Hotel Olivedo (Varenna, Italy)

Housed in an art nouveau building in central Varenna, Olivedo is set on the banks of Lake Como and a nine-minute stroll from Villa Monastero, a waterfront villa with botanical gardens. The eclectic, family-run hotel features a rooftop terrace and a homely restaurant. The brightly lit rooms with warm tones are equipped with satellite TVs, fridges, kettles, safes, and en-suite bathrooms. Upgraded rooms offer lake views, and annexe rooms have patios with seating areas. Olivedo has multilingual front desk personnel who aide in tour bookings and airport transfers. Wi-Fi access is free, whilst on-site parking comes with a fee. Daily breakfast is complimentary. The hotel’s Olivedo Restaurant, which features an al fresco terrace, specialises in regional Italian cuisine. There is also a snack bar on site. Varenna Esino railway station is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The 12th-century Castello di Vezio, where visitors can enjoy sweeping lake and mountain views from its tower, is within four kilometres.