We took a very cheap taxi to Hotel Belvedere as we had or should I say, my wife had some heavy luggage. I would HIGHLY recommend a deluxe room at this hotel. It was VERY easy to hit the shops and restaurants, as the walk was quite easy, unless you are infirmed or in your late 80's! We loved the views from our room. Heavenly. Couldn't get enough of the lake views and the people at the hotel were great.

Here's our pics if it helps:
http://photobucket.com/albums/v287/s...0Italy%20Pics/

We took pics of our room and the view from our room. Also got some from lovely Varenna. We could have easily spent more than a week in this area!

Here's our trip report too:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...ever&fid=2

Steve R

Thanks, Stever, this was VERY helpful. Confirmed my decision to stay at the Belvedere, and also my inclination to take the Deluxe room.

Rexmor: Glad to hear. You won't be disappointed. I'll never forget that view from the balcony of the lake after a rain. Marvelous.

Steve R

Rexmor, if you're still checking in... (I've been pre-occupied buying a new car.) Although I personally prefer the Hotel Florence in Bellagio and the Hotel du Lac in Varenna, you'll have a great time at the Belvedere in Bellagio. (The one-week minimum at the Metropole for 1000 euros wasn't a deal at all.) But just because you're staying in Bellagio, don't cross Varenna off your itinerary. It's a charming town worth a day of wandering/shopping/dining.

Jean, thanks for your input. I certainly plan to visit Varenna, and did consider staying there. However, it seemed like there would be more dining options in Bellagio, and we have decided to stay for 5 nights, so the multiple dining options will be a factor.
Sounds like you know the area very well. Does the ferry run late enough so that you can eat dinner in one town and return to your hotel in another?

rexmor, Ispent 4 days there last sept. It was spectacular Istayed at the hotel Metropole on the first floor with a large deck. Do not get the meal plan the food in the hotel is blah. There is a great resturant across the hotel,you walk up this steep incline on the right half way up you cant miss it is is outside dining and you sit beneath grape vines this place will blow youaway also with time you can take the ferry get onto the town accross the lake and take a bus to Switzerland.If you wish Iwill pull out more info for you.P.S is is a challange getting there you must use a train and ferries other than that woooowwwww.

I recently made a booking through the automated system at the Metropole for 3 nights at the beginning of Sept and received a wonderful rate. Cannot understand what they have quoted you and why a weeks booking

In 2001 my husband and I stayed in the hostel on Lake Menaggio. It was wonderful with incredible people and food!
http://www.menaggiohostel.com/
When we were there they did have private rooms (we weren't married and it was cheaper to do dormitory at the time) and they offer cooking classes and other activities!

If you don't need to stay on a budget I'm sure there are many other wonderful places to stay! I prefer the community of hostels and freedom of backpacking through Europe.

When I first applied to Metropole it was a month ago, and they were closed for the season. From the automated booking system I got the message that they only took one week reservations for that month, and that I would need to apply by e mail for shorter stays. I did so, and after I started this thread I did receive back a reply that they would accept a four night stay. In the interim, however, I decided to stay at the Belvedere, partly based upon input from this site, but also from the advice on "tripadvisor.com". Metropole seemed to have more "checkered" consumer feedback.

Hello again, Rexmor. Yes, it's possible to have dinner in Varenna or Menaggio and return by ferry to Bellagio. Most likely, you'll have to be seated early (possibly when the restaurant opens for dinner) in order not to be rushed before heading back to the ferry dock. It is imperative, however, that you check the ferry schedule yourself when you get there. Don't accept anyone's assurances on this forum about the time of the last ferry.

You can anticipate the ferry schedule by checking www.navigazionelaghi.it and www.bellagio.co.nz. The latter site has helpful tourist info. When you get to Bellagio, the tourist office (with more helpful info) is located in the small piazza adjacent to the church (just look for the bell tower).

Do a search on this forum for restaurants in Bellagio and Varenna and possibly Menaggio. I have recommended Bilacus in Bellagio many times, and we eat there at least once during every visit. In September, reservations are necessary, and the Belvedere should be happy to make them for you.

A couple of things in the area that we have enjoyed (beyond the usual tourist lists):

The falconry in the castle ruins above Varenna. You can take a somewhat steep hike up to the ruins or a city bus to the park entrance where the ruins are located. Get falconry and bus info from the Varenna tourist office. The birds are released for exercise a couple of times a day, and the views are spectacular.

The chapel La Madonna del Ghisallo in the hills a few miles south of Bellagio. This shrine to the patroness of cyclists is fascinating for anyone who follows international cycling, Le Tour and the Giro. The Tour de Lombardy passes the church every year (race is in early October). The walls are lined with riders' jerseys, photographs and even bicycles of the greats of (mostly Italian) cycling. Beautiful views toward the eastern leg of lower Lake Como.

Have a great time in one of my favorite places in Italy!