I only have 3 days to spend and want easy transfers to/from the airport to the Lake area. Is the town of Como worth staying at? What are good hotels in Como for ~EUR100/nt? Is it easy to go from Como to other towns and see where Star Wars was filmed?

While the smaller towns (Bellagio, Varenna, etc.) are nicer, Como is a fine base from which to explore the other towns via the hydrofoil and ferries. And, you're probably more like to find something in your price range in Como.
As for Star Wars site, if you mean Victor Emanuel's palace in Casserta, that's a long way off south of where you'll be.

I agree with Howard that Como's a great place to base yourself, and recommend the following hotel, about a block from the waterfront and in your price range:
http://www.albergofirenze.it/en-af.htm

I suspect you are speaking of the Villa Balbianello located at Punta Balbianello which is near Bellagio.

I don't think that there was any star wars footage ever filmed at Villa Balbianello - - but don't let that entier into your decision to go there - - it is truly a MUST-see!

"A Year at the Lake", with Vanessa Redgrave was filmed there - - and indeed, Ms. Redgrave is said to be the only person who has ever had the privileg of staying over night there since Signor Monzino's death (some twenty years ago).

As for staying at Lake Como, I would argue in favor of Menaggion or Varenna (less expensive than Bellagio) as distinctly better choices than (the town of) Como.

Best wishes,

Rex

Have to correct you, Rex. The movie is called "A MONTH by the Lake"!

And yes, I am afraid that some of the S-W footage was, in fact, flimed there..but I think it was the second episode....

I do agree with Rex as to Managgio or Varenna as a better option than the city of Como.

Como is the best base because it is not boring or isolated. All other lake towns are. Como has a great middle age old town. We stayed at Hotel Terminus and found it on Luxury Link . com. It is a lovely small european style hotel right on the water front next to the lake side tour boats. Get passes for 1-7 days and see EVERYTHING!!. We found Villa D'este and Bellagio charming but definitely not worth more than an intensive 1 day tour. If not enough, go back! Very sleepy towns and Villa d'este reminded me of a very expensive sanitarium...probably in summer, an asylum! The meal costs were ridiculous,
but delicious and worth seeing!

Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Metropole Suisse in Como? Thanks.

Some scenes from star wars the 2nd film apparently were filmed there.

http://www.bellagio.co.nz/starwars/index.html

Okay, I stand corrected about the Star Wars filming. Shows how out of date I am in my Star Wars viewing.

As an aside, is there now universal agreement on what terminology to use to reefer to the "second" episode (which came out fifth, right?) and the "fifth" episode (which came out second, right?)

Rex cannot answer your star wars question this time but have a question for you. We are driving from Murren to Varenna on a Tuesday, spending Tue and Wed nights in Varenna. Unfortunately Villa Balbianello is closed on Wednesdays. I was wondering, are the grounds still open to view the gardens and related? Just wondered if you knew or thought we might make it Tuesday afternoon if we do not dawdle (spelling) on the drive? Thanks for any help.
Regards, Mary Ann

While I am reluctant to give an expert answer based on a single visit there three years ago - - I would say that if you cannot go there (i.e., it is "closed&quot then, you cannot go there at all. The access is highly controlled - - you HAVE to arrive by boat, as far as I know - - and requires reservations. I don't think that you can find someone to take you there, just pull up the boat (nor "just swim there&quot, walk up the dock and look around at the grounds.

As far as getting to Varenna early to include a trip there on Tuesday, I think you would have to plan carefully, and make sure you get to Varenna by say, 1 pm, to get your transportation to Balbianello.

The official website (as far as I can tell) is http://www.fondoambiente.org/luogo.asp?ID=7 - - it's all in Italian only - - but it's pretty easy to understand that the last admittance is a half-hour before closing (i.e., 17:30). Still, I would not suggest arriving later than 15:30 or 16:00. Note that there is a telephone number and an e-mail address there. I'm sure you will be able to get someone to answer who speaks English just fine.

Rachelanne, I stayed at the Metropole and Suisse two years ago. We had a lovely room overlooking the lake with a balcony. It's very nicely located for strolling around the town, to the lakeside dock, and the plaza. Be sure to ask for a room with a view. It cost us I believe about $125.