socaltraveler

We are planning a stay in Varenna next July. I have been looking at Albergo du Lac and Albergo Milano, and yes, I've done some reading on the board. Help me choose . . .

Dukey

We liked the hotel DuLac in Varenna. However, if you e-mail them you'll learn they won't be taking e-mail reservations for next July until January or February of 2007.

devanson

I would highly recommend Eremo Gaudio in Varenna. It may possibly have the best view and dining terrace on lake Como. Rates are reasonable and the hotel is almost Swiss like in it's simple charm. The hotel is built into a mountain -- the elevator ride up is worth stying there alone -- and there are upper rooms and lower rooms. We stayed in the lower ones, which all have unbelievable views, but i suspect that if you are planning this far in advance you can make reservations for the upper rooms, which are a bit better in their ammenities and a little more architecturally interesting. Varenna also provides easy access to Bellagio and Menaggio by ferry -- about 20 minutes. There is a train from Milan that takes you to Varenna. Hotel is about a 10-15 minute walk from the station, tho if u have a lot of luggage, you will want a cab. Let me know if you go and what you thought.

socaltraveler

Dukey,
I did e-mail the duLac and they say that they are already booked for that period next July. Moving to plan B.

Dukey

Tha's interesting. When I e-mailed them about a month ago to ask WHEN I could make reservations for the July 2007 timeframe they responded (immediately) by saying not until January or February.

I'm glad now I decided to go elsewhere..would have been more than just disappointing but hope things work out for you.

Cgibson

Have stayed at Eremo Gaudio. Views were wonderful but was foggy in daytime. But we went the end of October which was too late. Is serious hike up the hill or drive up on one lane road with hair pen curves to the parking lot. Have to take two funiculars to get to the hotel after u get to the parking lot. Would definitely stay there again. But it is a little out of the way and I would not want to walk or drive to it after sampling local wine (I did, but wasn't a good idea). can book here http://www.varennaitaly.com/scheda_a...?IDAlbergo=102

The Villa Cipressi looked great. We went through it but didn't stay there. Will next time we go though. Is a little pricey but is right on the lake and the gardens.
http://www.hotelvillacipressi.it/eng/hotel.htm

socaltraveler

By tweaking the dates by a day, the du Lac can apparently accomodate us. But it may make the rest of the week awkward, so I've been looking around. I don't think we want to hike up the hill, would prefer lakefront. The Albergo Milano has our dates. Anyone stay there recently?