Lake Como - Where would you stay?

[Renato1]

My wife wants to go to Lake Como in October - and I've been puzzling over hotels, specifically where to stay.

I want to
a. stay close-ish to the centre of town and not have to catch buses down to ferries and the like, and
b. have somewhere to park my car at non-outrageous prices, and
c. have a minibar to keep medications cool..

Lake Como is sort of an upside-down Y shape.

Should I stay the entire time at one town - say Como or Bellagio - and set out from there with ferries?
Or split the trip up among two or more towns, say Como and Lecco?
Or drive around a lot of the Lake?

I was thinking four to five days should be enough to have a good look at the main towns.

I'd appreciate any tips from people who have visited Lake Como, who either liked what they did or wish they had done something different.
Regards,
Renato

 

[opusman]

Driving around the lake is a pain - single lane, windy, and Italian drivers getting impatient with you all the time.

Stay somewhere there are cafes/restaurants within walking distance, with ferry access.

 

[Pushka]

We looked at staying near the railway drop off. As far as a fridge to keep medications cool, if you are talking of thyroxine only then don’t bother with that. I never refrigerate once I take the foil out the fridge. Ever.

 

[RooFlyer]

Agree with Opusman. Get a place to park once then use public transport/walk.

 

[Pushka]

Also, it isn’t that much further pretty much on the same train line to get a train into St Moritz. The train goes through to Tirano then exit at the end of that line then catch the Ratische Bahn up to St Moritz. It’s spectacular.

 

[VPS]

We stayed in an apartment in Menaggio (can get details if you want) and it was only about a 5 minute walk to the ferry. Just parked the car in the car park and left it there for a few days Totally agree about driving - it is a PITA. Menaggio - Lots of restaurants and shops and not as busy as Bellagio.

 

[RB]

We are in the fortunate position of having a friend to stay with when we visit Lake Como. I would be suggesting to stay on the western side of the lake. As others have said, driving can be painful-the No.10 Bus or the various ferries would be my preference.
Your idea of 4-5 days would let you see a fair bit without a mad rush.
It is not suited to everyone but we have a great time when we stay at Pigra (above Argegno). You can access by road (windy & narrow) or catch the funicular up from Argegno (need to check operating hours). It is a great little village & a stark contrast to Bellagio. The B&B Homepage - La Finestra sul Lago gets good feedback. There is a village shop, a pub & community club and you can do plenty of walking or just admire the lake views and old buildings.

 

[Renato1]

Driving around the lake is a pain - single lane, windy, and Italian drivers getting impatient with you all the time.

Stay somewhere there are cafes/restaurants within walking distance, with ferry access.

Thanks very much for that - that rules out the driving part for me. I only drive on such roads if I really have to.
Regards,
Renato

We looked at staying near the railway drop off. As far as a fridge to keep medications cool, if you are talking of thyroxine only then don’t bother with that. I never refrigerate once I take the foil out the fridge. Ever.

That's interesting to know thanks.
Regards,
Renato

Agree with Opusman. Get a place to park once then use public transport/walk.

Thanks for the concurrence. Sounds like I really only need to stay at one location.
Regards,
Renato

Also, it isn’t that much further pretty much on the same train line to get a train into St Moritz. The train goes through to Tirano then exit at the end of that line then catch the Ratische Bahn up to St Moritz. It’s spectacular.

Thanks. I just checked the map - a three hour drive from Como to St Moritz. It hadn't crossed my mind.

My brother and his wife were there a month ago with my cousin.
They sat down in a typical looking establishment to eat lunch. Price turned out to be 29 Francs a roll. My sister-in-law read it, got up and walked out - the others followed.
Cheers,
Renato

We stayed in an apartment in Menaggio (can get details if you want) and it was only about a 5 minute walk to the ferry. Just parked the car in the car park and left it there for a few days Totally agree about driving - it is a PITA. Menaggio - Lots of restaurants and shops and not as busy as Bellagio.

Thanks, never heard of Menaggio.
Yes, please let me know the apartment details.
My only concern would be the ferry schedules - as I can't find any time tables that go past the end of season on 30 September. I assume they'd still run but at a lesser frequency.
Regards,
Renato

We are in the fortunate position of having a friend to stay with when we visit Lake Como. I would be suggesting to stay on the western side of the lake. As others have said, driving can be painful-the No.10 Bus or the various ferries would be my preference.
Your idea of 4-5 days would let you see a fair bit without a mad rush.
It is not suited to everyone but we have a great time when we stay at Pigra (above Argegno). You can access by road (windy & narrow) or catch the funicular up from Argegno (need to check operating hours). It is a great little village & a stark contrast to Bellagio. The B&B Homepage - La Finestra sul Lago gets good feedback. There is a village shop, a pub & community club and you can do plenty of walking or just admire the lake views and old buildings.

