I'd like an opinion on Hotel Olivedo in Varenna on Lake Como which Rick recommends. I'm planning to stay there for 2 or 3 nights in July. Is it easy to get to on foot from the train station? My room will probably have no bathroom (shower down the hall). Are the rooms clean? Any other suggestions for reasonably priced accommodations?
Posted by
cochranville, pa, usa
322 posts
We stayed at Hotel Olivedo a couple of years ago. We found it easy to walk to from the station. It's all downhill.
The rooms were very clean and the bathroom down the hall was never occupied when I went to use it. No problems.
The food was delicious and Laura is was always very pleasant. Our view of the lake was spectacular.
The only drawback if you have any problems are the stairs (no elevator). Also when you have a front room with a view you can easily be awakened by the early ferry which is docked right in front of the hotel.
We would certainly stay there again.
Posted by
Somonauk, Illinois, USA
400 posts
Hi Dina,
We stayed there also and would definitely go back. As Pat said, Laura is wonderful and the best food you'll have on your trip(Ravioli is to die for). The morning we were leaving to catch a very early train, Laura surprised us with a bag of fruit and rolls to take with us since we were missing breakfast...thought that was so sweet. Loved sitting on the balcony watching the ferry come & go (noise didn't bother us). She also has a little covered eating area overlooking the lake which is wonderful to sit at dusk and enjoy a bottle of wine while watching the towns light up from across the lake....simply beautiful!
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
I believe that in summer you have to pay for half board which is 27e per person.This brings the price of a room up.However the meals are excellent.I found Laura to be just as Ricks describes her.Hard working and efficient but not many smiles.I can get smiles at home.The service and rooms are worth it.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
This Hotel is an easy walk from train station and that is the only reason we booked it. All rooms face the front--nice view--but it is noisy until the ferries stop running. Our room was shabbily furnished with horrid old mattresses. Breakfast was less than mediocre and we did not find Laura to be friendly. I requested an extra blanket and Laura said no that I did not need it. The front desk/looby area is smoke filled because Laura chain smokes. Next trip we will try for the Eremo Gaudio Hotel.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Hotel albergo Olivedo is excellent. we stayed in a top floor room totally remodeled with a Juliet balcony in 2006. it was fabulous with a brand new bathroom ensuite. The gnoochi are the best I have ever had. We actually enjoyed being right at the ferry stop, minimal noise when ferry and deliveries begin in AM. walk for train station about 2 easy blocks. book early.