Varenna or Bellagio

Varenna. I haven't stayed in either but been to both and Varenna would be my choice, hands down. Very pretty, and nice to be on a train line.

I say stay in Varenna, but definitely visit Bellagio and spend a couple hours strolling through one of the garden estates. The one a ways from town on the right, as you arrive from the lake, was lovely. Small forests, lovely gardens, lake views, some museum exhibitions too. Very relaxing.

I would also suggest Varenna, as it's more easily accessible so transportation is easier. It makes a good base for exploring other parts of the lake, such as Bellagio.

having been to both ( and stayed at Bellagio, and we are staying in Varenna, in May) we loved bellagio.
I am sure you will enjoy both. the ferry goes to both, so getting around is easy. Bellagio can be difficult to find a park ( if you have a car) Trying to find accom, might not be that easy? Varenna has the train.

there are plenty of beautiful villas/gardens to tour. like villa balbianello.

hope this helps.

Varenna would be my recommendation. It is not as touristy and very peaceful. use the lake navetta (ferry) and you can visit many places on Lake Como.

Buon viaggio,

I've stayed in Bellagio and across the lake in Lenno in a lake front hotel on a balcony which was much cheaper and less touristy than my nondescript Hotel Bellagio. If you like to be surrounded by tourist and over priced food then stay in Bellagio however the ferries/boats run all day so you can boat to every little town on the lake and spend a day at Como, the largest town on the lake. We visited Varenna on both our trips and it is a nice town. Most towns are quiet at night, just plan on spending your time on long dinner and a walk.

If you arrive by train to Como you can then take a boat to the town where your hotel is. Our first trip to Lenno we drove and the roads are small and curves, which had my husband's heart racing when the people passed us but the hotel had parking and we left the car for the whole week we were on the lake.

Thanks for the info everybody!

I like Varenna better. Bellsgio is bigger and more crowded. Varenna is smaller and more low key. If you're taking the train, Varenna is easier.

Been to both - Varenna will be a little quieter and on the rail line.