Hotel du lac — Hotel in Varenna

I considered not writing this good of a review because I'm afraid everyone else will discover this treasure and it'll be less accessible and affordable in the future. But they deserve to be celebrated. I've done some traveling and some 'staying' in my time, but Hotel du Lac in Varenna is hands-down one of the best hotel experiences I've ever had.

There's the advantage of a great location, situated right on the Lake Como shore, but it's so much MORE than location! Namely, it's the staff. They're second to none, tending to anticipate and meet every need, but without fanfare. There was no sense of 'look what we're doing for you.' Instead, there was a sense of true caring on a personal level without excessive formality. The end result was that it felt like being at home with the benefit of lovely rooms, comfortable beds, lake-side tables, one of the best views in the world, a secluded veranda, a private pier, an onsite restaurant with a tastefully limited menu and a well-appointed bar....all with an attentive staff that consistently went beyond expectations in the classiest way possible.

BTW, our room booking described the room with 'partial lake views' but the room had two windows looking directly out over the lake. To us, there was nothing 'partial' about it.

We tried Aperol-spritz's and peroni's elsewhere in town, but they were better at Hotel du Lac and the service was faster and more considerate, so we stopped trying the other places in town after a day or so. We had several meals at the Hotel du Lac restaurant and found the food to be very good and creatively prepared. The front desk also made reservations for us at other local restaurants they recommended and each was spectacular. Upon our departure VERY early in the morning, they arranged (without us asking) a box breakfast for us to take with us, an exquisite final touch to our stay.

Don't look further -- just stay here if there's availability during your...

A truly beautiful small hotel run by the most thoughtful team. From the old fashioned reservation system to the standing offer of help, you really could not ask for more. The breakfast is amazing and the dock/swimming platform was a cinematic place for taking dips. We had a room with terrace and the views were lovely rain or shine. Comfortable bed and impeccable housekeeping.

The hotel’s tasting menu at dinner is worth planning around even if you don’t stay - it was our best meal in our 10 days in Milan/Como and the chef has a gift for subtle and interesting flavours.

It must be said Varenna is very, very popular in peak season and it’s hard to get a table anywhere so book ahead. The hotel team are happy to help where they can.

Another note about getting around- the train and ferry systems do not provide adequate, if any, communication about cancellations. We were unlucky to have our week in Como bookended by a strike and a landslide that shut down the trains. While this is no one’s fault, we were amazed by the lack of information, despite buying tickets in advance, having the Trenitalia app, and checking the notices, and had to rely on word of mouth. The lake’s ferry system is also prone to cancellation without warning - on both days we checked, the fast ferry between Como and Varenna was canceled. No notice anywhere so you only find out when you go to buy a ticket, which you cannot do online or in advance. It’s a shame that it seems so hard to get around by public transit, but that was our experience.

However, this hotel occupies a magical space that feels a little frozen in time in the best possible way, sheltered from the bustle of the crowds and with a real sense of hospitality. Thanks again to all...

A four night stay here was wonderful. The hotel lives up to the website pictures and more. Our room was on top floor with a small balcony. The views really are amazing and the lake changes constantly with the sun and weather along with a selection of watercraft passing by. Go just for this.

Some restaurant guests arrive by boat; however the hotel pontoon is also a great spot to sunbathe and take a dip in the lake. Very refreshing.

The hotel is modest in scale and décor but very comfortable. The restaurant is the main feature and the food they serve is excellent. We ate breakfast lunch and dinner, all taken on the terrace or garden all great. The menu is quite extensive but does not change day to day.

Hotel, dinning and bar staff were marvellous, friendly, efficient and helpful; speaking good English.

Varenna is a pretty, historic small town with some very notable gardens to visit. delightful strolling through narrow cobble streets. The main square has several nice bars to people watch and soak up the atmosphere. The ferries stop here and it is a short trip to Bellagio, Menaggio and other lakeside towns, you buy tickets at the waterside. It is a great view looking back from the water to the land. If you like more than a stroll, the trails around the town will take you to waterfalls, ruins and more fine vistas.

Lake weather is variable it can go from hot sun to brief storm quickly - pack accordingly

Overall very highly...