We will be staying at Lake Como for 6 days next summer and are seriously considering spending the whole time in Varenna since we hate wasting a day checking in and out of hotels. We will not have a car and will be arriving by train. Are there taxis to get us to our hotel? We really want to find a hotel near the city center and are looking at Hotel du Lac. Do you have any other suggestions? Would like to keep the price under $300/day.
Thanks in advance!
Bob
Posted by
Minneapolis
1258 posts
Hi Bob. Just to give you some context.. Varenna is a very small town. If you have no trouble walking, most everything is walkable from the train station. The idea of 'near the city center' doesn't really apply; the town is small enough that everything is near the city center. Roughly two blocks from the train station to the ferry landing, then maybe another 3 blocks or so on a pedestrian path along the lake to 'city center'. There is taxi service available from the train station, but many people just walk to their hotel. To get more info, put 'Varenna hotels' or similar in the search box aboven and you will see many posts with helpful info. Have a great trip!
Posted by
OP
178 posts
Thanks for the info. It's hard to plan when you've never been there. I appreciate your overview.
Posted by
Freedonia
16028 posts
As stated, Varenna is very small. The entire town is walkable in just a few minutes.
I stayed at the Royal Victoria and splurged for a lakefront room. Well worth the view.
Taxis are limited at the Varenna train station so if one is not there, you may have to call for one.
When I had to return to the station, I arranged for one the day before. It turned out to be the same driver than drove me to the hotel.
I still tell stories about the restaurant across from the ferry dock. It had a big banner saying "We serve Spaghetti." And no, I didn't eat there.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15829 posts
Have you ever been to Liberty Island in New York where the Statue of Liberty is?
Well, the island is larger than Varenna.
Have you ever been to see the White House in Washington DC?
Well, the grounds of the White House are twice as big as Varenna.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5409 posts
We are also planning to stay at Hotel du Lac spring, 2025, but they haven't opened up their reservation system for next year yet. But, they are worth waiting for, especially a lake front room with a balcony. Enjoy and safe travels!
Posted by
OP
178 posts
Do you have any idea what rooms at Hotel du Lac rent for? Just a ballpark figure.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5409 posts
Around 250 euros for a view room- I'm hoping, based on this years's rates. The property and staff are all very nice.
Posted by
156 posts
We are staying at Hotel du Lac in a lake front room with terrace. We booked it twelve months ago and it is 360 Euro per night, so I assume that it a bit more than $300. I have no idea which dollars are being referred to but I will assume USD.
We have a driver dropping us off there but will be leaving by train. Hotel du Lac is arranging a taxi to the station for us, as they said it is difficult to get one last minute by calling.
I have been to Varenna before, but only on a day trip from Bellagio. Whilst the walk from du Lac to the station isn't terribly far, from memory it was slightly uphill and I wouldn't want to do it hauling a suitcase and in a hurry to catch a train.