Como and Desenzano del Garda, both beautiful lakeside locations in northern Italy, offer various options for affordable accommodation. Here are some tips for finding the most cost-effective places to stay:
Como:
1. Airbnb and apartment rental:
Renting an apartment through Airbnb can often be cheaper than hotels, especially outside the city center. Look for areas like **Brunate**, which are a little higher up in the mountains, or towns a little outside the center of Como like **Cernobbio** or **Torno**. You get here by boat from Como.
2. Hostels.
Como has some affordable hostels such as ** Ostello Bello Lake Como **, which is centrally located and offers both private rooms and dormitories at a low price.
3. B&B and boarding houses.
Bed & Breakfast and small guest houses, such as **B&B La Chiave di Sol** or **Locanda Milano**, can be good options if you want something more personal at a lower price than larger hotels.
4. Hotels outside the city centre:
Stay in towns outside of Como such as **Erba** or **Cantù**. They are a short drive away, but the prices for accommodation are generally lower.
Desenzano del Garda:
1. Hostels
: Check out affordable options like **The Flowers Apartments** or **Lake Garda Hostel**, which offer both private rooms and dormitories close to the lake.
2. Airbnb/apartment camp.
Apartments and vacation rentals through Airbnb are also popular around Lake Garda, especially if you are flexible with your location. Areas outside the city center, such as **Rivoltella**, can be more affordable than living right by the lake.
3. Hotels outside the city centre:
Accommodation in smaller nearby villages such as **Lonato del Garda** or **Sirmione** can often be more cost effective while still providing easy access to Desenzano.
4. Camping:
There are also several campsites around Lake Garda that offer affordable options, such as **Camping San Francesco** and **Camping Village Garda**, which have cabins or tents for rent.
General tips for finding affordable places:
Book outside the high season (June-August), when prices are often much lower.
Use comparison websites such as Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Airbnb to find the best prices.
-Look for discounts for longer stays or last minute deals.
Both cities can be a little expensive in high season, but with a little flexibility you can find affordable options.
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