I would like to know if anyone has commuted to the airport (we have a 10am flight) from any of the lakes and what was your experience. We are deciding between an airport hotel (cardano, I believe) and staying outside. Appreciate any advise.

You can stay near Lake Maggiore (at Stresa, or Acona, etc). It is not far from Malpensa. How many hours do you have free? Only a night, or you have time to visit something?

We live in Lecco and have to fly out of Malpensa for trans-Atlantic flights, often quite early in the morning. I've never tried the hotel-at-the-airport angle.

We did once try a train+bus commute for a not-too-early flight, which I don't recommend - there was a problem with the trains before us, so irate commuters sat on the railway tracks, blocking the line as our train was coming along. A trip that should have taken 40 minutes took two hours. We didn't even have the option to get off and call a taxi. Fortunately, I am a very paranoid traveller and had left plenty of margin, so we still made it to the airport in time. But I didn't like sweating through wondering whether we would.

So nowadays, if my husband can't drive, I hire a private car (120 euros from Lecco to Malpensa).

best regards,
Deirdré Straughan

beginningwithi.com

We can have 1-2 days. Not sure what to see. We're deciding on whether to squeeze the time to see Venice and then go to an airport hotel or to just go to the lake area and relax more. Thanks for any advice.

Look at www.orta.net--a magical serene place we love less than an hour from MXP.

Orta looks lovely. Do you have a recommendation for a hotel we might like? We'd like to be less than 300 euros since we're in Italy for 12 nights total. Also, it's me, my husband & 2 daughters, ages 9 &12. Thanks

If bob doesn't show up to answer, I think he has posted a review of his favorite place on the Slow Travel web site, so you might check (or ask) over there.

Marking

Of course, the Hotel Orta is the best location in town and oozes old world ambiance--if not a bit worn. It is one of the few places where I get half board--lovely dining room over the lake.

I see half board and full board on some of the sites. What does this mean? Is it worthwhile?

Half board means you get dinner in the price, full board means you get lunch and dinner.

I sometimes get half-board if I know the hotel restaurant is very good or know I'm going to end up eating there anyway because the town is so small.

There are some Italian hotels in resort locations that have built a reputation on the quality of their food. So it is something of an Italian touring tradition to book an "all-inclusive" package of lunch and dinner at good or even grand hotel for the ultimately relaxing vacation by a lake or the sea.

you are very helpful. thanks

By the way, even if you don't book for a meal, you can still eat in the restaurant. I've never had a problem getting a table.

We stayed on Lago Maggiore in Ancona and had a quick trip for a early morning flight back to the States. Staying on the lake would be my preference if I were doing it again.

what hotel in lake maggiore?
Also, what is the travel time between lake maggiore and malpensa and lake orta and malpensa?
All car, correct?
I don't want to get involved with boat connections. thanks

It was Il Sole di Ranco--actually in Ranco, but very near to Ancona. We had a rental car and drove from the hotel to the airport. You can check http://www.mappy.fr for estimated travel times and routes from any hotel you select to the airport. It was great to spend our last night on the lake!