on my 2 week trip to austria/switzerland i am wondering which city we should stay in. lugano, como or bellagio? we are planning 2 full days there.

I suggest Lugano

Vincenzo

I think varenna on lake como is beautiful and you can get a boat to bellagio and como

What would you hope to see/do in each place, or what sorts of things interest you? Will you have a car? What's before and after this spot on your itinerary? What time of year is your trip?

jean......
yes we have a car .....coming from interlaken then going to hall in tirol... leaving in 2 weeks. wanting to spend 3 nights/2 full days in that area....seeing the entire area

I'd look for lodging with parking in your budget range. You've left it a bit late, and availability may answer your question.

I wouldn't pick the town of Como, but I would consider other towns at the Lugano end of Lake Lugano or the leg of the lake to the west of Lugano. Also, other towns in the mid-lake area of Lake Como, like Menaggio, Varenna and Lenno. It's about an hour's drive between Lugano and Menaggio.

Just spent time in Varenna and loved it. Our hotel, Hotel Du Lac, had a parking garage. The hotel was wonderful.

La Limonera in Bellagio

Lugano's lovely, as are Mennagio and Varenna, but we wouldn't miss Bellagio, and the apartment (La Limonera) is a nice choice (stayed there last year). We also liked Hotel du Lac (Bellagio).

I don't know Lugano.

Between Bellagio and the town of Como, I would pick Bellagio. For me, it would not be much of a contest between the two. The rental car and the August travel make things more difficult.

I don't know your price range for accomodations, but here are some hotels that I think have parking. I have no personal knowledge of any of them:
Top tier - Serbelloni, Bellagio, euro300ish per day I believe
Top tier - Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Tremezzo, euro250-400 per day
Mid range - From the above post - Du Lac, Varenna
Mid Range - Bella Vista, Menaggio
Mid Range - Du Lac, Menaggio
Mid Range - Hotel Villa Marie, South of Tremezzo, West side of lake.
Low cost, Bath down the hall - Albergo Orrido, Bellano
Of course, there are others.

With these and any other hotels, parking is limited and will quickly be in short supply. A parking reservation or at a minimum a commitment and the name of whom you talked to are recommended.

Lake Como accomodations book quickly, especially for August. Just so that you know, getting this booked at this late a date will not be a slam dunk.

It is rather late, and yes, availability may answer your question....And although I love all 3, forced to choose, I pick Lugano

I can only comment on Bellagio and agree with the suggestion of La Limonera.

I just returned from a trip that included Lake Como, and I loved Bellagio! You can walk out to the point between the two legs of the lake and get some beautiful views. We stayed in the Albergo Ristorante Silvio, and for about 110 euros a night had a room with a balcony that overlooked the lake. The restaurant there is also excellent and features a lot of freshly caught fish. It's about a 10 min walk from downtown Bellagio, but with a car you'll have no problem.

We had two days at Lake Como and spent them leisurely exploring the villa gardens, eating gelato, and just relaxing and reading with the beautiful scenery surrounding us.