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This question is asked on a daily basis: Where is the best place to stay when you cross the border and go through the Gotthard Tunnel on the Italian-Swiss border, or even if you decide to drive over the Gotthard pass, usually it will be around Como in either direction. Sometimes people will take the Mendrisio exit and drive through Varese to avoid the busy A9 to Milan. In any case, once they have left the ordeal of the Gotthard behind them, holidaymakers are usually looking for a comfortable hotel near the border with Switzerland. For each route, we offer three alternatives. We think you'll like them.
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The Gotthard tunnel, around Lake Como
If you prefer to drive along Lake Como and stay on the Autostrada going south, the first place to stay in Italy is near the town of Como. Although you will be able to find a large number of hotels in Como itself, it is advisable to stay in a quietly located hotel where it is safe to leave some of your luggage in the car.
The road to Tuscany along the A2 (E35)
The route via Varese - taking the exit at Mendrisio (still Switzerland, about 10 km before the border crossing at Chiasso) and then the Via Cantonale towards Gaggiolo and Varese. On the Italian side of the border, this will be called the SP3.
Overnight Stay in Italy at the Gotthard Tunnel
Why I prefer to stay overnight in Italy instead of Switzerland? At the end of the day, I like to get the tunnel behind me and relax with a good meal ready and a comfortable bed and not have to worry about traffic jams the next morning. Going north, it is nicer to get to the border early in the morning after a good cup of coffee in Italy. Am I prejudiced, yes, slightly, I must confess.
Hotel Dandelion Suites & Park
Dandelion Como Suites & Park opened in 2021 and is located in Villa Guardia, just after the Como exit when you come out of the Gotthard tunnel at the junction of the A9 and A59. The historical building is a good example of an authentic Lombard farmhouse from the 15th century. It is built around a courtyard where a beautiful terrace has been created to enjoy an aperitif on arrival before dinner. The hotel, next to the Como Golf Course, has a lovely garden and is completely surrounded by greenery. What a wonderful place to start your holiday in Italy! The old farmhouse has been completely renovated and furnished by the owner and textile designer, Aurora Ferrari, who has recently opened it as a hotel. Breakfast, served in the old hay barn, is a very special experience. Local products have been carefully selected to offer the best of Italian and Lombard gastronomy.
Dandelion Como, Address: Via Firenze, 15, 22079 Villa Guardia (CO) - Book a roomL'Antica Corte Lazzago
If you are traveling with children, it is recommended to book an apartment at L'Antica Corte Lazzago, which offers a great price for comfortable accommodation that includes a kitchen with dishwasher and oven. It is located 6 km from Como in a small rural village (do some shopping in Como before you get there) and has air conditioning and free WiFi. There is free parking on the property. The A9 highway linking Como to Milan and Switzerland via the Gotthard tunnel is 5 minutes away by car. It is possible to book a single night.
L’Antico Corte Lazzago, Via Lazzago 8, 22100 Como, Italy - Book a roomB & B Villa Corti
Whether you travel in spring, summer or fall you can enjoy the beautiful gardens with a magnificent view over Lake Como. Villa Corti is a B & B just outside of Como and is located just above the highway that you take after you pass through the Gotthard tunnel. There are many beautiful walnut trees and Mediterranean plants. Opened in 2017, Villa Corti offers pet-friendly accommodation and free WiFi. Parking is free and on private property, so it is safe to leave some luggage in the car. Guests can enjoy the view of the mountains or the lake while sipping a cup of tea in the garden. The B & B has 6 rooms for 2 or 4 people, one with a shared bathroom and 5 with private bathrooms and a common lounge. Historically, the villa is a beautiful example of 18th century villas on Lake Como and the view alone makes it worth booking an overnight stay.
B & B Villa Corti, Via Cardano 45, 22100 Como, Italy - Book a roomB & B Alciliegio
B & B Alciliegio is located in the village of Casnate con Bernate, 7 km away from Como. Wonderful hospitable welcome by Carlo and his father with a glass of wine and salumi e formaggio. The owners do everything to make their guests feel at home. Extensive breakfast and quiet and safe parking on the property, leaving luggage in the car. Beautiful location just 4 km south of Como. There is free WiFi throughout the property. Three new modern rooms, tastefully furnished and with private bathrooms, suitable for 2-4 people.
B & B Alciliegio, Via Caio Plinio 30, 22070 Casnate con Bernate, Italy - Book a roomImpero Hotel Varese Beauty & Spa
In the village of Cantello, just over the border, you'll find the Impero Hotel Varese Beauty & Spa. This is a respectable three-star hotel with, as the name suggests, a beautiful wellness center and indoor saltwater pool (extra charge). There is free WiFi and a good restaurant. The hotel is family-run, and the rooms all have private bathrooms, LCD TVs, and minibars. Some have balconies and views of the mountains. Great hotel for a stopover before or after the Gotthard tunnel. Spacious rooms suitable for families. Friendly staff, excellent breakfast and spotlessly clean. You get a lot for the price. This restaurant is very popular.
Impero Hotel Varese Beauty & Spa, Via dei Bucaneve 1, 21050 Cantello, Italy - Book a roomBis Hotel Varese
This is one of the new upscale Bis Hotels just outside the city. The stylish Bis Hotel Varese, a 4-star hotel, has a garden with an outdoor pool and free private parking. It also has a free gym, sauna and rooms and apartments with free WiFi. All rooms and apartments have air conditioning, a small fridge and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Good breakfast and a great pizzeria in the hotel, where you can choose to eat outside on the terrace! Highly recommended as a stopover on the way south.
Bis Hotel Varese, Fusinato 35, 21100 Varese, Italy - Book a roomAlbergo Ristorante Madonnina
If you are looking for something a little different and special for your first night in Italy, you should choose this historic Albergo Ristorante Madonnina, built in the 18th century. Don't let the 3-star rating fool you. This charming little hotel is unclassifiable. It is located in the quiet town of Cantello, on the road after the Gotthard tunnel, 10 km from Varese. The beautiful old inn has been transformed into a hotel with modern facilities without losing its charming old features. The food is exceptional and the staff is very attentive. The modern and spacious rooms have marble bathrooms and terracotta or parquet floors. There are complimentary toiletries and a television with satellite channels. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
Albergo Ristorante Madonnina, Largo Lanfranco 1, 21050 Cantello, Italy - Book a room
