Hotel

Hotel du lac

23829 Varenna LC, Italy, Italy30–150 guests$$$

Type:Hotel

Capacity:30–150 guests

Budget:$$$

Airport:Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP), 75 minutes

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.

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Highlights

Direct access to Lake Como with private boat dock for ceremonial water arrivals
180 meters of private waterfront across 4 distinct garden terraces
On-site accommodation for 67 guests in period rooms with lake views
In-house Michelin-trained kitchen handles all catering with regional Lombardy specialties
4.5/5 Google rating based on 2,300+ verified reviews

Quick facts

Capacity30–150 guests

Venue typeHotel

Price range$$$

LocationItaly

Nearest airportMXP

Visit venue website

Plan your wedding at Hotel du lac

Getting there

Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP)

75 minutes to venue

Private car service

€120-160 per vehicle (up to 3 passengers)

75 minutes from MXP · Hotel arranges transfers via partner luxury car company; direct to hotel entrance

Train + water taxi

€45 per person

95 minutes total · Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale, then Trenitalia to Varenna-Esino; hotel provides dock pickup

Ferry boat

€8 per person

45 minutes from Como · Direct lake ferry service from Como town (15km) docks at Hotel du Lac's private pier

Cost estimate

Ceremony / venue fee

€2,500-4,000 (includes garden setup, ceremony room, 4-hour venue access)

Reception (per guest)

€95-155 (3-course menu, wine service, service staff)

Accommodation (per night)

€180-380 per room (Standard to Suite category)

Estimated total

€18,500-32,000 (100 guests, 2-night stay, full catering, no florals/photography)

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.

Sample wedding weekend

Friday evening

18:00-22:00Welcome aperitivo on lake terrace; guest check-in

Saturday

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

09:00-12:00Farewell brunch; guest departures

This is a sample itinerary. Your wedding weekend can be fully customized.

Frequently asked questions

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.