Well, I just heard from the Bellavista. They want 120E for a lake view. I'm concerned because a lot of the comments on trip advisor give it a not-so-great rating.

Anybody stayed there?

Price
Location
Amenities

Pick favorite 2 of 3 and decide.
Bellavista or GH Menaggio?

Budman, we stayed there, but it was in 2002, so take this for what it's worth. The view--spectacular. Location, excellent--particularly with a car, although they told us in emails we could park there and when we arrived, it was another story (we did anyway; just never moved the car after unloading luggage ). Also walking distance to the ferry. The food, okay (setting of outdoor restaurant, great). Room was okay, but nothing to write home about. We ended up with ants in our suitcases, somehow. I don't know if it was from the hotel, but I suspect that may have been the case (discovered on the drive between there and Lake Orta). I was not wild about the service--a little on the abrupt side. There was a problem with the lock on our door, resulting in our getting locked out a couple of times. One of the proprietors yelled at me--claimed it was my fault (I don't think so). If I was staying in Menaggio again, I'd probably pay a bit more and opt for one of the other hotels, although it was hard to argue with the setting or the price.

Budman,

Excuse me, but what does "Half Board" means?

Also, I don't know anything about the Lake district and was wondering if you or anyone could tell me when is the low/high season. The guide book that I am reading does not mention anything about this matter.

Aloha,
M

cafegoddess, half board is breakfast and one other meal -- usually dinner. I have found that many hotels in the lake area require you to take half board.

This will be my first time in the Lake area. It seems that high season is from Mar/Apr thru October.

If you ever get the chance to walk through the neighborhoods up in the hills of Como, take it. Wait till sunrise and watch the city lights turn off the the sunrise. you'll be able to see the curve of the earth.

Budman,

Thanks Budman. Please let us know where you decided to stay.

I pretty much narrowed it down to Albergo Lenno on Lake Como in the town of Lenno. We'll have a car. Then 3 days on Lake Maggiore at Hotel Cannero.