Reviews from Hotel Eremo Gaudio

Lake Como as a holiday destination

Lake Como as a holiday destination

Its the location which really makes the difference here: fantastic view over a big part of the como lake. The hotel is with fairly standard but nice - we had a big room with good beds and a small but well function bathroom with shower. We were staying at the very top (room with balcony and sea-view) and enjoyed our big terrace, where there was sun from 11 am and the rest of the day. The hotel is located in the outskirts, which also makes it relatively quite, but with a bit of noise from the road the the trains for the people sleeping downstairs. At the top floor you do not sense the same noise.

Lake Como as a holiday destination

Varenna is a typical italian holiday destination with a lot of italian guests. Many take the fairy here at day time - and therefore it will be more quite in the evening. Verenna is much more a cozy city than fx. Bellagio, which we experienced as very chaotic with a lot of turists and shops.

The view is just superb

Lake Como as a holiday destination

A lot of nice places to dine. Try to explore the nearby areas as well.

A bit too touristy, but a beautiful old town - Varenna

A lot of day-trip options at Lago di Como, also hiking.

Nice view from the hotel. Small, touristy town.

Lake Como as a holiday destination

We got a very kind welcome, thorough introduction and then directions to the room on the mountain.
First a floor by stairs, then a long funicular, and then change to a shorter funicular which stopped by the house on the mountain. On additional floor up by stairs, and our room "Bellagio" were there. To go out on the balcony here, were like being between the sky and the sea. The lake far far below and the sky above. We have never seen a more beautiful view. Absolutely breathtaking.
From now on the balcony door were only closed, when we weren't home. From the double bed we lay and looked over the town Bellagio and further on to the opposite lake bank. Fantastic, when the light were on all around the lake in the evening. Furthermore at this altitude, it was windless. Always a gentle and cooling breeze.
The hotel is located in the outskirts of the town, and the standard is fine. Kind staff, nice and clean, and peaceful location. If I were to find something which wasn't that good, it would be the breakfast. It was really dull.

Lake Como as a holiday destination

Varenna is a small, charming town with lots of environment, and a nice and easy life.
There is a small square, which is rather nice, and then there is the path along the coast extending from Villa Monastero and to the other side of the town by the ferry berths. Along the way there is restaurants and bars, and this is where the relatively few tourists gather.
The tourist flow is not overwhelming. Actually you don't even notice the tourists of the town other places than right here in the bay by the bars, the cafes and the restaurants. There is peace and quiet in the town, and you can easily walk home through the town without meeting many people.
Furthermore the price level is relatively low in comparison to other towns by the lakes. For example a 0,5 Weissbier costs 9,- Euro in Bellagio. In Varenna at the lake promenade it costs 5,-, and lots of snacks are served as well.
The price level at the towns lovely restaurant is relatively low as well.
From Varenna you can sail to most of the other coastal towns.
We have in previous travel reviews announced the neighbouring town of Bellagio as one of the greatest located towns in the boot country. It is surpassed, however, by several lengths, by Varenna. Here there is a view of all three "lake-arms".
There is lots of opportunities for hikes in the mountains within a short distance.
We tried a lot of places to eat, cafes and bars, and everywhere we were met with kind courtesy and quality.
Lunch/dinner: Osteria Quattro Pass, Al Prato, Varenna Mon Amour, Il Cavatappi.
Drinks: Varenna Caffé.
Coffee: Al Barilott (on the edge of the square)
All of them are worth 5 stars.
Varenna is an absolute hit by Lake Como.

If you suffer from fear of heights, this place will cure it! We lived on the last floor before heaven, with an indescribable view over heaven and ocean. The only downside is that, the room lies high above the restaurant and reception.

Recommendations for future guests

It is not kid-friendly...

Hotel with a simple standard and a very limited lunch. But, it is made up by the view you get from the rooms in the upper part of the hotel. OK walking distance down to Varenna centre. Internet access in the upper part isn't the best. If you need a more stable connection you have to go down to the reception area. We suspect that the hot water is turned off at night, since the water always was cold early in the morning.
When all that is said - the placement and terrace in our room made us forgive a lot! If you are to stay there, pay the extra for a superior room with view and balcony.

Recommendations for future guests

Varenna is very lovely and centrally placed. peaceful and quiet with a good selection of restaurants. Many beautiful trips through the mountains. Recommend Monte Bregagno with lies above Menaggio. Hrigna Settentrionale, which lies above Varenna, is also a great trip to take. The tourist information can consist of tips and trips in the mountains.