Varenna Lodging Near the Center

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!

Thanks for the info. It's hard to plan when you've never been there. I appreciate your overview.

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.

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.

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!

Do you have any idea what rooms at Hotel du Lac rent for? Just a ballpark figure.

Around 250 euros for a view room- I'm hoping, based on this years's rates. The property and staff are all very nice.

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.

Check out Hotel Olivedo, right at the Varenna ferry landing. It's a very nice family run hotel, reasonable rates, and it's just a short walk from the train station.

I will be staying here for 4 night in April. I booked the Mezzanine Apartment. I was told there are steps involved to reach the apartment. It is run by the hotel across the street so breakfast is included. Good luck and enjoy your trip.

https://www.albergomilanovarenna.com/casa-rossa/

We rented an apt, the owners picked us up at the train, but yes, we were able to walk easily to the train station when we left even tho 2 of us had roller bags. We visited a beautiful sculpture park, at villa monessterro. and part of our group also did a massive hike to the top of something to see castle ruins.

It is a beautiful town, we ate at a different restaurant each meal. And all were excellent. We may have eaten at the infamous "we serve spaghetti " place, but had a yummy version of fish and chips. (Scratch that, looking at map again it was the place next to the sand beach)
Caffe varenna offered wonderful small plates and baked goods and is right on the lake front. It was my perfected breakfast site, yogurt w granola and fruit, while my companion preferred the more authentic place that only served croissants, coffee, and a large serving of second hand cigarette smoke.

We took the ferry to bellagio for the day, ferry was excellent (tho a rain storm blew up during it and i did NOT have my jacket w me) bellagio was crowded, like cruise port crowded, so gets a big Meh from me.

Have fun!!

I think this is the hike Doric mentioned. The view is amazing from the ruins, and for any long-time Amazing Race fans, they will recognize it as a stop many years ago. It's not a long hike but wear good footwear for both paths up.

Hotel Beretta worked fine for us in 2018.