I had booked this hotel for two nights for our stay in Varenna. We usually dont stay in the most expensive hotels or need anything fancy but we are really picky about having a clean room and a clean comfy bed. Particularly sheets and bedding. Looking at the Pictures of the rooms it doesn't look this way. We are in the double room with view but no balcony. Comforter is a floral pattern. Any experience with this place. The reviews are good but I'm not impressed by the pictures. Love the price and location though
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Alot of europes lower priced hotels seem locked in the old drab 1950s.
That is how they can offer such reasonable rates.
I have not stayed there but have found tripadvisor and other ratings very helpful and mostly accurate.
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
1043 posts
I have not stayed at this hotel, but I agree the pictures do make the place seem a little outdated - but it does look clean and reviews are good. If you are thinking about changing accommodation then may I suggest Michelangelo B&B in Varenna. We just stayed one night this past July. It was extremely clean. Beautifully decorated with a modern feel with amazing murals hand painted on the walls the hosts are wonderful and will pick and drop you off at the station. The Shared Balcony on the roof top is just breathtaking! it was one of the best places on our two week travels. (BTW There are a lot of stairs at this B&B). Depending on what time of year you are going, you may want to have the hotel/B&B make dinner reservations for you. The good restaurants in this small town get booked up early in the day. Al Prato Restaurant was outstanding and booking is essential in the summer.
Margaret
Posted by
OP
134 posts
Thanks Margaret I just found a double bunk room their! Looks way better to me. We don’t mind stairs how was the breakfast and is it close to everything?
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
1043 posts
vballrains,
Yes, the B&B is right in town. You can just walk right into the square, down a few more steps to the shores of Lake Como and catch the ferry. The breakfast is very good - its the usual European spread of cold items but the hosts will cook you a hot breakfast if you wish. You can eat breakfast out on that wonderful balcony!! That view is magical! He will also pick up and drop you off at the station.
Margaret
Posted by
OP
134 posts
Thanks! Sounds great. Were the beds comfortable the only room left was the bunk room haha. I heard the church bell next to building dings early in morning and let at night did you notice it? also was the air conditioning good some people complained of rooms still needing a fan?
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
1043 posts
The church bell was not a problem for us and the air conditioning worked just fine in our rooms. The beds were comfortable. I know they have a room for bunk beds - not sure about this room. The other rooms were a delight. The best part is that it is very clean, the hosts are wonderful and the beautiful view from that top balcony - its like you have Lake Como all to yourself up there (and yes its next to the clock tower but it just makes it a very special place to sit and relax in the morning or evening hours).
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
368 posts
2nd Michelangelo’s! Great hospitality, provided transportation to the train station & their rooftop terrace is breathtaking. We stayed 4 nights in 2016, divided between the family room with bunks & the balcony room which was smaller. Btw, 2 bunk beds are hidden in the wall when not in use so if you’re just using the bed they don’t interfere. It’s not obvious in the pictures. There are shutters outside the window to darken the room, something we only figured out the 2nd night. Bells were part of the charm and don’t ring overnight.
Posted by
USA
311 posts
We had stayed at Albergo Beretta in Varenna, and had the large double room on the corner with a huge balcony for 100 euros/night last June. Air conditioning was 5 euros extra per night. We just wanted something close to the train station that we could walk to/from because we had an early train to catch into Milan. The Albergo Beretta is above a bar that locals go to, but we never heard any noise. An included continental breakfast is served there each morning. The room, as well as ensuite bathroom, were large, and clean, but basically furnished . Nothing romantic or memorable - just a place to sleep and shower, but that was all we were looking for as we were out early each morning, and did not return to the room until late in the day. The proprietor, Barbara is friendly and cheerful, but speaks little english. The place worked for us for our second trip to Lake Como, but I actually prefer Bellagio over Varenna.
Posted by
35 posts
Hi, was perusing this post as I am looking for a place for 4 nights in early July in either Varenna or Bellagio and it seems that almost everything in Varenna is booked.
Has anyone stayed at this place which is outside of Varenna ( about a 15 min steep walk I believe). => Hotel Il Portichetto
Or Crotto Di Gittana which is about a mile from Varenna.