Our September trip to Northern Italy has come about rather quickly which has made booking hotels difficult.
We have a room at the Hotel Royal in Menaggio or a room at the Orangehouse B&B in Varenna. I realize that they are two very different places. It seems to me that the Orangehouse will be more convenient (close to train, ferry) as we do not plan to rent a car. Ease of access and transportation is my main concern with Hotel Royal. I welcome your first-hand experience.
Thank you!
Starla, just my personal anecdotal experience, and I do not know either of the specific inns you mention. I was on Lake Como in early October 2013, lovely time in a lovely location. Stayed in Varenna, very nice and relaxing. Not too developed, but a good number of restaurants to choose from. Took a ferry to Menaggio, admittedly in the morning, and a number of us were very quickly bored and after 30 or 40 minutes caught the next ferry to Bellagio, which was wonderful. More commercial and touristy, yes, but many restaurants and shops, and at least two major estates you can visit. We took about 90 minutes to wander around one on the lakeside just outside Bellagio, with beautiful gardens and forests, a small museum, and buildings and art out in the open. This estate was owned by the Vice President of Italy during the days of Napoleon. Choosing between Varenna and Menaggio, just based on my own limited experience, Varenna hands down.
We stayed in Menaggio and liked it but I agree with the previous post. It is a bit less exciting than Varenna. However, you can easily ferry around Menaggio, Varenna, and Bilagio. Varenna is definitely easier to travel to and from the rest of Italy.
Thank you for your feedback... and so quickly! I will finalize my plans.
Several years ago I stayed in Menaggio. I discovered that the ferry to Varenna did not start running early enough for me to catch the train I needed. So I ended up spending the last night in Varenna. Menaggio has more hotels, groceries, and shops for the practical aspects of life. Varenna is prettier and has great scenery with walks along the shore. The ferry ties it all together.
Starla,
I've never stayed in Menaggio, but have stayed in Varenna. I chose that location partially based on logisitics and the fact that it's easier for transportation. In addition to the trains, Varenna has good Ferry services so it's easy to get to Bellagio, Menaggio or even Como by boat. I really like Varenna and hope to get back there before too long.
