Hotel Olivedo in Varenna

Hard to say. We stayed there some time ago (2014) and were very happy. Booking.com reviews give it 4.5 stars and the write ups are great.

When it was listed, I seem to recall a warning about the proprietress Laura being a bit grouchy at times. Maybe RS got some negative feedback from people who stayed there.

I am curious what Varenna hotels he does list now.

Hotel Olivedo is an older property but fairly well maintained. I haven't stayed there for a few years so hopefully that hasn't changed. The food in the restaurant was good and it was nice to sit out on the patio and watch the ferry traffic going back and forth.

I heard the same comments about Laura being "grouchy", but I didn't find that to be the case. She was occasionally a bit brusque, but I didn't have a problem with that.

The hotel also operates an apartment complex, which I recall was behind and uphill from the hotel.

I stayed there in 2016 and loved it. The location and views are fantastic! The decor is very old fashioned, but I am fine with that. The bathroom was totally updated. Breakfast is just okay. The owner is a bit quirky, but we had no issues with her. She was very nice to us. If you are polite, I doubt you will have any problems.

Would not stay there again. The beds were very uncomfortable with narrow worn out mattresses---similar to what would be expected at summer camp. We also found the owner to be rude and she was rarely seen without a cigarette. The food was mediocre at best.

I stayed one night at this hotel last week. The location is the best reason why we stayed. Couldn’t comment much since only stayed one night. The room is quite big, was told each room has some view.

Perhaps next time I might choose to stay at Bellagio, but I don’t like to wait for the ferry for change.

PS, I still find the water boat schedule is confusing although I asked the ticket staffs for clarification, perhaps due to limited English by the locals, it was not explained clearly.

We stayed there several years ago and found the owner to be, well, different. She certainly has her own personality and freely demonstrates it.

Our room was very spacious, clean, and modern. The proximity to the lake and ferry dock can't be beat.

One our first night at the hotel there was a concert being held and the music was outstanding and it was a great way to drift off to sleep.

Buon viaggio,

Yes, Laura is indeed quirky. Not at all unkind but ever watchful.

I’ve stayed at Hotel Olivedo and loved it. Great view of the lake from our room and the patio. We found the proprietor to be very helpful. We arrived fairly late and called ahead to let her know we had been delayed. She was kind enough to save some dinner for us, as we arrived as the restaurant was closing.