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Lake Como stay - Varenna / Como

Posted by on

Hi,

We will be arriving from U.S. and will head from Milan airport to Lake Como for 2 nights. I have looked at the options and it seems that Como or Varenna will be a better option as we will have to head back to Milan for 1 night. We plan to stay close by Milan Centrale.

It seems Varenna is cheaper than Como but if we stay in Varenna than first it seems a long distance (2.5 -3hr) while Como seems to be (1 hr) based on Rome2Rio. So staying Como would make sense but if Varenna is so beautiful than definitely dont want to miss it hence trying to explore diff options. With in Como also seems there are 2 stations - Como Lago station and Como S. Giovanni Station. and seems Como Lago station might be a better option if we take near by stay. If our stay is far from station than how do we get to hotel. is it easy to get Cab? Any thoughts on this please?

Our budget is around 400-500 $ for 2 nights and would like to see if you guys have any recommendation. (May 24th-may26th). 2 adults and 1 kid. I see one is available Hostini Lake Como which seems good. Any other recommendation please?

Posted by
680 posts

There are direct trains from Milan to Varenna that take about 1 hour and 4 minutes (total time 64 minutes). Currently there are 14 direct trains departing daily from Milano-Centrale. They do exist. I was there in November and used the service.

Look at the Trenord website. Input Milano Centrale (departure) and Varenna Esino) (arrival) stations.

Posted by
5141 posts

We stayed in Varenna at the Hotel Villa Cipressi (sp?) and were very happy. Very laid back, relaxing, and away from city hustle and bustle. Easy ferry ride to other places on the lake. Worth it to do some searches on Varenna and the hotel and see if it strikes your fancy.

Posted by
5409 posts

We loved Hotel du Lac in Varenna- ask for a lake front room with balcony. We were just there in May, and plan to return. Nice nightly happy hours on the lake deck. Great service.
Overall, I believe the Middle Lake region is more scenic than Como town.
FYI-There is also a hotel with a similar name in Bellagio.
We also used the 1 hr train from Milan Central to Varenna. We walked downhill from the train station to the hotel, but you can probably find a cab. The lake front walk is an excellent introduction to the beauty of the lake.
Enjoy this magnificent location.
Safe travels!

Posted by
208 posts

I also stayed in Varenna at Hotel du Lac. If I return to the area (and I hope to) I would likely stay again. The view was out of a dream & the folks there very, very nice. I took the train from Milan. It was easy. I do remember it was very busy train. Seemed like kids were using it for school. No issues & everyone was polite... it just surprised me. I too walked to the hotel but wished I'd taken a cab as I went the wrong direction & it is a hilly place. Really good Gelato too!

Posted by
480 posts

We also stayed at the Villa Cipressi in Varenna in October, as part of our My Way tour. It was lovely, with beautiful terraced gardens on the grounds. It’s a popular site for weddings, and we saw one both nights we were there. The breakfast buffet was superb. The staff were welcoming and friendly, too.

It is a lovely walk to the lakefront, and the views are beautiful. Lots of hotels and restaurants had tables with views. Our guide called this part of our tour “a vacation from your vacation” because it was so peaceful and calm.

We took a lake tour that included a tour of Villa Balbianello, which was very interesting and beautiful. There was a wedding there, too, while we were there!

We would go back there again. We were on a bus, but have also used the trains easily in Italy, from Milano Centrale and other stations.

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