I mention this in another thread, but they disappear so quickly from the first page, I thought I'd ask specifically. After searching this subject, I'm still not clear.

Arriving to Lake Como with a leased car, I'm debating a 3-4 night stay at either the Albergo Milano in Varenna, or the Hotel du Lac in Menaggio (assuming availablity) for mid-September.

First, how long time-wise and how winding is the drive from say, Como, to Varenna?

The ambiance pull on A. Milano/Varenna is strong--I'd love one of their terrace rooms. But I'm a 57 yr old in less than stellar shape with concern re: how far I'd have to schlep my luggage from wherever I can park to the hotel. What parking options exist (whether near the hotel or at train station), and how far from the hotel?

Clearly, if H. Du Lac/Menaggio with its on site parking and ample level space seems more convenient. I know I can boat to Varenna, and, if the returns to Menaggio run late enough, I could have dinner there.

Is it worth the charm and restaurant to try to stay at A. Milano, despite the physical/logistical hassles for a solo quasi-senior traveler?

Finally, are 2 full days enough to visit the best villages on the lake?

Thanks to all who contribute so regularly and generously to the endless flow of obsessive questions we ask here ;^)

Karen

First of all you would drive from Lecco to Varenna and there is no pobllem at all since this is the best part of the road running around the lake. Parking in Varenna can be a bit difficult but i'm sure that wherever you park the hotel management would cedrtainly take care of your luggage... in any case, breakfast and dinner on Albergo Milano's terrace is worth any effort you may have to make to get there... (i've just found out they talk about them in the "special places to stay" travel guide... http://www.specialplacestostay.com/) - Hotel du Lac is very very nice but most rooms don't have a balcony and they only serve breakfast - you probably would have less stress with your car but personally i think the terrace of Albergo Milano is worth a bit of parking stress...

Hmmm ! I am aware of a Hotel Du Lac in both Varenna and Bellagio but not in Menaggio--are you sure? Whatever, I think Varenna would be a good choice for you.

yes Bob... it is very recent (about 5/6 years) it is right by the lake just across the road from the small harbour - used to be called "Caffè Centrale". the address: Hotel Du Lac
22017 Menaggio (CO) - Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 23

phone:+39 0344 35281
website: http://www.hoteldulacmenaggio.it/

Well, it looks like Albergo Milano is not available for my dates :-( I did get a res with Du Lac, Menaggio; and have the option of a back room at Alberghetto La Marianna in Griante. Opinions?

Does anyone know from experience how hard parking is for La Mariana?

If I want to have dinner at A. Milano & boat back to Menaggio or Griante, does anyone know how late the boats run?

Grazie,
Karen

i don't know how the rooms are but the cuisine and the wine list are more than excellent... very little (hardly any) parking right by the hotel but plenty free on the road parking just a few hundred meters along the road.