Best town/village to stay in Lake Como for 2nights.

We stayed in Como. Took the ferry to Bellagio and Menaggio. Como was nice, we were there on market day.

We had a car, so travel was easy to the airport.

Really hard to find Italian charm I. A tourist area, but we enjoyed the city.

My suggestion would be the small town of Varenna in the mid-lake area. It's only about an hour by train from Milan and it makes a great "home base" for exploring other towns in that part of the lake such as Bellagio.

I agree with Ken. Varenna is situated at a beautiful part of the lake and the views are incredible. The small size and easy access to the train from Milan and the ferry to other points on the lake make it a winning choice.

Another vote for Varenna. We were there in 2010 and took the train to/from Milan and ferry boat to Menaggio and Bellagio.

We have stayed inBellagio four times, at the top of the town away from tourists and love it. Thinking of returning when travel is possible again. Lenno, Menaggio or Varenna would also work well.

Any of the small villages mentioned above, though you will waste a bit of time reaching them and returning. You only have one full day on the ground. It wouldn't be my first choice but the town of Como might be more practical, especially if using public transport back to the airport (Malpensa?).

Varenna has a train station, ferries from Como stop at Bellagio before Menaggio and Varenna: there is a mid-lake ferry between these three, if you decide on staying here. If you enjoy walking and gardens, I'd concentrate on Bellagio and Varenna for a full day.

I agree with Kim. We stayed in Varenna and it proved to be a great location for taking the ferry to Bellagio and surrounding stops....a lovely area you will thoroughly enjoy!!

Another vote for Varenna!

Many travelers here, over the years, have found the "mid-Lake" small towns to be better, as a home-base, than the city of Como, for the reasons mentioned by several of the posters on this thread.

I’ve stayed in Varenna twice and would recommend it as well.

We have decided to stay 3 nights. Any hotel recommendations in Varenna?

I stayed at the Hotel Royal Victoria in Varenna. I also splurged for a lakefront room that had its own balcony where I could sit and enjoy the view.

The view was worth every penny.

There are good suggestions for hotels in Varenna in the RS Italy guidebook. Here are a few to have a look at.....

• Hotel Royal Victoria - as Frank II mentioned, this would be a great choice as it's a beautiful hotel with fantastic views of the lake from some rooms. It's right in the centre of town and very easy to reach from the rail station - https://www.royalvictoria.com/1/1/EN/Home_page.htm .
• Albergo Milano - this is also a big favourite with many here and also close to the centre of town - https://www.varenna.net/ENG/home.html .
• Albergo Olivedo - this is an older hotel right across from the ferry dock, but within easy walking distance to the centre of town along the lakeside promenade. It's an older hotel but clean and comfortable and I was pleased with my stay there - http://www.olivedo.it/en/ .

We stayed in Hotel du Lac in Varenna, had a balcony room and enjoyed a delicious breakfast in their sunny dining room overlooking the water every morning.

Another vote for Varenna!

If you stay at the Hotel du Lac in Bellagio, they have a rooftop terrace perch with stunning views, byow. The Royal Victoria or Villa Cipressi in Varenna are both Amazing lake front places. Use booking.com or similar to research more and winnow down your choice. The Villa Serbellini (?) in Bellagio is the bomb but you will pay a large amount, has a lovely pool on the lake. Of course all this is caveoted in these times.