Looking for recommendations in Varenna Lake Como

We stayed at Villa Toretta and enjoyed it immensely. Many on this forum vote for Hotel Villa Cipressi too.

Varenna's city center and lake front are two separate places. The lake front obviously runs a long the lake. The city center is further uphill at Piazza S. Giorgio.

Varenna is built on the edge of a mountainside. It's difficult to fully understand the layout of the city until you experience it. Photos don't quite tell the full story.

I would be very careful when looking at rental properties in Varenna. I've seen almost all of them. Many listings are deceitful, and there are very few that are worth staying in. Most everyone claims to offer a "view," but when you understand how the city is built on a cliff, only then can you realize what kind of view is possible.

There aren't that many lakefront properties available for rent directly in the city of Varenna. Being on the lake's edge is one of the most desirable places to be.

Some hotels offer lakefront rooms at lakeside and at higher elevations, and you can certainly get a room with a great view. A few hotels offer rooms with terraces facing the lake, but there aren't that many.

With a little more research, perhaps you'll acquire a better understanding of the challenges of Varenna lodging. Knowing your personal needs and your budget is a good place to start.

So we decided on Villa Monti would seem to have an elevation in a claim of only a three to 5-minute walk down to the main area. Are you or anyone familiar with this property?

Villa Monti is located on Via Roma, which is the uphill street leading to Eremo Gaudio. This is considered the outskirts of Varenna, overlooking the gardens of Villa Monastero. The main street below it, Via 4 Novembre, can be noisy at times, and then there's the train track, also just below it.

Piazza S. Giorgio is a modest walk down Via Roma and just past Hotel Royal Vittoria. And then there's another walk down a winding hill or very steep stairs to reach the lakefront.

To walk to the ferry docks from Villa Monti is about 20-30 minutes downhill. The walk up may be another matter. It will be exhausting and possibly a challenge for someone less fit. You can always call for a taxi. Expect to pay 12€ one-way.

Hotel du Lac is right on the lake and very near the town centre. Friends stayed there and loved it. I saw their room which was very nice...while I stayed in Hotel Olivedo nearby but wouldn't recommend Olivedo to you since it seems that you might prefer more upscale accommodations.

We stayed in the villa Torretta in May. It's right at the ferry dock so it's very convenient to get around the mid lake region. The villa is a short walk away from the train station. To get to the main town you have to walk the romantic lake hugging passarella which I found to be a plus. The views are amazing and unobstructed and there is a common sitting area where u can enjoy a cup of coffee with the view.
Have a great trip!

There are some resturants and art shops near the ferry and named hotels. Yes, the original town center and church plaza and a tiny museum are uphill. That's also where you will find one of the 2 tiny bodegas......but there are things to see and do all over

If you want to be on the lakefront, consider Villa Cipressi. Lovely place to stay with beautiful gardens. Google it an see what you think.

We stayed at Hotel Du Lac in 2015 and loved it! The patio is right on the lake and is a beautiful place to enjoy breakfast or an afternoon glass of wine!

We stayed at Albergo Milano. They have a hotel and other rooms. Also a restaurant. Walking distance of everything.
https://www.varenna.net