Yes, before anybody blasts me, I have read all of the postings regarding Lake Como. I am still not sure what to do. We are planning on staying in the Lake Como area for 4 nights in the middle of September. I have booked Albergo Villa Belvedere in Argegno, based on Karen Brown's book, and am really unsure if this is a mistake? We have 2 small children, and wanted something nice, warm and charming, but still accessible. Please help! Thank you

Karen, That would not be my favorite location. I am sure the hotel is fine, but not to be confused with the Hotel Belvedere above Bellagio. I would want easy access to the ferries, and that means staying in Mennagio, Bellagio, or Varenna--or even Tremezzo on the west shore. I do not know the ferry access or frequency that far south on the Lake.

Thank you Bob. I was staying away from the Belvedere in Bellagio, because I understand there is a long hike back up the hill from town, which concerned me with the small kids and their "stuff". What would be your next favorite choice?

I have stayed at Albergo Terminus right in Como. It is on the lake and within a few yards of the 'old town'. It is also right in front of the ferry service to all of the cute towns on the lake. <BR>It would have a little more activity for the kids and has tons of charm. It is in an old villa.<BR>When I return to Como, I would definitely return to Bellagio for a visit but I would prefer to stay in the more central area of Como.<BR>Good luck

Karen,<BR><BR>Don't know if this helps but we've booked rooms in Varenna at Albergo Olivedo. Looks nice. We too will be there in (late) September. I'm told the ferry boats run frequently from Varenna to all parts of the lake.Web page:"www.olivedo.it"

<BR>Hi Karen, I spent 3 nights in Varenna, at Hotel Milano. It was lovely, inexpensive and a short walk down to the ferries. You have a great view of Bellagio across the lake, good restaurants, etc. It was at the beginning of our trip and it was a great place to acclimate (fresh air, great people - like all of Italy).

We stayed at the Belvedere in Bellagio a few weeks ago and the long hike you mentioned from the hotel to town is maybe 5 to 10 minutes tops and the hill is only a gradual rise. We really enjoyed the hotel because it was away from town enough that it was quiet and the view of Lake Como is like a postcard. We also enjoyed the breakfast each morning and had dinner there one night which was very good. There were several families with children staying at the hotel some of which were Italians so if the "locals" like the hotel that is testament enough.

We stayed at the Hotel Du Lac in Bellagio in early July and were delighted with the location and the accommodations. It is just a short walk to the ferry and in the middle of the town -- fun shopping and good restaurants. We had a lovely room overlooking the lake. If you decide to try that hotel, ask for a lake-front room; it is only about 10 Euros more and well worth it.<BR><BR>Bellagio is a delightful town! Enjoy your trip.

Also....re: Bellagio -- the room we had was large enough to accommodate a large roll-away bed, which we ended up not needing but they had it for us when we arrived (we had a 4th person and needed a 2nd room).

Well Karen, The very nice and well informed people above have answered for me. I would add these hotels on the west shore--but they are all 4 stars and somewhat more expensive:<BR>Grand Hotel Tremezzo<BR>G. H. Mennagio<BR>G.H. Victoria<BR>It is hard to beat Bellagio or Varenna.

I will echo the previous comments about the Belvedere and the walk from the lake. Not only is it not that bad, but it's also a very picturesque walk!

Thank you all of you. You have certainly made me rethink Belvedere in Bellagio. Although, I thought that I had read a couple of recent posts which were not as positive as earlier postings. I know quite a few of you have posted positive comments. Thanks again.

I stayed at Hotel Milano in Varenna back in September of '95 and loved it. I am going to be all over Italy the second half of September and I tried about 45 days ago to book some rooms there and they were "completo" full.<BR>I also tried Albergo Olivedo, they were full and immediately after the woman on the phone said so, she hung up on me. I have heard that the owner can be rude at times.<BR><BR>So now my only choice was to spread our group of 8 between two hotels on completely opposite sides of town. Luckily Varenna is so tiny, it will be just fine.

I just received a response from Hotel Belvedere in Bellagio. They do have room for us. Three questions for the Belvedere educated, is it better to take the room with the balcony or the terrace? Are you sure if the walk from town to the hotel is possible with a stroller? And, is the food worth doing half-board, or just do breakfast there?<BR>Thank you again for all of your help.<BR>Karen

The terrace rooms are on the first level, while the balconies are with the upper-floor rooms. I prefer the latter, because the view is better. However, some prefer the terrace, as it affords the opportunity to sit and relax with a glass wine while taking in the magnificent view. I hope that's some help!<BR>As far as the half-board, I'd pass on it and just sign up for the breakfasts (which are good). We had one dinner at the hotel which was good, not great. I'd leave my options open. I recommend one restaurant in Bellagio--Bilacus. It's actually on the street you take to walk back to the hotel.<BR>One great asset of the Belevedere which hasn't been mentioned yet on this thread: The staff is wonderful--very helpful, caring, friendly and efficient.