Two couples are traveling in October. We want to spend 3 to 4 days in the Lakes District of Italy. We will not have a car and want to travel by train. Are there any towns and hotels that travelers have stayed at? We intend on doing day trips to Milan, etc, and want to return to a apartment or hotel in the evening. Any suggestions.
Posted by
Costa Mesa
348 posts
We loved hotel stella d'italia on Lugano. Peaceful quiet great food. Did a day trip to Lugano and to Lake Como for the recommended rick steves cooking class
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32331 posts
Tom, There are a lot of choices in the lakes district, and with only 3-4 days you'll have to be a bit ive. You might have a look at the Italy Guidebook, as that may provide some indication on which places will be of most interest to your group. For Lago di Como, Varenna is the usual favourite with many here, and for Hotels you could consider Albergo Milano, Villa Cipressi or the Royal Hotel Victoria. For Lugano, I stayed at Albergo Pestalozzi last year, and enjoyed my stay there. The Hotel is in a nice location for walking to the waterfront and the main part of town. For Lago Maggiore, you might consider staying in Stresa. It's only about an hour by train from Milan. On my last visit there, I stayed at Hotel Saini Meublé. It's also in a great location, and only about a minute walk to a nice Piazza with some great restaurants. In the other direction, it's only about a minute to the boat docks (for tours to the Borromeo Islands). The owner is wonderful! You'll have to check with all Hotels to determine if they'll be in full operation at that time of year. Happy travels!
Posted by
San Clemente, Ca.
408 posts
Tom, I stayed in Varenna in May and loved it. We took the train from Venice to Milan to Varenna. We stayed at Albergo Milano and had a front terrace room over looking the lake. They also have apartments for families or couples. We took the ferry to Bellagio and other small towns for Villa visits and lunch. We stayed 4 nights and just hung out in the area hiking and seeing the local sights. It is really relaxing and beautiful. I would book a room as early as possible to get the best view rooms. I think the apartment is called Casa Rosa.