Sophisticated Como

Original wooden ceiling beams arch over the living and dining space, lending real warmth to an apartment that feels rooted in Como's history while being thoroughly comfortable to stay in. Sleep comes easily in the loft bedroom, where dark timber overhead and blackout blinds create the kind of stillness that's hard to find in a city centre. And this is very much a city-centre base – the Como funicular is a four-minute walk away, the waterfront promenade is on your doorstep, and Como Cathedral's marble facade is a leisurely ten-minute stroll.

Home truths:
* If you're travelling with a baby or toddler, your host can provide a cot – worth requesting in advance to make sure it's ready for your arrival.
* You won't find an oven here – though there is a microwave and a hob. We think the kitchen is better suited to prepping lighter bites than large meals.
* The second bedroom is on the mezzanine level and semi-open to the bedroom below, so privacy is limited.
* The heating and cooling here operates on a fixed seasonal schedule: air conditioning runs from 16th April to 14th October, and heating takes over from 15th October to 15th April. If your trip falls near either switchover date, it's worth knowing that the system won't be able to do both.