Il Portichetto

Fantastic place to stay, lovely family run hotel. Rita is a very wecoming host and thinks of every detail. The room was extremely clean.

This place is a hidden gem in a typical Italian setting 5 minutes walk from Vezio Castle in the hills above Varenna ferry port. Rita the host and Kirsty are the most helpful and friendliest people you could ever meet and absolutely nothing is too much trouble for them to do for you. The walk down to the ferry is quite steep on a cobbled trail but only takes 10 to 15 minutes and walking back up is a little more challenging especially after some wine and pasta down at the lovely restaurants in Varenna! It is not suitable to be taking cases up but this isn't necessary as Rita will pick you up on arrival and drive you up to the property. You just have to WhatsApp them in advance. We stayed 4 nights and it felt like we had been there much longer down to the hospitality and genuine kindness of Rita and Kirsty who welcome you into their casa as they would a family member. Lake Como itself is delightful with plenty of pretty lakeside villages all easily accessible via the public ferry transport system for around 5 euros each per trip. A truly wonderful stay at il portichetto with all of it's charm made even more special by Rita and Kirsty. You have to try the pasta with pear and cheese which is homemade by Rita and is as authentic an Italian dish as you could get. Delicious! We shall certainly be staying here again in the future. A truly wonderful experience. Grazie Mille Rita, ci vediamo!

My family of 4 thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Il Portichetto. Our apartment was spacious and clean, with a balcony that had a view of beautiful Lake Como. The air conditioning worked reasonably well and was much appreciated during the summer heat. We also appreciated having a free place to park our car and being able to walk to/from Varenna (though it is steep walk that requires good shoes and stable footing). We enjoyed being removed from the crowds of Varenna and having the option of cooling off in the small hotel pool in the late afternoon. It was very quiet and peaceful. The owner Rita does not speak much English, but she is very kind and clearly cares about her guests. We also enjoyed several meals at the restaurant on the property and would recommend it to guests staying at the hotel. Overall, a very enjoyable stay!

Amazing small village and great view from the family room with own garden! 2 minutes walking distance from the castle :)