Varenna Hotel Suggestions

Don't stay in Albergo Baretta. It used to be an RS recommendation. I don't know if it still is. They messed up our reservation and had given our room to someone else, forcing us to choose to either downgrade to a room without a bath or pay a lot more for the only room with a bath that was available. And after making sure that they accept credit cards, we were told on check out that their credit card machine wasn't working so we would have to pay cash. They refused to provide a discount. We had to hit two different cash machines to find enough to pay them. Then we found out that they pulled the same stunt with another couple that we met about a year later. Also, the noise from the bar is extreme around 6 am each morning when the fishermen gather for breakfast.

We really liked Albergo Milano, right on the lakeside walkway but away from the ferry terminal. We had the large top floor room in Casa Rossa with kitchen corner and balcony/terrace, and it was perfect except that the balcony railing was quite high for me to see over. Also, there are lots of steps, so if you mind that you should choose a room on a lower floor in the main hotel. Dinner on the hotel terrace was so nice we ate there twice during our stay.

Hi Bill. We also stayed in Albergo Milano in the main hotel & had a room with a lakefront balcony/view. The hotel & view were wonderful. I would definitely recommend Albergo Milano. On our upcoming trip in September, we will stay at Albergo Milano again but in Casa Rossa...so I can't comment on the annex but I imagine it will be very nice since it's part of Albergo Milano.

I second Albergo Milano. We stayed last October. We had a Terrace room. The terrace had two chase lounges and a table for four. The service was outstanding. We came back from a pizza dinner one evening and had a craving for dessert. They were in the middle of dinner service, but the owner set a small table in the lobby to serve us. We were leaving on an early train, prior to the breakfast buffet set up. They set a table for us with pastries. etc., and a thermos of hot coffee. The hotel is about a 15 minute walk to the train station, or a couple of minutes by taxi. Albergo Milano books up fast, so if you decide to stay, reserve asap.

Bill, As you can see, Albergo Milano is a popular choice with many here, so if you decide to stay there be sure to book early! You could also have a look at Royal Hotel Victoria which is located right in the main Piazza across from the Church. I've also stayed at Albergo Olivedo which is right by the Ferry dock. The rooms are more "basic" but very comfortable, and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. Even if you don't stay, there, try the restaurant one night as the food is great (at least in IMHO)! If you want exceptional views, a "quiet" location and something a bit different, have a look at Eremo Gaudio which is up the hill from the town (take a Taxi from the station). Buon Viaggio!

I stayed in Albergo Olivedo in 2008. It was adequate, but I was happy with this budget hotel since I hardly spent any time in the hotel and didn't need any amenities. The room needed updating, but the bed linens were spotless. If I were to go back and was willing to splurge a bit, I would probably stay in the Hotel du Lac (I think it has private lake access for swimming). Friends stayed there in 2008 and loved it.