After staying our first time in Menaggio at the Victoria, we selected GH Menaggio for our second and all further trips to Lake Como until our last when we went by train and so decided that the Du Lac in Varenna would work better for us. Actually, the steamer transportation is so good there that it really doesn't make much difference where you stay among the 3 places--Menaggio, Bellagio, or Varenna. What has already been said about the towns is true. Bellagio is the more touristed, Varenna the quietest and Menaggio the most like a real town. We've never taken anyone to the GH Menaggio who hasn't enjoyed their stay there, including some travelers who are pickier than we, as well as some who are much less so. I'd call the hotel an all around good choice. It's walking distance from the steamer stop and from the main part of town with the lovely square and the promenade. The bar has fantastic floral arrangements, the sitting room has the requisite glass chandelier and the views out onto the lake are fantastic. the pool being right on the shore is a nice touch and makes for a very relaxing place to sit. The dining room is pleasant opening fully to the outdoor patio where you can dine under an awning next to the lake. The rooms are acceptable if uninspired. Square, not large, but adequate. decorated oddly with scarves under glass. I believe the standard rooms have shower only. They aren't ugly, just not particularly attractive--the least attractive aspect of the hotel overall, but completely acceptable especially in view of all the other pluses. Roomwise, Menaggio is probably still better than Victoria--again, can't speak to Belvedere having never been there--but that says something too. I've been to Lake Como a good 5 or 6 times always doing at least a day in Bellagio and I've still never seen the Belvedere. it's certainly not in the center of things.

I understand obsessing about selections for others but I'd certainly vouch for your extra effort in making this selection and I can't imagine your friends not finding the Menaggio a swell place to stay for their Lake Como visit.

I'll start checking my logs for places to eat in Menaggio.

Julie thanks ever so much. The hotel that I contacted in Menaggio is the GH Victoria; they are less expensive than the GH Menaggio and I liked your comments that the Victoria was more elegant and "old world" than the Grand Hotel Menaggio. Sea Urchin's post also lead me to the Victoria.

Would you think that the Victoria would be good for us? (My friends have now told me that they do not want a lake view (at the Victoria) because there is a road between the hotel and the lake, so they are opting for the garden view at 210 per night...the hotel has availability). Was there any particular reason why you did not return there after your first visit? I promise that there is an end in sight to all these questions!!

I would love to hear your thoughts on eating in the Lakes region if you have the patience!

We are also planning a trip to Italy late September/early October using trains for transportation. I was quite surprised to read that C.T. is 75 km from SML! We're not hikers but wonder if we might be better off staying in one of the C.T. villages as opposed to SML or Camogli. Any advice appreciated.

Apparently it is a very easy day trip by train from SML to the CT. That is only 46 miles so how long could a train trip take?

We took the train from Santa Margherita Ligure to Vernazza, at the Cinque Trail. I think the train ride was less than an hour long, but someone else might know more precisely. It was quite simple to do.

We only opted for the Menaggio over the Victoria because of the proximity to the ferry/steamer stop and the pool directly on the lake--plus the views directly on the water. You and your friends will be perfectly happy at the Victoria. I have some rather persnickety friends who stayed there and were absolutely charmed by the old world service. don't fret. whatever. It will be fine. The lakes are absolutely wonderful. You can't go wrong.

I'll consult my logs and check out places to dine, but for sure, you'll want to dine at both hotels. How many nights will you be there? Please don't make me reread the entire post to remember. This is getting long.

Uh oh..I think that was a hint, Julie!!! My only excuse is that I am planning this for two other people who are older and perhaps a bit more fussy about accommodations than I would be..and also willing to spend perhaps more than I would have if I were alone.

So: Four nights in Menaggio and 3 each in SML and in Camogli. You know that your recommendations on where to eat are like gold so fire away! I am surprised at the advice to eat at the hotels, though!

Many, many thanks!

ekscrunchy, are you still of a mind not to have a car on this trip? Just wondering for restaurant and sight recs.

Julie we will have a car; I think we will rent it in SML and drive to the Lakes, then hopefully we can drop it off there. If not, we will have to drive it to Malpensa...

Glad you're getting a car. It's not absolutely necessary, but does increase the number of places you can get to easily. I'd almost think you'd be better off driving to Malpensa than trying to drop the car in the Lakes. Looks like Como town is the only place you could drop it, and that's a downtown location. A, I'd not advise you to go to Como town. And B, it should be easier to drop it off at the airport than at a downtown location. And C, it will save you the cost of a driver or train trip. and D, Malpensa is probably almost as easy to drive to as Como. Also saves need to keep on top of train schedules, etc.

So, yesterday I reviewed logs from all 6 of the trips we've made to Lake como and garnered all the sight and restaurant info I can. However, rather than post it on this thread, I'll start another which I'll entitle Lake Como restaurant and sight information. That way others may be more likely to chime in on the topic and to find the information as well since the topic comes up time and again. Should take me a little while yet to develop the post but keep your eye out for it.

BTW, my notes speak of Bruno, the concierge at the GH Victoria. He's featured prominently in their brochures, is a real charmer, and provides great service. Use him at every opportunity. He'll make reservations for you, provide info on anything you need. count on him for help to arrange lunch at Isola Comacina. More on that in the separate post.

Julie that is a wonderful idea..both about Bruno and about beginning a separate post...I will keep an eye out for it! Thank you.

Just to report back, after all the help I received here, this is the current plan for our September trip with arrival in Genoa and departure from Malpensa. I have not bought air tickets yet...



3 nights Camogli..Cenobbio dei Dogi

3 nights SML..Miramare

4 nights Menaggio (GH VIctoria) (also holding res at Hotel Belvedere in Bellagio and will decide soon...)

Restaurant tip from Vicenzo, outside Rapallo:





http://www.ugiancu.it/cms/index.php?...%20di%20storia

I plan to start another thread about eating in Liguria, but before I do, I just wanted to mention a fantastic book about the region by Fred Plotkin entitled RECIPES FROM PARADISE: LIFE AND FOOD ON THE ITALIAN RIVIERA.

Once again, a wonderful resource is out of print but copies are available in libraries and at used book sellers.

So far from this book I have learned that the name Camogli derives from Casa delle Mogli, "house of wives," and that the best baker in the town is a Pugliese named Rocco Rizzo, who turns out incredible focaccia (fugassa) in his shop on the Via della Repubblica. And I have just begun to read this book!

Ekscrunchy-thanks for starting this thread.I am leaving for Rapallo and 5Terre on Sunday with my daughter and have used some of the suggestions on this thread-will let you know about them when I get back.This was a VERY last minute trip so am hoping that all goes well.To think that I thought that we should go to Santiago Chile instead.............a glass of wine and a great pesto pasta to all who have shared,thanks!

Dutyfree: Have fun and please report back after you return!

I am going to cross-link these threads because there is so much good information on both of them:



http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35141463

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