Lodging suggestions convenient to Lugano, Switzerland and Lake Como.

A public bus regularly makes the drive from Menaggio to Lugano in one hour, via Porlezza and Gandria, so you can do the same. Menaggio is in the mid-lake area that Rick covers in his Italy book and where there is a mid-lake pass for ferries used by most tourists. There are several ferry stops along that stretch on the west side of the lake, as well as a good road and walking trails, so accommodation doesn't have to be actually in Menaggio. The ferry pass works as far south as Lenno.

I like Menaggio the best on Lake Como. More than Bellagio and more than Varenna. Also because I like to visit Lugano, only a quick 45 minutes away (but prefer the much lower Menaggio prices).
Last time I visited was a couple of months ago and stayed here:
http://www.hotelgarnicorona.com

They don't have parking at the hotel, but there is plenty of street parking along the lake just within 50 mts from the hotel. I had no problem finding parking in July, so I'm sure you won't in September when most visitors are gone (schools start next week in most regions in Italy). I didn't need the car much however. Just to drive to Lugano and to see where Mussolini was shot and killed by the partisans in Tremezzina. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina is also worth a visit.
The rest of the time the car stayed parked. Took the ferries across.

When you drive to Lugano, they have a brand new tunnel now along Lake Lugano from Porlezza pretty much to the border with CH. It's very quick but not very scenic of course. So if you are not in a hurry, take the turn off for Lungo Lago (basically the old route above ground). The road is a bit narrow a times, but it beats seeing a black tunnel most of the way. I've taken the tunnel on the way there to Lugano, but then took the old road back to Menaggio.

Great information! Thank you so much. We have now adjusted how and where we will stay. Thanks again!
Lowell