In about a week, my wife and I are travelling on the Bernina express from Chur to Tirano, then we have three days to spend before meeting friends in Rome. We are looking for a place to stay that is relaxing and beautiful that is accessible from the train. We have a modest budget, but this may be our only chance to visit Como so willing to stretch! Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Posted by
USA
423 posts
Hello,
Just saw this online, not sure if it will affect your trip:
Due to construction work, the line between Pontresina and Tirano will have to be closed to rail traffic from Sunday, November 19 to Saturday, November 25, 2023. The Bernina Express will run normally between Chur and Pontresina. Rail replacement buses will be used on the closed section of the route.
Posted by
USA
423 posts
Hello,
I stayed in Stresa which is near Lake Como and they have very reasonable rates and it was a lovely place accessible by train.
Posted by
Atlanta
5153 posts
If you are looking for a place to stay on Lake Como, consider Varenna. We stayed at Villa Cipressi and loved it. And the restaurant is also very good. Easy to get to other places on the lake via a ferry.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5472 posts
We loved Hotel du Lac in Varenna. Great staff and happy hour. Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Freedonia
16096 posts
I stayed at the Hotel Victoria in Varenna. I paid extra for a room with a balcony and view. It was worth every penny.
Stresa is on Lake Maggiore, not Lake Como.
Posted by
USA
423 posts
Hello Frank,
I did not say Stresa was on Lake Como I said it was near Lake Como....it is roughly 42 miles away...I stayed in Stresa and visited Lake Como. Hope that clarifies
Posted by
Freedonia
16096 posts
But you have to look at the whole journey. The OP is coming from Tirano. To get to Stresa would take over 4 hours and include a change of trains.
To get from Tirano to Varenna on Lake Como is about 90 minutes and no change.
And then the train travel from Stresa to Como is longer than the train from Tirano to Varenna and includes a change.
Stresa is a place I'd recommend visiting for Lake Maggiore. But for the OP's needs, sticking to a town on the train line out of Tirano to a place like Varenna where he can get ferry service to other parts of Lake Como makes sense.