We will be going to Lake Como, with a car from Milan, in late June. I am looking at hotels with an eye toward our limited budget, and Hotel Du Lac, Menaggio is only 80 euros a night for a double.

I read some reviews saying this is a good hotel, but there might be an issue with noise. However, at this price, it seems eminently reasonable.

Another option is the Del Sole in Varenna for 120, or the Milano in Varenna for 135 for a "lateral" lake view double room.

What do you think of the Menaggio Du Lac, and these others?

Thanks!

Not familiar with a duLac in Menaggio...just the one in Varenna. Have you looked at the Bella Vista in Menaggio?

With a car you are better off on the west shore. I agree that the Bellavista is good value in a terrific location---that Du Lac 80E price would scare me. Hmmm ! what about the Belvedere in Lenno?

Were you planning to do much driving around the lake? If not, then I'm not so sure Menaggio is a better choice than Varenna. Varenna is a charming, small village. Menaggio is a city, albeit a very genial one.

If this is the beginning of your trip and you aren't planning to drive much around the lake, you could forego the car until you're leaving. That would help with your budget and allow for a slightly higher hotel rate.

If you keep the car, be sure to ask the hotels you're considering whether they charge for parking.

One last "if": If you'd consider an apartment, look at www.residencelalimonera.com for accommodations as low as 100 euros in the middle of Bellagio. Free parking.

Jean, I take it that you have personal experience of la Limonera? We are spending a few days in Northern Italy in June 08 and have been having trouble deciding where to stay. On a recommendation from another Fodors poster we have tried without success to contact the Hotel Villa Marie at Tremezzo, so Como is still unresolved for us. The website for la Limonera looks good, and the prices are certainly good. I don't know Bellagio at all so, if you do have personal experience, some comments on your stay, the rooms. the location etc would be very much appreciated. Also can you confirm the parking? (I didn't see it mentioned on the website). Thanks. Greg

Thank you for your responses!

Dukey, Bob, Hotel Du Lac in Menaggio got very good reviews on venere.com and tripadvisor.com. Better, in fact, than Bella Vista.

I will look into Bella Vista. I got nervous about the reviews on Tripadvisor which claim that the host is not friendly, but I have sent them an availability inquiry.

Bob, Albergo Lenno looks great, but was 165E a night. That's going to wrong direction given our budget.

I couldn't find a link or review to Belvedere in Lenno. Did you mean the Belvedere in Bellagio?

Jean, I'll take a look at the apartments. We do plan to drive places like Lugano and Soglio, so we thought a car from the outset would be useful. Another concern I would have about not getting a car, would be picking up one later in Lake Como. We wouldn't want to have to travel back to Milan to get one.

Has anyone stayed at the Del Sole in Varenna?

Have a look at this hotel in Menaggio. http://www.villaedy.com/
Very quiet setting, no noise. Wonderful view over the lake. Sunshine all day long. Swimming pool and tennis lawn. Only breakfast, but they will indicate small restaurants in the neighbourhood only visited by locals.

We've been to Bellagio several times and stayed at La Limonera twice after it was recommended to us by a local. We would have stayed there again, but it has been booked up on subsequent visits to the lake. (Lesson: Book early!) The apartments are well equipped and comfortable, although as you can see from the photos the decor is not luxurious. The location in the middle of town is great, and there is a parking area just outside the main entrance gate.

Depending on where you're heading after Lake Como, you can pick up a car rental in Menaggio, the town of Como and (I think) Lecco at the southern end of the other "leg" of the lake. It's possible to take a day trip to Lugano from Lake Como by bus.

GregY2, the hotel in Tremezzo may be closed for the season. See if you can book through Venere.com or Booking.com. Or call the hotel directly.

Here is a real sleeper near the ferry dock in Cadenabbia.
www.la-marianna.com About 85E