On the bookVarenna, ItalyHotel

Hotel dulac

Hotel du Lac stands apart as Varenna's only lakefront property offering direct water access for ceremony arrivals and departures via private boat service.

Ceremony
30 seated
Reception
150 seated
Nearest airport
MXP · 75 minutes
Open season
AprilNovember
Price range
$$$
Rating
4.5 /5 · 581

Hotel du lac is a hotel destination wedding venue in Varenna, Italy, hosting 30 to 150 guests in the $$$ price range, reached from Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP), 75 minutes. Best months: April, July, August, November.

01 · In a sentence

Hotel du lac in Varenna, open AprilNovember.

Hotel du Lac stands apart as Varenna's only lakefront property offering direct water access for ceremony arrivals and departures via private boat service.

This 4-star hotel commands 180 meters of Lake Como shoreline, allowing couples to exchange vows on terraced gardens suspended above the water before hosting receptions in dining rooms with unobstructed alpine views.

The venue's architectural heritage—a restored 19th-century structure—provides authentic Italian elegance without the resort chain anonymity that dominates the region.

Staying at Hotel du Lac was a truly wonderful experience. The view is absolutely exceptional—waking up and seeing Lake Como from Varenna feels unreal. Varenna is one of my favorite places in the world, and choosing this hotel made the experience even more special. The hospitality was warm and genuine, the service impeccable, and the food simply spectacular. I still carry these memories with me and will cherish them forever. I wholeheartedly manifest returning to Varenna soon, a place that feels like walking through a real-life fairytale. Natalia

Melow Melow
02 · What sets it apart

4 notes, from the desk.

Note 01

Direct access to Lake Como with private boat dock for ceremonial water arrivals

Note 02

180 meters of private waterfront across 4 distinct garden terraces

Note 03

On-site accommodation for 67 guests in period rooms with lake views

Note 04

In-house Michelin-trained kitchen handles all catering with regional Lombardy specialties

03 · The season

Best held in April, July, August.

The months the weather — and the local rhythm — is kindest to a stay at Hotel du lac.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak · booked earlyOpen · typically availableShoulder · quieterClosed to weddings
04 · Hold a date

Check availability.

Select a date
May 2026
Pick a date

Choose a day from the calendar.

We hold dates in pencil. A first note comes back within two business days.

05 · A sample weekend

How the weekend usually runs.

Yours will be different — nothing below is required. Every planning begins with the three meals you most want to eat, and builds outward.

Friday evening · day 01
  • 18:00-22:00Welcome aperitivo on lake terrace; guest check-in
Saturday · day 02
  • 09:00-11:00Preparation in bridal suite; guest activities (hiking, spa)
  • 15:30-16:00Ceremony in upper garden terrace overlooking lake
  • 16:30-17:30Cocktail hour at waterfront lounge
  • 18:00-23:00Dinner reception in main ballroom; dancing until midnight
Sunday · day 03
  • 09:00-12:00Farewell brunch; guest departures
06 · Practical

Things worth knowing.

Getting there

MXP · 75 minutes

Guests fly into Milan Malpensa International Airport. The desk arranges every transfer.

Typical total

€18,500-32,000

Pricing excludes alcohol beyond included wine, external vendors (15% surcharge), and seasonal premiums (June-September +20%). Deposits required: 40% upon booking, 35% at 60 days, final 25% at 14 days.

Ceremony fee

€2,500-4,000

A one-time licence and setup fee, paid to the venue.

Reception

€95-155 / head

A seated dinner with wine and service, by headcount.

Room rate

€180-380 / night

A standard room in the wedding window. Group rates on request.

Weather window

April – November

4 viable months. Shoulder dates soften the light and the rates.

07 · Questions

Asked along the way.

Can we use the lake for ceremony activities?+

Yes. Hotel du Lac operates a private dock with capacity for ceremonial boat arrivals. Water-based activities including vow renewals on chartered boats can be arranged through the concierge team.

What is the maximum guest count?+

The hotel accommodates 150 guests across combined indoor and terrace venues. The main ballroom seats 120; overflow events use the garden pavilion.

How many rooms are available for guests?+

67 rooms across three categories (Standard, Deluxe, and Suites). Multi-night packages offer 35-50% discounts for wedding party bookings of 15+ rooms.

What is included in venue rental?+

Ceremony space, reception hall, tables/chairs, basic linens, and one complimentary guest room for the couple. Catering, florals, and photography are additional.

What is the nearest airport?+

Milan Malpensa (MXP) is 90km away with 75-minute transfer time. Como-Brunate Airport (2km) accepts private jets and charter flights only.

Last updated
Begin at Hotel du lac

Hold dates at Hotel du lac.

A note to the desk with a rough season and guest count. We hold dates in pencil for three weeks before confirmation. A reply comes within two business days, from a person by name.