Exuberant and colourful, Hotel Florence is without doubt the most charming of Lake Como’s hotels. Run by the same family for over a century, the super-stylish current owner has updated the look with bright silks in a funky twist on the hotel’s classic style. Armchairs in a rainbow of colours create a welcoming atmosphere in the lobby and upstairs landings. The bar has live jazz on Sunday nights and the restaurant serves an imaginative menu of local cuisine. Four poster beds are common in the bright and airy, high ceilinged bedrooms, most of which have lake views and balconies. Inviting seating, fresh flowers and a selection of magazines complete the look. Bathrooms are exceptionally spacious in gleaming blue and white tiling, some feature free-standing claw-footed baths. Hotel Florence is located at the end of Bellagio’s lakeside promenade, just next to Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. While it lacks the amenities and service that such a hotel can offer, Hotel Florence’s very reasonable prices make it an enticing choice.