all night. We found bugs on one bed, and the second room was impossible to sleep in because of music and shouting outside. This was the worst hotel I’ve ever stayed in.

The breakfast was a cut above the usual, with eggs, bacon, pancakes, yogurt and a wide selection of lovely baked goods. Several friendly staff took care of requests for espresso, latte and more. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and I really enjoyed my days at the Albergo Firenze in Como. The location is terrific, just minutes from Lake Como and close to a variety of restaurants. If you arrive by car, there’s a public parking garage about six minutes away. The train station is an easy walk, around eight minutes.

The staff at Hotel Albergo Firenze were warm and helpful from the moment I arrived. Reception went out of their way to make everything easy and pleasant, and the rooms were spotless and comfortable to return to after a day out. The hotel sits on a lovely square in the old city center, in a perfect location just a short walk from the famous Como lake. I highly recommend it, especially for the welcoming staff and great location.