Hotel Garni Corona

The exterior of the hotel is exactly what one might imagine from a family-run Lake Como hotel: It's absolutely charming, with balconies dotting the facade and tables spilling out in the front (though these belong to the cafe next door). The lobby is traditional but elegant, with a tasteful crystal chandelier and antique-looking furnishings. The breakfast room is quaint and homey, with wooden tables topped by small pots of plants, chairs with olive-green tufted cushions that match the curtains, and paintings adorning the walls. The standout feature here, however, is the widespread views of Lake Como. Most guests who stay are families (the triple and quadruple rooms are ideal for those with kids), but with the view from the rooms and a location this romantic, it's suitable for couples, too. Guests should note that the hotel is closed for the winter season, from late-October to mid-March. 

The hotel is situated right on Menaggio's main piazza, which borders Lake Como. It's close to the town's restaurants and cafes -- guests are spoiled for choice -- and close to a lovely promenade near the water for evening and morning strolls. Everything in town is within walking distance. Guests can also catch boats to other Lake Como towns from the harbor, a six-minute walk away -- it's part of a triangle of traditional villages popular with tourists. Malpensa airport is an hour-and-a-half away by car and about two and a half hours by public transit, which involves multiple connections. There's no train station in Menaggio, but it's possible to take the train to Varenna, then the ferry across the lake to town. Parking can be difficult, as there's no private parking. Guests can find free spaces on the street, although there's obviously no guarantee that they'll be close. 

The hotel's 24 rooms were renovated in 2016 and the improvements show: Although rooms aren't trendy, they're updated with sage-green, sand, and white tones and clean lines in the traditional furniture -- a look that befits the age of the property while still staying current. Beds are comfortable and large, especially for the area. Although all rooms are spacious, the multi-level superior rooms are especially so. Wardrobes have a free safe tucked inside, plus each room has a mini-fridge and wall-mounted flat-screen satellite TV offering English, German and French channels. All rooms are air-conditioned as well. Bathrooms are spacious with a small glassed-in shower -- as is typical in Italy -- in the standard rooms. Guests preferring a larger shower should book a superior room, which also offer double sinks. Basic toiletries and a hairdryer are provided. Travelers should be specific when booking: seven of the rooms don't offer lake views, and in a setting this gorgeous, it's definitely worth paying for the furnished balcony looking out over the square and lake below. Because the town is quite traditional, most people have left the square before midnight, and rooms aren't bothered by the noise. 

Breakfast at the hotel is included with the room rate, and guests rave about the food -- even for a typically continental breakfast, the fresh pastries, meats, and cheeses are delicious. The meal is served in the breakfast room overlooking the lake, which is traditionally furnished and welcoming. A few separate tables are also set in a smaller adjacent room. Guests should note that, like many Italian properties, there's no gym on-site, or any other facilities for that matter. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, including the rooms.