Varenna Hotel Olivedo

It's a hotel/restaurant and appears in his Eating in Varenna section. I know that doesn't directly answer your question, but explains why it's on the map but not in the lodging section. Have you checked TripAdvisor and/or venere.com for reviews?

Not yet, but will do. Thanks, Michael.

Hotel Olivedo was listed as a place stay up through my 2009 edition. So the question is why was it de-listed? I don't think the location and ambiance are nearly as good as Albergo Milano.

I stayed there in July 2008 in a very small single room on the top floor with a fairly good view of the lake, but it was difficult to actually see through the window because it was near the floor and only opened a crack. Sounds strange but true. There must have been some quirky renovation done to the dormer. The location is right next to the ferry dock, so there is some noise early in the morning around 6:30 from the ferry horn, but it didn't bother me since I like to get up early to get to the shared bathroom first! The hotel is quite close to the train station, so if you have a lot of luggage, this is the place for you! The sheets were spotless, but the room itself was old looking. This didn't bother me because I spent very little time in the room. Hotel du Lac is where I would stay next time (a lot more expensive, but nicer). I would stay at Hotel Olivedo again if budget is a concern.

@Susan, It sounds like you had the same room that I used on a previous visit to Albergo Olivedo. I can well remember that window close to the floor and the morning activity at the Ferry dock. I agree, the room was small but it was quite comfortable for sleeping, and I didn't find the communal bathroom to be a problem (*Note: AFAIK, most of the double rooms have ensuite). @Tom, I don't know why the Hotel was "de-listed" for accommodations, but suspect that Rick's criteria for his "approved Hotels" has changed. Olivedo is somewhat of an older property, so may not be as desirable. I found it to be basic but quite comfortable, and the food in the restaurant was great! It's also possible that some readers didn't like the noise from the docks or other aspects of their stay, and complained to ETBD? Guests are not likely to get room service at Olivedo, so if they want that level of service, another Hotel should be used. Listed or not, I'd have no hesitation in staying there again. Note that they also have a "sister" property next door, La Torretta, which is operated by the Olivedo staff. Over the years, I've noticed that Hotels are listed and de-listed in the Guidebooks just about every year, but not sure why that occurs. The Hotel I stayed at in London has also been de-listed, but I would absolutely stay there again. Happy travels!

I stayed at Olivedo a few years ago and liked it very much. We had room in back with no noise. Lady in charge wasnt very friendly but was very efficient and helpful. We ate dinner there at night and thought it was very good. I also have no idea why it is not in his current guidebook.

This doesn't address staying there, but I did eat in their restaurant. We didn't stay at the hotel, but had dinner one night. They totally ripped us off. They brought food (salads) we didn't ask for, so we thought it must be included. When we got our bill, which consisted a couple of scribbles on a scrap of paper torn off from a larger piece, the total shocked us! For a meal that was just okay, it was the most expensive of our 3 week trip. And all we ordered was the 1st course. No wine, no dessert. I didn't even have meat, I had pasta. Lesson learned, if you aren't a guest at their hotel, don't eat there!

I've stayed at Hotel Olivedo and liked it. The breakfast, which was included, was good and generous. However, even for guests, the dinner meal looked very expensive. I think it may be a price for a full meal whether you want all the courses or not. Eat dinner elsewhere.

The beds at Olivedo were terrible-similar to camp cots. The owner was rude and cranky and breakfast anything but great-stale cereal, hard roll, tiny yogurt, no fruit. The entire facility needs a makeover.

Don't skip Varenna, just skip this hotel. I feel so strongly that I am writing this while still on our trip - (Aug 2013) I do months of research on our trips - relying heavily on Tripadvisor and Rick Steves. I had seen some negative comments about Laura (the owner) pop up over the past year, but the majority of the reviews on Olivedo seemed positive so I dismissed the warnings. Well, I am sad to say I am a believer now - this is a cute hotel with a stellar view, no noise from docks, decent restaurant, but I do not recommend it due to the hostile demeanor of the owner, Laura. We try to go with the flow in Europe and we aren't there to be "best friends" with the management. The attitude of the host never wrecked a stay, but our experience at Olivedo was a first in all our travels (12 trips to Europe, my husband and I are early 50s, suburban couple, love to travel.) Laura was nice for maybe five minutes after which the whole vibe was rude and petty. She sort of shadows her guests - and it was weird and undeserving. If you want a whole litany - look no further than clicking the "average", "poor" and "terrible" links on Olivedo's Tripadvisor Review page and read the comments about the owner. I will leave just one anecdote here. It was blazing hot and she "doesn't turn air conditioning on before 2:30" (?!) We could not use our room before then because it was stifling. Also, if you are bothered by cig smoke, it was smokey and the elevator wasn't working the two days we were there. I have gotten great advice from my fellow travelers on Rick's page (shout out to super-poster Ken!) I know this is an older post but I want to add my up to date comments to the thread because this was truly over the top.

Tom I guess I will jump in here as well. We stayed in Varenna last October at La Torretta( sister to Hotel Olivedo) The room was huge and the furnishings are of the old country for sure (bed was huge but mattress very hard) The food was great - ate there 2 of the 3 nights we were there. Now as to Laura - she may seem rude/grumpy to some but, was a lady with a hidden wit and smile as she kibitzed with my husband and myself. She does run a tight ship as Mama is watching over the whole operation in the small room to the side of the main entrance and I would assume this was her original home. We did not find the meals overly expensive as in comparison to other eateries in Varenna. Main question would we go back to Varenna again the answer would be No we would more than likely go to Bellagio which has more happening.
Granted we were there in October and the town was winding down for the winter season. I hope that this is a help.

We also stayed at La Torretta last Sept. We found it very nice. Laura did not bother us at all. We ate breakfast at the restaurant which is also provided for guests at La Torretta. It was sufficient. Laura even sold us a bottle of wine for the evening which isn't their policy. We sat outside and enjoyed our view. It was amazing, and I would definitely go back.

Tom asked this question over 1 1/2 years ago. I think it's a safe bet that he has taken his trip and no longer cares.

I stayed at the Hotel Royal Victoria on a RS My Trip - it was fabulous !!! Hotel link here...

As Andrea surmised, my wife and I did visit Varenna in May of last year. We spent 3 nights at Hotel Olivedo and were satisfied. Laura was a bit standoffish initially, but warmed up. Room and bathroom were adequate but not plush. Continental breakfasts were good and we had a fine evening meal in the restaurant, accompanied by a nice local wine that Laura recommended. We walked down from the train station and took a taxi back up. Proximity to the ferry was useful and we heard no noise. Overall, we'd consider staying at Hotel Olivedo again.
p.s. The best meal of our whole Italian trip was at Albergo Milano's Ristorante La Vista in Varenna. Reservations are a must.

I enjoyed Laura and staying at the Olivedo several years ago. Laura seems to like some people better than others; apparently she liked me. If she is too abrupt or bossy for you, maybe you should stay somewhere else. However, that hotel has the best location in Varenna; I think that makes it worth putting up with a host who tends to be surly.