Menaggio or Bellagio?
 

On our first trip to Lake Como 5+ years ago we spent several days based in Varenna; next April we will be back in the area. DH wants to return to Lake Como, I think we will have 3 nights, this is the end of our trip before returning the car to Milan Linate and spending our last night in Milan. When we left Lake Como last time he said he wanted to come back and spend time in Bellagio. From what I have been reading, I think we should look at staying in Menaggio - easier access as we will have a car, probably less expensive and there are those great views OF Bellagio. Any thoughts in helping make this decision? Guess you can tell I was not as struck with Bellagio as he was, but I do agree that we should spend some more time on Lake Como.

We were in Bellagio in Late April a few years ago. Great time to be there. Flowers blossoming in all towns along the lake and especially the villa across the lake from Bellagio. Driving to the airport could be easier from Menaggio, but I found it very easy from Bellagio. Decisions!!

I found it super easy to drive to and from Bellagio. I loved staying there.

With a car I prefer staying in Menaggio. If you choose Bellagio I would take the car ferry from Cadennabia rather than the road up the middle.

Stay in Bellgio. You can park your car ( lot by the church at top of the town) the whole time you're there and take ferries.

We stayed just on the edge of town...it was about a 10-15 minute walk into town. Hotel Fiorini. Free parking. We were there 4 nights. One day we decided to take the car on the ferry to Mennagio, and drive to Lugano for lunch. The only thing I would do differently is to NOT drive the skinny road from Como to Bellagio on a Sunday. a Saturday may be equally as trying. We left on a weekday, however and it was a breeze.