Marilena is a wonderful host and thought of everything to make our stay pleasant. Our apartment was clean, comfortable, and homey -- with absolutely spectacular views!! And there is a private beach within walking distance. We loved our stay and the surrounding area and can't wait to return! We highly recommend this apartment!
Marilena's place was such a comfortable and peaceful getaway, and she has been by far the most helpful host I've ever been with! She gave me and my partner a small tour of the area around the apartment with restaurant and activity recommendations. Her response time was almost immediate and made our stay even more enjoyable!
We stayed at Camilla House for 4 nights and enjoyed our stay.
Marilena was a great host. She collected us from the station and gave us a tour of Varenna.
The apartment is great for those who enjoy walking or have a car.
The apartment is clean and the views are spectacular.
I would highly recommend this apartment and we would like to return in the future.
Walk into Varenna roughly around 30/40 mins, which we found okay and no problems, helps burn off all the carbs! Marilena picked us up from station and dropped us at the apartment after doing some shopping. She also very kindly dropped us home a few nights after dinner. Very enjoyable experience overall, would recommend.
It is a house with a view of the lake- but too far to practically walk to the village as there is no contiguous path or sidewalk so you risk getting hit by a car too much. Hot days, without a/c makes for a house a bit too warm. And the earth-shattering trains pierce the quiet from 5:30am to 10:30pm
We had a great time in Varenna, and really enjoyed the apartment. The view was just stunning.
Marilena was very helpful, she met us in the centre of Varenna and gave an introduction to where everything was and gave some suggestions for the best places to eat. We then drove to the apartment and she explained how everything worked. The apartment was well equipped and the Wi-Fi was good.
The drive/walk in to Varenna is about 3km, you can go either via the coast road, or there is a walking trail that runs higher up and gives some nice views of the lake and mountains. Access to the garage in the centre of Varenna was such a bonus, thanks Marilena.
There is a restaurant (Ristorante Crotto di Pino) a few minutes walk from the apartment where we had some excellent food and nice views, so good we ate there twice during our week.
We loved Varenna, the town is very pretty, and it is easy to get the ferry from there for to Bellagio and Mennagio across the lake.
Highly recommended.
* BE AWARE- this owner deletes reviews less than 5 stars*
This place is very beautiful- the rooms and views are so stunning, but it is pretty far away from the city center. The listing states âin the center of Varennaâ but this location was almost two miles away from Varenna and as a group unfamiliar with the area, we didnât know how far away it actually was from the map shown in the listing. From the train/ ferry stations itâs about a 50 minute walk even for a group in our 20âs- we also tried calling 4 or 5 taxi companies to get us to the city and they werenât able to help us so walking was the only choice. The train also runs right by the property- it stops at 9pm but starts up at 6am and woke us up every morning. The owner is very nice but very involved in the process.
If you are planning to have a car during your trip this could be a great place for you- or if you really enjoy getting in 20,000 steps a day. Otherwise a spot closer to town might be better.
Thank you, Marilena for taking our last-minute booking! Camilla House was just lovely. It was so clean and comfortable and literally had everything we could have needed for an even longer stay. The lake views from your ceiling to floor windows were just fabulous. We appreciated that you met us in the center of Varenna and then drove with us to Camilla House to do our check in "in person" (no one does that anymore!). We were very happy to have the free private parking spot and want to thank you again for driving us back into Varenna and back to Camilla House (really only 2 minutes by car) so we could pick up some wine and a few groceries for breakfast. We actually did the walk into Varenna and back that evening since we wanted to drink during dinner and not drive. I was a little nervous about the mountain path, but it was very easy to access directly below Camilla House and was a pleasant walk into Fiumelatte and then along the road above the lake for a short stretch until you see the beautiful Monastero gardens. I actually really enjoyed the walk (and we really needed it after our delicious, but abundant dinner!). And the trains did not disturb us at all.
They were silent all night long, so we slept very well. Thank you, Marilena. You were a great host and Camilla House is wonderful. I only hope our next place in Florence will be too!
Wonderful spot that overlooks the lake and puts you nearby Varenna for all that it and the lake offers. Lots of space. Open the windows and let the fresh air flow through. As some have said, itâs a mile or so outside of town, but itâs a beautiful walk. The train rumbles through frequently but that is really cool, even if itâs noisy.
The unit was well situated next to a trail that allowed us to walk from Fiumelatte to Varenna without being on a road. It was a bit of a walk, but we could also take the train one stop to get to the larger town with restaurants etc. We hope to return one day!
Marilena is the greatest host weâve ever stayed with. Her place is perfect. Go there if you want an authentic experience â donât expect the glitz of Bellagio or the pampering of the typical tourist experience. Marilena will go above and beyond and her house is incredible.
Marilena couldnât have been more helpful and welcoming. We had a fantastic stay and look forward to spending more time in Varenna. The passing train gave me a bit of a start in the early hours but I awoke later feeling well rested.
Casa Camilla has stunning views of Lake Como. Varenna is a charming city to stay in. Conviene location to arrive by train or ferry. Most notable was our host the gracious Marilena! Canât say enough about her, she was accommodating and anticipated all our needs. When we couldnât get a taxi into town it was just one call to her to get it reconciled. The only drawback, if you have mobility issues is the walk to the City Center. We plan to return and stay a month!
Honestly. Staying at this apartment did not feel like a rental at all. You literally feel like you are at the home of a family friend. Marilena makes sure to provide everything you may need for your stay...and then some. The apartment is very clean and comfortable. Parking is included. No outside space, but the view from the apartment is unreal. Kitchen is fully equipped for cooking. Four minute drive to the center of Varenna. Marilena herself is quick to respond to any issues that may arise. One of my husband's front tooth caps fell off. She was able to get us an appointment with a fabulous dentist in Bellano the very next day. I would certainly not hesitate to stay again.
Such a cute little place, so close to Varenna. Just a 2.5 km walk or a 10 euro taxi ride. It was the perfect place where we could easily get into town, or be by ourselves. There is a quiet little restaurant about a minute walk from the apartment. Excellent food and spectacular lake view. Also, Marilena is a marvelous hostess with enviable energy. Our stay was magnificent.
Each time I share my vacation with friends/family, I cannot explain to them how much I enjoyed my stay in Varenna and how amazing our host, Marilena was!
I was on vacation with a friend and we booked this home for our short, two-day stay at the end of September. From the beginning, Marilena was very responsive and provided details on what train we should catch and the station we need to get off at. Once we arrived, Marilena greeted us at the train station and drove us the short distance to her rental home.
I was a bit nervous staying at a location that was not in the heart of the town, Varenna. However, after visiting there I would recommend staying out of town! The home was a short 20 minute walk to the ferry dock/train station, which allowed you to take in the beautiful views of Lake Como.
I hope to make a visit again in the future and when I do, I will definitely book with Marilena! Until then, I recommend this rental to anyone looking to enjoy the beautiful lake life in Varenna!
Marilena is the best hostess bar none -- we have rented many places in Italy and she is by far the one landlady who goes above and beyond -- her English is excellent -- she picked us up at the train station, took us grocery shopping, told us where and where not to eat and to shop and was our personal taxi driver whenever possible. She is beloved in the community and it is easy to see why. We swam every day in the lake close to the property and we had the most delicious homecooked meals -- we cooked them ourselves in her well appointed kitchen -- and sat in her condo drink great wine and eating great food whilst looking at amazing sunsets. Don't pass this up.