jane

Hello again fodorites. <BR><BR>I've noticed that the train tracks seem to run more or less through the middle of the town. It also appears that this is a major route, lots of trains including the cisalpino zip through from Switzerland to Milan. I'm wondering if this town will be like the CT towns - pleasant, but don't book a hotel too close to the tracks if you don't want constant rushes of adrenalin from the noise! Or, am I needlessly worried?<BR><BR>Thanks again in advance for any input.

pat

We stayed right close to Lake Maggiore. The noise from the road running up and down the lake was almost constant. It wasn`t bad if you kept your balcony door closed, but is was nice to have it open. The train station was several blocks inland from the Lake. Most people like to stay on the Lake. It was beautiful and I don`t regret it, in spite of the noisy road. Bs sure and take a day trip on the train to Lucarno Switzerland. The scenery was awesome! We changed trains in Domodossola. Coming back we took a boat right from the center of Lucarno, and ended up very close to our hotel.

jane

thanks pat for your answer.<BR><BR>I was thinking of a hotel called the Mon Toc (sp?) that is not on the lake but above the train station, that is why I ask about the tracks.<BR><BR>I've heard of the Centovalli railway, I do hope to fit it in if possible.

gac

The Mon Toc is very close indeed to the rail tracks. I'd avoid it unless you are attracted by its low rates. You might consider requesting a room in one of the (expensive!) hotels along the Lungolago, facing the hillside, NOT facing the Lake. Rooms facing the Lake are noisy because of the main road traversing the town. I had a hillside facing room in the Regina Palace, which was delightful and very quiet.

jane

Thank you GAC, I was afraid there was a reason for the low rates at the Mon Toc.<BR><BR>Thanks also for your very helpful suggestion about booking the Comazzi bus from Malpensa, which I found when I did a search on Stresa/Malpensa. I understand I call a number to book the bus, but do you happen to know how one arranges payment - i.e. does one pay on board, or find a booth at the airport? <BR><BR>

gac

According to the Malpensa Web Site (which appears to be updated regularly), you pay on board the bus.