Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Villa D'Este is the go-to, but many other lovely, more affordable options exist.

+1 for Villa D'Este. If you can afford it, you won't regret it.

You will if you knew you could stay in Lugano nearby with several 5 star hotels that are arguably better and it's way less $$$ without the annoying pretentious DC/NY crowd

Anonymous wrote:Villa D'Este is the go-to, but many other lovely, more affordable options exist.

+1 for Villa D'Este. If you can afford it, you won't regret it.

Varenna - Albergo Milano. (https://www.albergomilanovarenna.com/it/)
Views to die for and a very good restaurant attached. Check Tripadvisor for the rooms with the best view (small hotel). I think they include #1 & #2, but it's been a while.

We also stayed in Lake Garda when visiting this region, I felt it was more family friendly than Como.

Anonymous wrote:I would look at the smaller towns along the lake. Stay away from Bellagio in particular- so so crowded. Spent 3 hours there and it was more than enough.

Look at a town like Abbadia Lariana- has a train station couple blocks from the lake, a few accommodation options, a few shops and restaurants, and can take the train quickly to Varenna and other towns, as well as ferries.

Villa D'Este is the go-to, but many other lovely, more affordable options exist.

I would look at the smaller towns along the lake. Stay away from Bellagio in particular- so so crowded. Spent 3 hours there and it was more than enough.

Hotel Royal Victoria Varenna is walking distance to everything and has absolutely stunning lake views, but extremely pricey. Loved it though!!

Anonymous wrote:If price is a concern, look around Lake Guarda instead. It’s very close by, but a bit cheaper.

+1 we stayed in Malcesine in a simple apartment with a gorgeous view of the lake and a swimming pool for around €100/nt

IMHO Lake Garda is more beautiful, and it’s definitely cleaner than Como!

If price is a concern, look around Lake Guarda instead. It’s very close by, but a bit cheaper.

Enjoyed Hotel Belvedere - not sure family options though.

Hi! Any recs on where to stay by Lake Como in July? Family of four, staying up to 3 nights. Open to hotel or airbnb type stays. Ideally would be lake view and walking distance from a couple shops/restaurants. Thanks!!