Our last three days are suppose to be spent in Lake Como and I am having trouble finding a reasonably priced hotel for my family of five. I have gone to many websites and some hotels (the dulac and all its sisters and brothers!!!) and having a hard time of it for the first three days in July. Any suggestions? Thanks, Sandy

Are you only looking in the city of Como or will any town on the lake do? What is your idea of reasonably priced?

We just want to stay in the lake area. I was also looking in Lake Garda area. I was looking at other towns (Bellagio, etc.) so other towns would definitely do. I'd like to stay in the 200 range. Sandy

I stayed at the Hotel Monte Codeno and they have rooms above their restaurant and also a 3 bedroom apartment in the building next door. I don't remember the exact rate, but the apartment was less expensive than renting 2 twin rooms. The apartment was very nice, top floor, wonderful views, small kitchen, fireplace and balcony. I'm sure you can find the contact info in a guide book. I found it in Rick Steves' book. Varenna is a small, quiet town and we enjoyed our stay.

Try the Hotel Florence in Bellagio. Rates are below $200 for double rooms, even with lake view. Several other towns are easy to reach by ferry from Bellagio. Go to Ristorante Bilacus for dinner.

I found a website for Monte Codeno - the apartment would be great for a family. http://www.varennaitaly.com/montecodeno/index.html

You may also email Nicoletta at Italian Connections -Bellagio. She was most helpfull, worked for few days and actually booked me a place in Menaggio when I was desperate to find anything for May - that was in Feb. [email protected]

Are you driving? Where are you coming from ? There are many good Lakes options--it just depends. I assume you are flying out of Milan. What time is takeoff.

I stayed in Bellagio at the Hotel Metropole which overlooks lake Como. A few years ago, this hotel was one of the lower cost properties and I recall being very satisfied. About four years ago, I paid about 75 dollars for the room and a great buffet breakfast was included. I did make the reservations through the "venere" web site that has been cited by others.
Ellen

Pleased to see/hear another positivie reference for icbellagio.com - - I first posted my experience with them, bailing me out of a "must-have" situation - - at Monza Grand Prix time - - with rooms at GHV Menaggio almost three years ago.

Best wishes,

Rex

Bob, we are flying out of Milan at 9:30 a.m. (thinking that we would have to go to Milan and spend the 3rd of July there in order to catch our a.m. flight). We will be driving into the area from Venice. I will try emailing Nicoletta and see what comes of that. Thanks for all your help!! Sandy

Rootcher, Stay at the Grand Hotel Mennagio on the west shore at the ferry dock. You can leave at 0600 and drive to Malpensa that morning and save your last nite in Milan. That is not true if you stay in Bellagio. Oh yes, the less expensive Hotel Bellavista is next door and very reasonable. Good luck !

Anyone have a website for either of the two hotels that Bob mentioned? Can't get them through my links. Sandy

Go to google.com and just enter the hotel name to find their site. For the Bellavista I would enter " Hotel Bellavista in Mennagio".