Thanks, that place sure looks spectacular. I see that one of the features is astronomy, and I do keep a 5" telescope over there. Only problem is that my wife and I are both recovering from back surgeries last year, and walking isn't something we can do that much of with ease at the moment. But it might be good for a day there.

Nice to know about the No 10 bus.

If four to five days is sufficient - maybe I only really need three days/four nights there?
Regards,
Renato

 

[rock86]

Driving around the lake is a pain - single lane, windy, and Italian drivers getting impatient with you all the time.

Stay somewhere there are cafes/restaurants within walking distance, with ferry access.

Agree with Opusman. Get a place to park once then use public transport/walk.

+3 with not driving. Unless you're used to driving the Italian way stay somewhere close to ferry access.

 

[VPS]

La Piazza Menaggio | MENAGGIO | Lake Como Homes

 

[RB]

They actually have an autumn schedule for the ferry. Also keep in mind you can be a foot passenger on the car ferries.
I believe you can ask for a planned timetable from [email protected]

 

[Pushka]

Thanks very much for that - that rules out the driving part for me. I only drive on such roads if I really have to.
Regards,
Renato



That's interesting to know thanks.
Regards,
Renato


Thanks for the concurrence. Sounds like I really only need to stay at one location.
Regards,
Renato


Thanks. I just checked the map - a three hour drive from Como to St Moritz. It hadn't crossed my mind.

Take the Train from Tirano to St Moritz. It is one of the Iconic Railway trips of the world. Don’t drive. I did a review of it here. I’ll find the link and post.

Train trip starts half way down this page.
Dalmatian Coast cruising without a dog in sight

 

[Franky]

In our opinion, the more people that go to Lake Como, means less people who stay where we do as often as we can - Torri del Benaco in Lake Garda. Like all the lakes, there are generally only single lane roads, this area is a bit quieter, our hotel has free on-site parking, a small fridge, it's own pool though right on the shores of the lake, and a 10 minute walk from the centre of the village where there are countless alfresco places to choose from. There is also a ferry that crosses the lake every 30 minutes (cars and walkers), and is only 20 minutes from Verona station and airport whether by bus or hire car.

 

[rock86]

In our opinion, the more people that go to Lake Como, means less people who stay where we do as often as we can - Torri del Benaco in Lake Garda. Like all the lakes, there are generally only single lane roads, this area is a bit quieter, our hotel has free on-site parking, a small fridge, it's own pool though right on the shores of the lake, and a 10 minute walk from the centre of the village where there are countless alfresco places to choose from. There is also a ferry that crosses the lake every 30 minutes (cars and walkers), and is only 20 minutes from Verona station and airport whether by bus or hire car.

We've got family close to Lago Di Garda so have been there quite a bit, mostly Salo' which is directly opposite on the lake to Torri del Benaco. And while I do love Garda, Como just seems to have that little extra something special - maybe it is the absolutely stunning mansions lakeside

In saying that, they are both great spots!!

 

[Renato1]

La Piazza Menaggio | MENAGGIO | Lake Como Homes

Thanks - the apartment sure looks impressive at 110 sq meters as does the town.
But outside the amount I was thinking of spending.
Cheers,
Renato

They actually have an autumn schedule for the ferry. Also keep in mind you can be a foot passenger on the car ferries.
I believe you can ask for a planned timetable from [email protected]

Thanks for that tip,
Renato

Take the Train from Tirano to St Moritz. It is one of the Iconic Railway trips of the world. Don’t drive. I did a review of it here. I’ll find the link and post.

Train trip starts half way down this page.
Dalmatian Coast cruising without a dog in sight

Impressive photos thanks. I enjoyed the ones of Milan too - felt like I was travelling through there again.
But, I'm just not that keen on train trips, especially when I've paid for the car hire.
Looking at the map, I think that I may head off and check out Bergamo instead, and rely on seeing St Moritz in future as my cousin has a place they go to up that way.
Regards,
Renato

+3 with not driving. Unless you're used to driving the Italian way stay somewhere close to ferry access.

Driving the Italian way seems to me to be that ability to be able to ignore the fact that you may likely be dead in the next 10 seconds if that person coming towards you doesn't react they way you want him too. as a result of your crazy driving. I just don't possess it.
Cheers,
Renato

In our opinion, the more people that go to Lake Como, means less people who stay where we do as often as we can - Torri del Benaco in Lake Garda. Like all the lakes, there are generally only single lane roads, this area is a bit quieter, our hotel has free on-site parking, a small fridge, it's own pool though right on the shores of the lake, and a 10 minute walk from the centre of the village where there are countless alfresco places to choose from. There is also a ferry that crosses the lake every 30 minutes (cars and walkers), and is only 20 minutes from Verona station and airport whether by bus or hire car.

