Rent a (family) apartment in Moltrasio on Lake Como… Between Christmas and New Year, we traditionally spend a few days at Lake Como. The winter season at Lake Como is filled with Christmas spirit, and we want to make the most of it. Moreover, the weather app promises us sunshine, no clouds, and mild temperatures—more than welcome after the gloomy December month in Belgium.
We travel by car and make an overnight stop in Münstertal in the Black Forest. A cozy little hotel in Germany, complete with Schnitzel mit Pommes, gets us into the holiday spirit. Well-rested and with a hearty breakfast, we set off the next morning for the journey through Switzerland. The Gotthard Tunnel, with a staggering 142-minute delay, once again proves to be the bottleneck on the route to Italy. We are somewhat surprised by the heavy traffic and hadn’t considered it beforehand. But standing still is exactly what we do -for about 12 kilometers.
We rented an apartment through the rental company byMyHomeinComo. Only last night, we received a WhatsApp message from them informing us that we must personally pick up the key at their office in central Como. This contradicts what was stated during the booking process, which indicated that the key would be available in a lockbox at the apartment in Moltrasio.
Supposedly, a new law in Italy now requires landlords to perform a visual identity check on tenants. However, with the apartment located in Moltrasio and the rental office in central Como, this means an inconvenient detour. Parking in busy Como is no fun either, and with Bas and Wolf in tow, it becomes even more impractical.
We respond, stating that we will not be coming to Como and instead propose meeting in Moltrasio around 3 PM. No reply…
This morning, we receive a new WhatsApp message stating that we still need to go to Como. Stuck in traffic, we call the rental company to inform them that we will be arriving later and once again insist on meeting in Moltrasio. A discussion ensues. The conversation ends with, “We’ll get back to you.”
Calling from Switzerland means data roaming and hefty charges. Three hours later, we still haven’t received any confirmation from the rental company. Frustrated, we reluctantly head toward central Como.
Arriving at the rental company’s office, we are met with surprise as we walk in. Casually, they inform us that a colleague was supposedly waiting for us in Moltrasio. One of the staff members insists she had sent us this crucial information. Another discussion ensues. Ironically, there is hardly any identity check at all. So much hassle and stress over a simple key! The communication and customer service of byMyHomeinComo definitely leave much to be desired.
We hop back into the car and drive to the apartment in Moltrasio. Surprise, there is a key in the lockbox after all.
ByMyHomeinComo: failed their Christmas exams!
There, we’ve gotten that frustration off our chest. Now, let’s talk about the apartment “Como Lake Amazing View” in Moltrasio—because there’s plenty of good things to say about it. Officially, the apartment is called “Shimmering Waters,” but of course, that doesn’t sound as catchy on Booking.com.
Where exactly is the apartment located? Well, right next to Via Ranzato (the busy road around Lake Como) in the higher part of Moltrasio. You’d immediately think traffic noise, but honestly, we can’t deny it, it didn’t bother us for a second. Inside the apartment, you certainly don’t hear a thing. The apartment complex has free private parking, and a bit further down, there’s also a paid public parking lot. Via Ranzato takes you efficiently to Como, Argegno, and beyond. Parking and a central location… Check!
About fifty meters further, there is a long staircase that safely takes you to the higher or lower part of Moltrasio. We made good use of it: with Bas in tow and Wolf by the hand, we’d head to the charming Piazza San Martina in the morning with Al Bar Centrale, Chiesa San Martino, and the town hall, and in the evening, to Trattoria del Fagiano. If you follow the stairs all the way down, you reach the shore of Lake Como, right where the ferryboats depart and arrive. And there, you’ll also find the beautiful Vecchia Regina, which winds through Moltrasio, Carate Urio, and Laglio, lined with plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
In short, the location was surprisingly positive. You will have to accept some calf muscle workouts, though, when you climb the stairs back up!
The apartment complex has two floors. On the ground floor, you can get a calf massage at a physiotherapy clinic. On the second floor, there’s an elderly man who likely no longer feels his calves.
The first impression of the apartment is… spacious and tidy. The area is quite large, and the many big windows let in plenty of light. This morning, the sun is shining, and its rays fall on the art books and little figurines neatly arranged in the built-in cabinets. It gives the space a cozy and homely touch.
That cozy feeling does fade a bit in the living room: a simple sofa and a small coffee table feel a bit sparse. This sense also carries over to the kitchen: a too-small dining table and limited kitchenware. Let’s be honest, two wine glasses for an apartment for four (adults) -that’s especially disappointing when the cork comes off the bottle.
On the bright side, the kitchen has all the essential appliances and comforts. Dear landlord, a quick trip to Ikea for some extra items would make the kitchen more practical and give the living room a cozier vibe.
The two separate bedrooms are spacious. Bedroom one has a double bed, while bedroom two is equipped with two single beds. There’s plenty of closet space to store all your belongings. From the rooms, you also have a view of Lake Como: wake up, pull back the curtains, and jump right back into bed!
A hallway in the bathroom leads you to the shower and a toilet. Along the way, you’ll find a washing machine and a sink. There’s not much to remark about the bathroom—it’s functional. Some pads for the washing machine are neatly provided.
In a handy storage closet, you’ll find a vacuum cleaner, brushes, an iron, a drying rack, and a few other practical household items.
We absolutely must highlight the terrace, the garden, and the view. The apartment has a continuous terrace across the entire front, offering a real balcony with a stunning view of Lake Como and Moltrasio. From there, you can watch the ferryboats dock below, with tourists getting on and off. Higher up, you can spot the incredible vintage and luxury hotel Passalaqua.
Piazza San Martina showcases its cozy vibes. The mountain silhouettes, azure blue water, and colorful houses make you dream away, especially if you temporarily block out the noise from Via Ranzato.
On the right side of the building, there’s a secluded private garden with a terrace that adjoins the kitchen. Wolf and Bas kick a ball around and play hide-and-seek while we enjoy a glass of prosecco. You can let your (young) children play there without worrying. A bit higher up, you’ll also find the charming walking path, Via Verde. Definitely a must-do if you stay here—be sure to explore this lovely trail.
We give a big thumbs up to the Como Lake Amazing View apartment. The space is roomy and fully equipped for a family of four, and perfectly suited for us with our little rascals, Bas and Wolf. The apartment is well-maintained and has all the comforts you need. The view is an absolute bonus. The location between Como and Argegno is perfect—don’t let the busy road discourage you. Moltrasio is a great place to stay, especially when you can explore it on foot right from your apartment.
And what does all this cost? We paid 551 euros for three nights, which we consider a fair price. And so, a rough start turned into a beautiful victory at the finish. We’ll definitely be back again!
