I am going to be at Lake Como and the end of April for 3 nights. There is not much availability (at least not desirable availability)in Varenna which is our first choice. Is anyone familiar with Tremezzo? How does it compare with Varenna on the "charming" scale? I also found a hotel in Lezenno that seems good (its all about the views for us) but Lezenno doesn't seem that well situated. Last but not least, is Bellagio a good place to stay or is it overpriced and touristy (that is more so than other towns on the lake).
ANy other suggestion or ideas would be appreciated.
Posted by
Farmingville, New York, USA
381 posts
We stayed in in that area last spring. We stayed just outside Bellagio. We liked it very much. Ferry service is good and enough good places to eat. Many would disagree with me but I wouldn't stay in Veranna. It is very nice but also you see it very it isn't real big so a ferry ride there for a day is more than enough. We did stay in Lezzano and loved it. The hotel there has a fabulous restaurant so not a bad choice if you have a car. Lezzano a about 10 to 15 minute drive from Bellagio. I enjoy driving but it is intimidating to some. Roads are narrow. Just don't let those behind you push you. I like a nice easy drive so once in a while if I saw a pull off I would just pull over and let he speedsters pass.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Lisa, It seems a bit unusual that all accommodations in Varenna are fully booked at that time of year. How many places and which ones did you try? If you can't find anything in Varenna, Bellagio makes a good second choice. You could also try Menaggio as it's not far. Good luck!
Posted by
OP
New York, USA
110 posts
It is surprising to me that things are as booked as they seem to be but, having said that, it is the rooms with the views in halfway decent sounding hotels/B&Bs that are also not too far outside my budget that are scarce. I actually did book a room at the Hotel Olivedo and there is also one available at the Villa Torretta, which I believe is part of Olivedo. Neither of these hotels sound great although they have views. We will have a car but we like wine with dinner - ok a lot of wine with dinner -and I don't want to have to drive back to a place outside of whatever town we stay in. I take it Tremezzo isn't so desirable? How about Lezzeno?
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
I'm having the same problem late Sept to early Oct 2013 finding anything in varenna. Most hotels are all booked up. Might have to change my plans and stay at Bellagio instead
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Lisa, I haven't stayed at Villa Torretta, but I have stayed at Albergo Olivedo (both are managed by the same people). Olivedo is an older hotel, but perfectly comfortable. I don't remember whether they offer parking, but I'm sure Laura will be able to provide that information. Albergo Olivedo would be a good location given your penchant for wine. It's right at the Ferry dock and at one end of the lakeside promenade. It would be easy to have dinner (and lots of wine) at any of the restaurants along the lake, and then have a relaxing walk back to the hotel. Of course, you could also have a fine hot meal on the outside patio at Olivedo (open at 19:00 for dinner), and not have to walk anywhere. As I recall, the Ravioli is excellent! Did you try Hotel Royal Victoria? Cheers!
Posted by
Western Canada
3599 posts
We stayed in Menaggio across the lake. It's a little bigger, so more to do, and a great hotel called Hotel Vapore. It's basic, but so clean; and the restaurant serves up delicious home cooking. Ask for a room with a balcony at the front, and you are looking right at the lake. Ask at Menaggio's tourist office about the walk up to the old chapel in the mountain above.
You can get the bus up, then walk back down; takes about 3-4 hours.