Thanks, this sounds like be something nice for a future trip.
We haven't stayed at Lake Garda, but have had a day trip to Sirmione and cruise up to Rive di Garda.
We have also stayed at Lago Maggiore on the other side of Lake Como.
I'm viewing this trip as knocking off the last of the Lakes.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[offshore171]

I've stayed at Lake Como a few times now, including a couple of extended stays and even honeymooned there. It's a fantastic place to spend some time. One of the most beautiful spots on earth.

As others have said, you don't want a car, it's more of a hindrance than a help.

The places to stay are the villages clustered around the mid-lake area: Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna, Cadenabbia.

These are all interconnected by frequent ferry services. We usually get a day pass or multi day for the ferries and visit multiple villages from a base of either Varenna or Bellagio. So yes, stay in one mid-lake village and visit the others using the ferries.

I've also stayed in Como itself, which unlike those above is a small city. I'd only suggest staying in Como if you had things to do in Milan (about 45 min train ride).

A particular accomodation I can recommend, and sounds like it suits your budget is:

https://www.residence-bellagio.com/en/

The story here is that the very expensive 5* Hotel Serbelloni, also has some self contained apartments on their grounds, about a 2 minute walk away from the main Hotel building. Staying here gets you access to all the facilities of the hotel, but at a fraction of the price. About 120Euro per night in October.

You get to use the pool, gardens, concierge services, and restaurants of the Serbelloni, plus you have your own kitchenette, so you can pick up some groceries and a bottle of wine from the deli in the village and cook yourself some nights.

 

[Renato1]

I've stayed at Lake Como a few times now, including a couple of extended stays and even honeymooned there. It's a fantastic place to spend some time. One of the most beautiful spots on earth.

As others have said, you don't want a car, it's more of a hindrance than a help.

The places to stay are the villages clustered around the mid-lake area: Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna, Cadenabbia.

These are all interconnected by frequent ferry services. We usually get a day pass or multi day for the ferries and visit multiple villages from a base of either Varenna or Bellagio. So yes, stay in one mid-lake village and visit the others using the ferries.

I've also stayed in Como itself, which unlike those above is a small city. I'd only suggest staying in Como if you had things to do in Milan (about 45 min train ride).

A particular accomodation I can recommend, and sounds like it suits your budget is:

Welcome on Residence L'Ulivo Bellagio Website, Holiday Apartments in Bellagio (Italy), 13 apartments for 2 or 4 person Benvenuti sul sito del Residence L'Ulivo di Bellagio, appartamenti vacanza a Bellagio

The story here is that the very expensive 5* Hotel Serbelloni, also has some self contained apartments on their grounds, about a 2 minute walk away from the main Hotel building. Staying here gets you access to all the facilities of the hotel, but at a fraction of the price. About 120Euro per night in October.

You get to use the pool, gardens, concierge services, and restaurants of the Serbelloni, plus you have your own kitchenette, so you can pick up some groceries and a bottle of wine from the deli in the village and cook yourself some nights.

Yes - well - thanks for that.

I just booked it!

I had been thinking of staying at Como after spotting the Best Western there at the Amex website - which sort of looked reasonable, though I couldn't tell room size - but what you said convinced me to change my thoughts.

And I had searched Bellagio before, but somehow missed this place.
My wife loves gardens, though. Might not be doing as much travelling.
Regards,
Renato

 

[ricco]

Hi Renato1,
If you change your mind, check out Villa Tres Jolie on the western side of the lake. We've stayed in many B and Bs in Europe and I'd rate this one as up there with the best. It's run by Dani - the English tour guide and her Italian husband Guilio. Superb accommodation, superb food and Dani's knowledge of the area is extraordinary. They have a few self contained apartments. Location -wise, a little away from the larger villages but the ambience more than makes up for it. Don't bother emailing. Just give Dani a call.
Cheers
ricco
www.villatresjolie.com/eng/index.htm

 

[galaxyinvader]

We've just returned from both Garda and Como before catching the Bernina Express from Tirano to Zurich, Tirano to St Moritz would be an easy trip (check Seat61 -https://www.seat61.com/BerninaExpress.htm). We stayed in Varenna (had an old villa by the water and could swim each day... lovely in the recent heatwave!), the handy thing about that side of the lake is access to the Milan- Tirano express. The ferry routes are very handy and you can easily buy and full day ticket hop on and off for the various parts of the lake. We had a great lunch at Ristorante Bilacus in Bellagio, not waterfront but lovely terrace on one of the side streets. Enjoy!

 

[HockeyMonkey]

I enjoyed staying in Varenna. Easy to get to as it has a railway station and you can the get ferries to Bellagio and Menaggio from there