Lake Como Area - worth it?

(that's Austria..sorry)

Thx everyone. Any midrange lodging sugggestions? Steve

"Lake Como" is worth it if you know that the post card views are to be had only out on the water at the mid-lake area, on the public ferry route, between Varenna - Bellagio - Menaggio. Don't bother with the town of Como, a common mistake by people here who think Lake Como = town of Como.

Steve, We were in Bellagio last September. Truly breathtaking! I totally agree with the other poster, the town of Como is not worth the visit, but mid-lake is gorgeous!!

steve,

I strongly agree with Kent and the others - Lago di Como is definitely "worth it"!!! It has a markedly different "character" than the C.T.

The small town of Varenna is a popular spot and a good "home base" for exploring other parts of the lake such as the beautiful town of Bellagio (about 20 minutes by boat from Varenna). Varenna is about one hour north of Milan by train.

What price range are you considering for "mid range"? I stayed at Albergo Olivedo on my last visit and quite enjoyed it. The room was very comfortable, although it was a bit of an effort to haul my 50 lb.+ Backpack up five flights of stairs (no elevator). Even if you stay elsewhere, Olivedo is a great place to enjoy some of Laura's excellent Ravioli while watching the boats come and go (it's located right at the boat dock). I was there again in June to enjoy a fine hot meal!

For slightly more "upscale" accommodations, you might have a look at This Hotel, which is in the main piazza, across from the Church. There's also Villa Cipressi which is close to the Victoria and in the same price range. You might also check the Italy Guidebook as there are listings there in various price ranges. I usually pack the Guidebook along on trips, as it's good reference.

Happy travels!

Varenna IS a popular spot, as is Bellagio. I recommend staying in Menagio, the best town of the 3 in my opinion. I spent a week there over the summer visiting other towns as well. I found that overall there was just more to do and the tourist crowds were smaller, giving us more space, and more Lake Como. Upscale and mid-level accomdations available, in addition to both large and boutique grocery stores to supply ones-self with picnic amenities. If you like to explore and hike, you can do so from Menaggio up the mountainside. If you go high enough you can see Switzerland. But not from any of the other towns. Which are still very nice in their own right. But they get far too much credit.

Ciao

and Verona is so lovely too

Varenna was like a peaceful honeymoon. We stayed at the Hotel du Lac in Varenna. The room was impeccable and the food was the best we experienced for breakfast. Real egg fritata, hams, salami's yogurts, breads, fruits and all the coffee you want. Ask for a Lake view although I beleive they are all on the lake side. Quiet, peaceful.

Thx again for the replies..Steve

Just returned from Lake Como a week ago. We visited the Cinque Terre before Lake Como and we only spent 1.5 days in Lake Como before flying home from Milan. I wasn't sure I'd like Lake Como very much & thought that the Cinque Terre would be the crowning jewel of the trip. I was wrong!! I loved Lake Como & wished that we had spent more time there. We stayed in Varenna & I found it to be the most quaint & most relaxing of the other mid-lake towns (Menaggio, Bellagio, etc.). We stayed at a WONDERFUL hotel (Albergo Milano) and we booked Rm #5 with an incredible balcony that opened right out onto the lake. The views were incredible. I found Varenna to be less touristy than Bellagio and we really enjoyed the slower pace (especially because it was at the end of our hectic 16-day trip). I loved walking along the lake-front promenade in Varenna and we found some great lake-front restaurants as well. I would definitely recommend stopping in Lake Como if you can swing it. I don't think you'll be disappointed at all.

I think it is almost unanimous, Varenna in particular it wonderful and even more magical at night. I hope you include it on your itin. It is not just another lake!

We spent 3 glorious days in Varenna at Albergo Milano in one of their rooms with a small veranda. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. We spent our days wandering the hills, hiking up to the castle above Varenna, boating on the lake beneath the Alps, watching the fishermen in the bay below our hotel,eating the best coconut gelato that I have ever had on the Promenade...is it worth the trip? YES! Don't expect a lot of excitement, and the boat trip up to the far north end of the lake is tedious with not much to look at once you get there, but Bellagio is a dream and the Villa Carlotta is worth a look. The lemon arbor in their garden was fabulous. I hope you will go.

Thanks for the responses. I think we will set two days aside on our way to France. Cheers! Steve

I have been to Como and more recently to Lake Orta. I prefer Orta - smaller lake, lovely small towns and walking everywhere.

We jsut returned from a two week trip to Italy. In the beginning of the trip we rented an apartment about 5Km out of Menaggio in a hamlet called Ligomenia. It was the best--and most relaxing-part of the trip. It's worth it to spend a liesurly day on the ferry town hopping around the lake. We even took a day trip to St. Moritz in Switzerland. Great spot!

We spent 2 nights in Como and don't understand why everyone slams Como. We enjoyed that it was not just a tourist site but people actually live and work there. Evenings on any of several piazzas were some of the highlights of our two week visit to Italy that included both Tuscany and the Cinque Terre. To each his/her own, I guess...

All of the lakes in Northern Italy have their charms. Very unlike the Cinque Terre, more like Switzerland. Food is somewhat Swiss inflected too. I had one of the best meals I ever had in Italy on the shores of Lake Iseo.