Lake Como - 2 nights
 

Hello

I will be going to Italy on October 10. I will start in Torino for a wedding then headed to Alba for a few days. Before we finish in Milano, we would like to stay a two nights in the lakes area.

We had planned on Lake Como (unless I get comments otherwise) and although we felt that Bellaggio was the place to stay, after reading this forum/reviews, I'm not so sure.

Given the duration (2 nights) and that we'll have a car. What are the recommendations?

Thank you!

I would stay on the west shore at Menaggio with the car. My favorite 4 star in G.H. Menaggio---a smaller 3 star is Hotel Dulac. We will be at Lago Como next Oct. for 2 weeks.
However, if you hope to drive to Malpensa the AM of your departure then consider staying at Lago Orta instead--much closer drive.

Hi Bob,

Can you suggest some restaurants in the Como, Orta, Maggiore, and Lugano areas?

We'll be over there in October as well filming the Lakes.

Good for you--let me know how it goes and the weather.

In Bellagio, I like 2 places. Bilacus is well known and rightfully so. It is often crowded so make a reservation. A sleeper in this town is a small trattoria named Antico Pozzo http://www.bellagioanticopozzo.eu/en/index.html Very good local fare.
At Varenna, I am told that Vecchia Varenna is very good but we have not eaten there. Read about the fixed price experience at Isola Comacina---the only island in Lago Como. It is a real happening

At Maggiore, you must check out Hotel Verbano on Isola Pescatori--also a nice 3 star hotel. In Stresa, we used to like Papagallo but that has been some years ago.

At Lago Orta the best gourmet food is at the funky Villa Crespi, but I do not like their location.

Hope this helps.

A hotel we really enjoyed was www.grandtremezzohotel.com

We spent 10 days there and it was an excellent location next door to Villa Carlotta and right across the lake from Bellagio--great views.

One of my favorite restaurants of all time was "Al Velue" in the hills overlooking the lake about 5-10 min. from the hotel.

We travel in Europe every year(heading off to Paris tomorrow), and Lake Como was one of our favorite vacations.