We don't know exactly wehre we are going to stay yet, probably either Bellagio or Varenna (but are open to others) but would like to hopefully find a room with a view of the lake for roughly 150 E. Any advice?

We stayed twice at the Albergo Olivedo in Varenna. Located at the ferry stop. Half board (Dinner and light breakfast) is mandatory, I
beleive.

In Bellagio, we stayed at the Hotel Bellagio. Our view of the lake was narrow, but we were on a lower floor. So discuss rate and view when booking. It is midway up/ midway down one of those long, steep stair strets.

Both of these should be at or near your budget.

We got a fabulous lakefront double room at the Hotel Metropole in Bellagio for 140 Euro last August. The room itself was small but very clean with a nice bathroom and the balcony and view were to die for. Their lakefront rooms all have balconies hanging right over the lake with 180-degree panoramic views. The Metropole is directly on the water (as opposed to other lakefront hotels in Bellagio that have a street in front of them).

Photos of our view:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hausfra...7602870675228/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hausfra...7602870675228/

The Metropole's location can't be beat. We would like to stay there some time.

In October 2007 we spent a night at Il Perlo Panorama high on the hill above Bellagio for 90 euros/dble with private bath. Family run, amazing views, very clean and comfortable, friendly and helpful family that runs it. You will need a car to get there, or they have a shuttle for a couple of euro per trip (check their website for details). Pretty good breakfast buffet included, which included coldcuts and hard boiled eggs.

What season? Coming from where before? Going to where after?

Best wishes,

Rex

Thanks for all the good suggestions. If we are going, which we are still debating (my wife in leaning towards CT and I am leaning towards lake Como) it will be in May, in between Florence and the jungfrau region of Switzerland.

Also look at Hotel Bellavista in Menaggio. Has pool right on the water at the edge of town and near the ferry dock. Good restaurant. Rates at or lower than you're looking for. Pretty decent place to stay. Not fancy but good.

Definitely look into the BellaVista, especially if your others are too expensive, etc. The food in the hotel restaurant is quite good; excellent lake views. Some of the room decor could be described as "rustic" with knotty pine walls, etc.

Two other hotels in Menaggio would be the Hotel Victoria next to the ferry dock and the Grand Hotel Victoria further along the lake front.

May, especially later in May is a great time to be on Lake Como. It isn't as crowded and the weather is wonderful.

Small correction !
It is Grand Hotel Menaggio next to the ferry dock---a very good 4 star choice. If you are driving then the west shore is easier.

I'll second the Hotel Metropole in Bellagio. Incredible views and a short walk to the ferry.

If you do stay in Bellagio, try Bilacus for dinner. We ate there twice during our stay and really enjoyed it.

We stayed at the BELVEDERE HOTEL in Bellagio in September 1999. We were pleased with the accomodations and the location. The hotel was recommended to us by NAVIGATOR BOB that posts frequently on this site. His suggestion was very good. We would stay there again.

I just saw the Rick Steves episode on Lake Como. He had shots of Albergo Milano in Varenna. Looked nice. I just looked at the hotel website. Rooms overlooking the lake E125 to E150.

It sounds like you are traveling by car.

You may find that Menaggio fits the bill of more convenient to get to, and to go onward to Switzerland from there.

I don't know if the GHVM can be had for 150 euro per night - - and if so, be forewarned that they have some rather stark, er... spartan rooms.

At the same time they have a nice private boat for your use (not cheap). A great way to get to Villa Balbianiello.

Wow, again, thank you for all of the good suggestions. I have looked into these places and it looks like we have a number of good options. However, it also appears as though it might all be for not as my wife is pretty set on CT. I will keep you updated.