Colorado17

Hi!! Very quick question--my husband and I are in the midst of planning our Europe trip which includes Italy. We are going to be staying the night in Locarno, Switz. one night and the other we would like to stay in the Lake Como/Lake Maggiore area. We will be traveling by train...Rick Steve's suggests staying in Varenna as a home base---but i've heard wonderful things about Bellagio...but, i'm worried it will be very pricey. We're willing to spend about 100-150 Euro's a night. Any preferences on these two,or other places in that area??

Colorado17

Woops, I forgot to state that the night will be on August 5th of this year..

THANK YOU for your awesome help!!
-CO

BTilke

Bellagio is very popular--I would not be surprised if Bellagio hotels are already booked solid for your date. Start contacting the hotels in your price range ASAP.
I would prefer Bellagio; we're going back there for 4 nights at the end of September. But there's nothing wrong with Varenna.

rex

Menaggio is the third, and an equally decent viable option. It's essentially as well situated as Varenna, and at about the same (reduced) price, compared to Bellagio. Menaggio is a bit more convenient for car travelers (especially if you are headed on to Switzerland); Varenna is the only one of the three that is convenient by train.

Over all, I think that the preferences on this forum are about 45% Bellagio, 30% Varenna, 25% Menaggio. but remember - - the wallets on this forum are probably a little bit fatter here than in the "general population".

Best wishes,

Rex

hunnym

We stayed in Bellagio and were thrilled to have done so. Varenna and Menaggio were OK, but we were certainly happy with our choice.

We paid 170 euro for a room with a balcony at the Hotel Belvedere. A room without a view there might make it into your price range.

We ran into a woman who had a room (with no view) at the Hotel du Lac - she said her room cost her around 100 euro.

So if there are still some vacancies in August, you may be able to find something in Bellagio in your price range...

brenda_s

Bellagio, Bellagio, Bellagio
Hotel Belvedere, Belvedere, Belvedere


AND splurge on a room with a view.
FABULOUS..........

ahhhhhhhhh I want to go back!

Brenda

Jean

In Bellagio, there is availability the from Aug. 5th at Residence La Limonera which is in the middle of town. Check their website and on-line availability at www.residencelalimonera.com. Their accommodations are within your budget.

aj

Stay in Varenna, Albergo Milano, try to get a room with view of the lake. Take the ferry to Bellagio for a day trip. To me Albergo Milano with a view of the lake from the room terrace is heaven on earth but to each their own...I just checked their web page and double rooms with view of the lake are going for around 140 euros. Good luck and be sure to eat at least one meal at Albergo Milano. The owner is a great cook!

Colorado17

You guys are just awesome!
Jean--You actually looked up availability for us, you are too much, THANK YOU!! Hmm, it sounds like Bellagio might be worth the splurge...or perhaps Varenna staying at Albergo Milano....your suggestions are fantastic, thank you! We will be coming down from Switzerland, so that kind of gives us an incentive to stay in Varenna (train station accessible)...maybe day trip to Bellagio....AHHHHHH!! Options
Thanks guys, your advice is greatly appreciated!
-CO

suntravler

We just spent 3 nights at Albergo Milano in Varenna. We had the room on the third floor facing the lake. It was worth every euro. And the dinners were OUTSTANDING. Reserve in advance for dinner.

The whole place has just been re-furbished in excellent taste. It is very simple but lovely. The terrace where dinner is served is heavenly.

However, the guest rooms are not air conditioned. This might be something to consider in August if it is important to you.

baymtnman

My stay in Varenna at Villa Cipressa was incredible. They have a gorgeous garden along the lake-I cannot imagine better views. Great service. Quick trip from the train station. Varenna.....a wonderful boardwalk also.

J_H

Bellagio is an adorable town. We just returned from a month in Italy. I am still too jet lagged to write a trip report yet.
We started our trip with Lake Como, and are so glad we did. We stayed at Hotel Belvedere with a huge terrace. Loved it. Great place to check your e-mail-bellagiopoint.com. It is a wine bar and internet cafe. You can have a wine tasting while checking your e-mail. The owner is wonderful. We stopped by there every day.

Intrepid1

I like all three of the towns for different reasons. Whereas the rail station is in Varenna you do not have to stay there because of that; both Menaggio and Bellagio are a 10-15 minute ferry ride from Varenna and the ferry dock is a 10-15 minute walk (all downhill) from the train station.

If you are only there for one memorable night you might want to splurge and actually stay in Bellagio.

Colorado17

Thank you guys so much for all your responses!!! We'll be weighing them heavily in our decision!!!
Grazie!
-CO

Jean

I agree that just because you're arriving by train you're not limited to Varenna.

I really like getting off the train in Varenna, walking down the hill and wow! there's the lake. Then you're out on the water on the ferry, looking back at Varenna (the view from the water is the best), sailing around the point and wow! there's Bellagio! It's an unforgettable visual experience.