Varenna-Lake Como late June

We were in Varenna for 2 nights week before last (May 1 and 2, 2016) and stayed at Albergo Milano. In my opinion, the best thing about it was the view from the room (we had a very small balcony facing the lake). Honestly, I am not sure that I would stay there again. The room and bathroom were very small and the service was not very friendly.

The food in the restaurant (La Vista) was very good (and pricey). I would eat there again, but would definitely get the 3 or 4 course fixed price option. I had eaten a late lunch and wasn't very hungry so I got the Lake Como fish soup - it was delicious, but there was only about 1/2 cup of soup for $14. My husband ordered the 4 course option, and he was happy with his selection. The outside terrace overlooking the lake is beautiful, but it was closed due to rainy weather while we were there.

The breakfast which was included was good, but the service was horrible. There were coffee urns, but my husband insisted that it was instant coffee. The first morning we were not offered espresso or cappuccino, and I didn't see anyone else offered any. The second morning I did see someone getting espresso, and we were finally able to get the servers attention to get some. Getting a second espresso was nearly impossible. We went to another restaurant our second night there and was also very pleased. It was just a few steps away from the hotel and the food was very good - Osteria Quatro Pass. We had lunch at Albergo Del Sole, and it was also very good.

I am not sure about the air conditioning in late June. Hopefully someone else can answer that question.

In Varenna we went to the Villa Monastero (which I loved!) and the gardens of the Hotel Villa Cipressi (nice, but preferred Villa Monastero). We took the ferry to Bellagio and walked around the town and then went to i Giardini di Villa Melzi - a highlight of my entire trip! If we had more time, I would have visited the other lake towns. I would have loved to take the Bernina Express!

Hope this helps a little.

Kathy

We were in Varenna in June a few years ago and the weather was perfect. It was mid June very quiet and not that many tourists. We had reservations that were cancelled last minute due to the owner of the B & B becoming ill, so we stayed a couple miles up the road, which was fine since we had a car. Our friends stayed at Casa Stacey last Sept and loved it. Looks like it has a beautiful terrace.

There is a local cooking class that takes up the majority of the day, but is great fun - Chef Moreno e Rossella www.ilcaminettoonline.com – www.lacanoeva.com

We stayed in Hotel Villa Cipressi and loved it! Great service, friendly staff and a beautiful view of the lake. Would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending it. When we arrived in Varenna, we had lunch at Borgovino and it was delightful. It was on a side street, the food was very good and our server could not have been more welcoming.

Thank you.

So, Albergo Milano isn't really that great? I thought from reading this forum and Rick's reviews that is was really good. I was just concerned about the lack of air conditioning in late June.

Would Hotel du Lac in Varenna be better? The room they have available has a lake view, but no balcony. Hotel du Lac does have air conditioning though.

What are your favorite things to see and do in Lake Como?

Thanks!

Can't opine about any hotels in Varenna (stayed only in Lecco and Bellagio) but at the end of June I would definitely look for air conditioning anywhere in Italy that is not very high in altitude, and lake Como is not high in altitude.

We had a nice stay in early June one year at Hotel Olivedo. The owner is a bit quirky but we had a lovely large room overlooking the lake at the ferry. While the ferry areas could be noisy during the day, the doors to the balcony were good at blocking out the sound, and at night it was perfectly quiet. Breakfast was OK as I recall. Nothing special, but not bad. This location is VERY convenient to the train station.

We just left Albergo Milano, and except for rain the first few days, had a great stay. We had a room with a terrace and the views are lovely. I would recommend taking the mid-lake ferries for the views, and maybe check out some of the other towns. We went to Villa Carlotta, just above the town of Tremezzo, which has lovely gardens. One day we did the cooking class with Ristorante Il Camminetta which was fun. The staff at Albergo Milano was attentive, in our experience. We ate five breakfasts there, and had dinner a few times. Our room was not large, but having the terrace made up for it.
No matter where I've stayed in Italy, "caffe Americano" still does not taste like American coffee, but the cappuccino is delicious!

Thanks so much for your advice!

I am going to Varenna in July. I booked Hotel du Lac. I saw a lot of recommendations for it on this site. And check out the photo of their terrace!

Our favorite restaurant is Al Valu in Tremezzo, the food and view are the best! Cantina Folle also in Tremezzo is wine bar that is quintessential of wine bars! The Cantina's antipasto is all locally grown and produced from the Valtellina valley, north of the lake.

Thank you. I have heard good things about Hotel du Lac.

I appreciate the restaurant recommendations!

Thanks again!