The Royal Victoria's storybook quality is apt for the escapist atmosphere that the picturesque region offers its many leisure travelers. Originally a textile mill in the 1800s, the three-and-a-half pearl hotel in the little fishing village of Varenna is a decidedly less touristy spot when compared to other resort areas surrounding the lake, but local attractions are easy to reach on foot and regular ferries offer transportation to neighboring towns. The 43 rooms reflect the hotel’s 19th-century influences and some have gorgeous lake views. The historic charm of the building, terrace pool, free hot breakfast, and stunning vistas are built-in perks. However, given that Wi-Fi, business center access, and use of the sauna have separate charges, travelers may opt for equally stunning scenery and slightly lower room rates at the nearby, three-pearl Hotel Olivedo.
The Royal Victoria's storybook quality is apt for the escapist atmosphere that the picturesque region offers its many leisure travelers. Originally a textile mill in the 1800s, the three-and-a-half pearl hotel in the little fishing village of Varenna is a decidedly less touristy spot when compared to other resort areas surrounding the lake, but local attractions are easy to reach on foot and regular ferries offer transportation to neighboring towns. The 43 rooms reflect the hotel’s 19th-century influences and some have gorgeous lake views. The historic charm of the building, terrace pool, free hot breakfast, and stunning vistas are built-in perks. However, given that Wi-Fi, business center access, and use of the sauna have separate charges, travelers may opt for equally stunning scenery and slightly lower room rates at the nearby, three-pearl Hotel Olivedo.
The six-room Villa Torretta is a quaint, two-and-a-half-pearl bed-and-breakfast located in a 19th-century villa overlooking Lake Como. The spectacular views and convenient location -- a short walk from Varenna's ferry and restaurants -- are the main draws here, as this family-run guesthouse has few features. Guests pick up their room key at a sister hotel nearby, where a daily continental breakfast is served. The villa has a lovely garden and a waterfront terrace, with interiors that are tastefully antique. Classically styled rooms are spacious and most offer fantastic views from windows or small balconies, though not all rooms have TVs and none have air-conditioning. Similarly styled rooms are available at Hotel Olivedo, this hotel's sister property. Rates will be cheaper and it has a restaurant.
The six-room Villa Torretta is a quaint, two-and-a-half-pearl bed-and-breakfast located in a 19th-century villa overlooking Lake Como. The spectacular views and convenient location -- a short walk from Varenna's ferry and restaurants -- are the main draws here, as this family-run guesthouse has few features. Guests pick up their room key at a sister hotel nearby, where a daily continental breakfast is served. The villa has a lovely garden and a waterfront terrace, with interiors that are tastefully antique. Classically styled rooms are spacious and most offer fantastic views from windows or small balconies, though not all rooms have TVs and none have air-conditioning. Similarly styled rooms are available at Hotel Olivedo, this hotel's sister property. Rates will be cheaper and it has a restaurant.
The 32-room, three-pearl Hotel Villa Cipressi has a charming ambience and stunning views over Lake Como from its cliffside location. There are no pool or wellness amenities, but the highlight here is a gorgeous garden with walking paths that meander down to the lakefront. A delicious free breakfast and good on-site restaurant also add appeal. Classically styled rooms are simple and outfitted with small flat-screen TVs, hardwood floors, and safes, but little else. There is no air-conditioning and Wi-Fi is only available in common areas. For a more modern stay, check out the nearby Royal Victoria, which has a pool, air-conditioning, and elegant rooms, though extra charges are a downside.
The 32-room, three-pearl Hotel Villa Cipressi has a charming ambience and stunning views over Lake Como from its cliffside location. There are no pool or wellness amenities, but the highlight here is a gorgeous garden with walking paths that meander down to the lakefront. A delicious free breakfast and good on-site restaurant also add appeal. Classically styled rooms are simple and outfitted with small flat-screen TVs, hardwood floors, and safes, but little else. There is no air-conditioning and Wi-Fi is only available in common areas. For a more modern stay, check out the nearby Royal Victoria, which has a pool, air-conditioning, and elegant rooms, though extra charges are a downside.
Housed in a stone villa just outside Varenna town center, the mid-range Eremo Gaudio offers spectacular views over Lake Como. A quirky system of funicular elevators makes it fun getting around the property’s large gardens and terraces. Its 25 rooms are spacious but basic, and amenities aren't exactly state-of-the art (expect to see some tube-style TVs). Still, most offer private terraces and views. An extensive breakfast buffet is included in the rates (though it might start a bit late for some), however dinner, drinks, and snacks are available only in peak season. There are meeting facilities, private outdoor parking, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The property is a challenging uphill walk from the town center, which might make it difficult for those with limited mobility. Travelers preferring to stay right in town could try Hotel Olivedo, which is next to the ferry terminal.
Housed in a stone villa just outside Varenna town center, the mid-range Eremo Gaudio offers spectacular views over Lake Como. A quirky system of funicular elevators makes it fun getting around the property’s large gardens and terraces. Its 25 rooms are spacious but basic, and amenities aren't exactly state-of-the art (expect to see some tube-style TVs). Still, most offer private terraces and views. An extensive breakfast buffet is included in the rates (though it might start a bit late for some), however dinner, drinks, and snacks are available only in peak season. There are meeting facilities, private outdoor parking, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The property is a challenging uphill walk from the town center, which might make it difficult for those with limited mobility. Travelers preferring to stay right in town could try Hotel Olivedo, which is next to the ferry terminal.
With just 10 rooms in a historic, Art Nouveau-style building, the family-operated Hotel Olivedo prioritizes Old-World details over modern conveniences. The end result looks like a time capsule brimming with 19th-century charm and unobstructed Lake Como views. The three-pearl hotel’s lakeside location is easily walkable to the ferry dock, train station, and attractions within Varenna, but also particularly exposed to noise disturbance. The small staff allows guests to experience the intimate feel of a family-run establishment and breakfast is included in the room rate. The best rooms have small balconies and gorgeous views of the lake, but the cheapest options have tiny floor windows and rickety furniture. Travelers looking for more contemporary features like a pool or sauna may prefer nearby Royal Victoria, though rates are higher.
With just 10 rooms in a historic, Art Nouveau-style building, the family-operated Hotel Olivedo prioritizes Old-World details over modern conveniences. The end result looks like a time capsule brimming with 19th-century charm and unobstructed Lake Como views. The three-pearl hotel’s lakeside location is easily walkable to the ferry dock, train station, and attractions within Varenna, but also particularly exposed to noise disturbance. The small staff allows guests to experience the intimate feel of a family-run establishment and breakfast is included in the room rate. The best rooms have small balconies and gorgeous views of the lake, but the cheapest options have tiny floor windows and rickety furniture. Travelers looking for more contemporary features like a pool or sauna may prefer nearby Royal Victoria, though rates are higher.
