Lago Como

We enjoyed our stay in Varenna two years ago.

You can easily visit Bellagio, from Varenna, via ferry.

Enjoy!

Any favorite hotels?

Any word on the refugee crisis in that area? I was thinking they were having problems with migrants amassing on the Italian side of the border there.

We enjoyed our stay at Albergo Milano:https://www.varenna.net/

We stayed in one of their adjacent apartments (Casa Gialla), which also included a delicious breakfast on the terrace of the hotel where one can admire the beautiful scenery of the lake. Our apartment did not have views of the lake, but there are other apartments that may & also hotel rooms available with small terraces.

We were in Varenna last weekend for three nights st Albergo Milano and it was wonderful. The ferry system is very easy to use and the train station is an easy walk.

We just got back from Varenna this past Sunday. We took the ferry to Bellagio which was an easy 15minutes. Though there is more to do on Bellagio I would recommend staying in Varenna. It is true Lake Como with a small town feel. We staying at the Royal Victoria and it was spectacular. I would highly recommend the town and the hotel and remember if you're going by train there isn't one to Bellagio but there is one to Varenna.

David, I was just there three days ago and saw no sign of them in Varenna or Bellagio.

Another vote for Varenna and Albergo Milano. Varenna is small and doesn't feel touristy, but is a great central location for the ferry system around the lake. We were there in May, and dinner reservations were recommended most places in town. Dinner at Albergo Milano's restaurant, La Vista which has a lovely terrace overlooking the lake, was wonderful. Rick recommends their "pris fixe" menu and we enjoyed the selections. Other places had just a few tables--6 or 7, so walk-ins were often turned away.

Just stayed in Varenna at Michelangelo B&B by the town square, stunning views on their terrace where they also serve breakfast, weather permitting. Two restaurant recommendations are Borgovino & Al Prato.

Varenna is small and cute, but Bellagio is BEAUTIFUL and has a lot more to offer.

We were in Varenna a couple of weeks ago. We loved it there. Bellagio was too touristy for us. It is bigger of course and therefore more amenities. I think either way, you wouldn't go wrong. It just depends on what things you are after in a place. Hope that helps.

FYI, Patsy was already there last month.

Grazie for the great tips!!
We stayed in Varenna at Hotel Villa Cipressi.....outstanding charm/views/service/lovely gardens.
http://www.hotelvillacipressi.it/en/

Weather perfect...windy/clear.....no winds/still clear. Lucky us!
Visited beautiful, too-touristy-for-us Bellagio.

We mastered "dolce far niente"!

Ciao!
Patsy

Patsy,

Thanks for the update!

We considered staying at Hotel Villa Capressi, but opted for the 2 bedroom apartment.
I was traveling with my mom, so it was nice to get my own room & finally sleep without her snoring ;-)

If you go into Como itself, take the funicular up to the little town of Brunate. The views of the lake, the city of Como and the Alps are fantastic.