Planning to spend the last 5 days of our late June/July European holiday in Italy on Lake Como, an area I have never visited but have always wanted to! Aside from cocktails on the terrace with the Clooneys 
what are some highlights that we shouldnāt miss? Am finding myself somewhat overwhelmed trying to book a place to stayā¦ so many lovely towns on the lakeā¦ we would prefer a small family run hotel or inn with a lake view that is walking distance to a village center, ferry, bus/trainā¦ any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I stayed at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni Bellagio years ago. It was right on the water and it was beautiful. The most memorable thing about the hotel was the spa and their breakfast.
Three years ago I went back there with D2 and we stayed at the Grand Hotel Campione. Campione is a small town on the lake with nice restaurants. It has a large casino, which we didnāt go to. I rented a car from the hotel and it was easy to drive around. We took a ferry around the lake. It was cheap and fun.
You can also visit Lugano or Lake Maggiore.
Lugano is my favorite city in that region. It feels like youāre in Italy but you have the advantage of the Swiss infrastructure and public transportation. A long tree lined promenade runs along the waterfront. The ferry system is extensive and you can use it to visit the small towns that dot the coast. Itās been a long time since we last visited so I canāt recommend a particular lodging. Try to stay near the water/town centers because the hills rise up very steeply from the lakes. Jealous!
We stayed in Verenna at the Hotel Du Lac. It was perfect. Short boat ride to other places. Neat hike up to a castle.
A town center and a few notable restaurants. It was a favorite part of our trip.
We stayed at Hotel Metropole Bellagio, which is on the water, near the ferry dock. Rates are reasonable and the breakfasts were wonderful. I recommend the rooms with the large terraces.
Thanks to all for the suggestions!
@toledo: I actually attempted to book a room at the Metropole today, and somehow in the process the dates got skewed. Instead of the dates Iām travelling, their website booked me a ālast minute bookingā room for tomorrow night! Yikes! I immediately emailed them, but since the confirmation said āNONREFUNDABLEā in big letters, I also called my credit card company and put a temporary block on my card ā¦ Sheesh. This online reservation stuff is stressful. I liked it better in the old days, when I could call a travel agent to make these arrangements! LOL
We stayed in Menaggio years ago at the Youth Hostel run by a wonderful couple, Ty and Paola. The husband was a chef and made the most wonderful dinners. They now run an inn in Cadenabbia https://www.la-marianna.com/en/index that is located a short walk from the ferry stop.
One of the highlights of my first visit to Lake Como was a visit to Villa Carlota, a beautiful museum and botanical garden.
http://www.villacarlotta.it/home.php?lang_id=2
Have fun!
I recommend visiting this villa.
If you will have a car, do a day trip over to Locarno/Ascona. Go on a clear day, and take the cable car and chair lift up to Cimetta. If you are up to it, itās an easy hike to the top of the nearest peak, Cima della Trosa. Of if youād prefer, you can arrange to paraglide down from Cimetta to Lake Maggiore.