Help with Lake Como Trip
 

We are planning a trip to Lake Como and would appreciate any advice on where to stay,what time of year is best, etc. Thanks!

Spring, summer or early fall.
Hotel: The Belverdere in Bellagio.

September sure seemed perfect to me. I wouldn't argue with anyone who has some other favorite month between April and October.

Menaggio was good for us. If not the perfection (location-wise) of Bellagio, then perhaps more hotel for the dollar.

Best wishes,

Rex

Went this past May, stayed in Menaggio which is somewhat less "contrived" than Bellagio which has many more shopping opportunities, restaurants, etc. Varenna is much more (than Bellagio) "typical" of a small Italian town IMO and has the advantage of direct railroad connections but all-in-all any of thes three towns would be good, I think, for a stay.
The lake is definitely a place to kick back and relax away from more frenetic activities in larger cities. Enjoy your trip.

I agree with Howard. Stayed at the Belvedere in Bellagio last month and it was terrific. Ask for a lake view room with a balcony. Many say Bellagio is too large and busy but we thought it was just right. It is still a very small town.

Thanks all for your good advice! All
of the message board people have been so helpful in trip planning. Several
others have mentioned Bellagio and also
the Belvedere Hotel--we look forward
to both the planning and the trip!

Loved the small village feel of Varenna and the sunsets are spectacular.

Hotel du Lac in Varenna is wonderful -- immaculate, right on the lake, lovely terrace for breakfast.

seebe: Another vote for Varenna, quaint, quiet, charming. The excellent ferry system gets you to all parts of the Lake in just minutes and it is fun. We stayed at Varenna and "sailed" over to Bellagio at will. Best of both options. Have a great trip.

I stayed in Varenna the first two nights of my recent trip a few weeks ago. I also visited Bellagio and Menaggio via short boat rides. I MUCH preferred Varenna and was so glad that I chose it as my base. It is small, quiet, perfectly beautiful, with an almost mystical feel. There are a few enjoyable things to do in Varenna itself: wandering around the monastery gardens along the lake, and taking the short but steep climb to the top of the town to visit the ruins of the Vezio castle. Bellagio, however, has a better choice of restaurants, but you could always eat a few meals there even if you stay in Varenna.