Thanks to the advice of this board, we will be driving from Milan to Lake Como on the day we arrive. Recommendations needed for an easy to reach hotel but still in a nice location/view. Looking for something in the <$250 range.
I would suggest sleeping in Varenna. Try any of the following and easy to reach from Milan
Eremo Caudio www.eremogaudio.it
Villa Cipressi www.hotelvillacipressi.it
Albergo Milano www.varenna.net
we actually stayed in an apt for 2 nights In Varenna in early july......but once you find your hotel and get parked, know that it is a compact town....great places to stroll to dinner, get gelato later, and always stare at the lake!!!
There's a big difference between the town of Como and the area called, in the guidebooks, Lake Como. You probably want to stay in the latter.