place to stay in lake region of italy

Sheri, One of the most popular locations with many here is the small town of Varenna on Lago di Como. It's a very easy one-hour trip from Milan. The town is scenic and beautiful, and from there it's easy to tour other points on the lake such as Bellagio, Menaggio, etc. Lago di Como has been a favourite with the "rich & famous" for many years, and of course that's where Clooney's Villa is located (if he hasn't sold it yet). The best "mode of transportation" is usually by train. The route that I'd use is a direct train (no changes) from Venezia Santa Lucia to Milano Centrale (time 2H:35M, reservations compulsory). From there you'll transfer to a Regionale train for the short trip to Varenna (1H:03M) - DON'T forget to validate your ticket prior to boarding the train. There are departures from Milan to Varenna every two hours as I recall (note that the station is "officially" called Varenna-Esino). Another possibility would be a short visit to Stresa on Lago Maggiore. It's also a beautiful city, but a bit more "upscale" than Varenna. While there you could tour the elegant gardens and Villa on the Borromeo Islands (Isola Bella) or perhaps take a day trip on the scenic CentoValli Railway to Locarno (Switzerland - don't forget your Passport!), with a return by boat in the late afternoon. Which option to choose will depend on mostly on your interests and what appeals to you the most. You may find it helpful to have a look at the Italy 2012 Guidebook. Buon Viaggio!

Try the Hotel Silvio in Bellagio. Great location near I giardini di Villa Melzi. Fabulous food too. Get a room overlooking the lake. It's worth the extra money! You do have to walk from the ferry though the gardens but it's just beautiful!

Try the Hotel Silvio in Bellagio. Great location near I giardini di Villa Melzi. Fabulous food too. Get a room overlooking the lake. It's worth the extra money! You do have to walk from the ferry though the gardens but it's just beautiful!

Off the tourist map is Lake Lugano. Stayed at Hotel Stella d'Italia twice and is family owned 100 years