Now that our itinerary appears set, we need to figure out what area around the northern lakes to stay in. We will be spending 3 full days and one half day (travel day) there after visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice in May 09. The flight we are looking at departs Malpensa airport at 9:45 AM on a Saturday morning.

One poster mentioned Varenna? Any other suggestions or recommendations, if possible including hotels? Any advice would be appreciated!

debrad,

I only did a day trip to Lake Como from Milan - and it rained, so I can't really say how Como is.

We did start our trip at Lago di Maggiore, staying on Isola di Pescatore one of the tiny Borromean Islands just off Stresa. We just loved our visit and would have stayed a 3rd day if we could.

We stayed at Hotel Verbano, very nice with killer views. The island is dead quiet at night. If you need to depart or arrive when the public boats are not running, you will need to arrange a private one which we did when leaving. The hotel called for us.

We really enjoyed visiting the other islands, the town of Stresa and also boating up to Villa Taranto to see the gardens. The famous azalea bloom is in May. Our trip was in May, perfect weather, but we missed the bloom.

It was about 1 hour by train from Milano Centrale.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

Bellagio is the best place to stay. Take the train to Varenna and then the ferry to Bellagio, which is the town directly opposite. Hotel Bellagio has great views and Hotel Florence is right on the Lake. I would try and delay tha flight, because where ever you stay on Lake Como it might be tight getting to Malpensa at 7.45 for a 9.45 flight
http://www.bellagiolakecomo.com/inglese/italiano.html

I stayed in Varenna a couple years ago and loved it - beautiful location & very relaxing. I went there from Paris and it was a nice change of pace after enjoying time in a big city.

I rented an apartment so can't help with hotels, but I'm sure you'll be hearing from other posters.

I assume you do not want a car--it may be a good solution. If not, then Varenna is your best choice. The train goes there from Milan. But, the station is :10 uphill from the village. You can ferry to Bellagio from Varenna, but that adds one more logistic for departure.
However, you do not HAVE to choose Lago Como. Read your guide book about Lago Maggiore and the town of Stresa---a very good option with easier travel logistics and closer to Malpensa. Do not shop hotels until you decide your lakes location and whether you will drive from Venice--first things first. The hotel part is easy.

We stayed in Varenna at the Hotel du Lac. (there are a couple around the lake naturally, so make sure you get the correct one in Varenna) it was great, top spot, great views etc. We preferred Varenna to Bellagio, a little quieter, but that is what we like. There were some great restaurants there as well.

If you stay in Stressa I can recommend the Hotel La Palma. We had room 503 which was really big, huge bathroom etc.

Whilst Lake Maggiore has its charms - Stressa in particular has a "good feel" it does not compare with the wow factor to Lake Como. The route from Varenna across to Lake Maggiore we found to be very complicated (only cos we went wrong and didn't have navigation)the road signs are hopeless, it was very stressful and took much longer than we had anticipated. So bear all of this in mind if you are wanting to be somewhere ie the airport at a set time.

If you stay in Stressa go to the Trianglo restaurant, very good food and service. (The hotel recommended it to us and we loved their choice)

good luck with your choice, Schnauzer

Debrad

We stayed in Stresa this fall and really enjoyed it. (We've never been to Como so I can't compare for you)

We stayed at La Palma - no complaints whatsoever. Beautiful views of the lake, close to one of the ferry stops, and a short walk to town.

We took a bus to Stresa from Malpensa and it took about 45 min if my memory serves me right. The train station is only 3 blocks or so from the hotel.

If you do go to Stresa, Pappagallos is a great little restaurant in town. By far our favorite there.

Hope that helps. Enjoy your trip!

In September we stayed in Bellagio and loved it. We were very happy with La Limonera apartments but I don't know any hotels. Others have given you suggestions. Hope you enjoy.