Lake Como Trip report
 

We just returned from 5 nights at Lake Como. Thanks to this forum we had a great time. We were two couples (one in 40's one in 70's). Stayed at Grand Hotel Menaggio and visited Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano.
As we learned from this forum and verified, Menaggio is a good spot with a mix of locals and tourists, with a nice square and easy ferry and bus access. Varenna is smaller but pretty and Bellagio has the most shops and cafes. Ferries make easy access between them although they end around 7 - 9 pm and it is generally quiet in evenings.
Private boats are available and we got a driver and a car to and from airport to avoid complicated roads and crazy drivers.
After passing through Como on the drive we decided it was too big of a town and never went there , we preferred the small mid lake towns and took an easy bus from Menaggio to Lake Lugano (winding roads), Lugano was a larger upscale city with several nice squares and lots of shopping.
We arrived from USA at Malpensa, took 1.5 hour drive to Menaggio. Checked other 4 star hotels and decided we chose correctly. We will try to check back and answer any questions anyone may have on hotels food etc.

Well and succinctly put. You've covered it. Glad you enjoyed your stay.

Howieanddiane, we are stopping in Lugano for lunch on our way to Lucerne. Do you have a restaurant recommendation? We'll be walking from the train station.

Good for you--thanks for reporting back. The GHM is hard to beat.

Desert Sue,
We just stayed a few hours in Lugano and had a pizza at a place facing the Lake by the main square, very good food and people watching,I think it was called "Mary"

Sue, if you are stopping in Lugano for lunch on your way to Lucerne, you might prefer to catch the funicular down from the train station to the heart of the old town rather than walking. It's cheap, fun, and gives you more time to enjoy the most scenic part of Lugano rather than taking a not particularly interesting walk down from the station.

Howieanddiane:

Thanks for posting. Just curious, is the GHM air conditioned or not?

howie/diane: I wonder if you would describe your busride from Menaggio to Lugano a bit more for me. How often did the buses run? How long did it take? But more important, what was the ride like? Are there a lot of switchbacks? What's the scenery like? Thanks. J.