To ask where to stay round Lake Como?

[TigerJoy]

Planning a slightly last-minute trip to Lake Como and surrounding area at the end of July for 1 week and I'd really appreciate advice on where to go / places to see.

We're travelling in and out of Milan, we'll have a car. Ideally we would stay in no more than 2 places so there's not too much travelling around - maybe one chilled place with a pool where we can relax a bit with a great view and another where we can travel around a bit more and see other towns?

Suggestions of places to visit and stay would be really appreciated!

We've already visited Lake Garda but we're open to going to other places nearby e.g. Lake Maggiore.

Thanks in advance!

How I envy you!
Como itself is a lovely little town, with lots to see, but very busy. Bellagio is very pretty and well worth a visit. Varenna is lovely and a bit quieter than Bellagio.
The Villa del Balbianello is beautiful in its situation. If possible do a private tour where you arrive by boat. Don't miss visiting one or two of the stunning formal gardens around the lake side.

Have a wonderful time!

Oh yes, you might like Hotel Villa Marie at Tremezzo.

Hi. I live in the area. I recommend como but do it as a day trip on the ferry boats that zigzag up the lake. Stay in varenna on the east side.... and i suggest argegno area or menaggio on the west side. Como is busy hot and crowded expensive.... unless thats your bag. Villa balbianello is a must see. Bring your national trust.card for free entry. Villa carlotta also lovely to.visit.
Bear in mind its going to be near 40 degrees as a huge heatwave is forecast. ..... don't bother with the funicular in como.. huge queues and nowt to do except look at a view. Have fun!

Mumsnet has travel boards. Post there

We stayed in Menaggio which seemed like a very good base as we could get the ferry boats up and down the lake very easily from there.

Seconding Veranno! Stunning place.

Varenna was a perfect base for us - it's small enough you can feel really comfortable and like you know the place, but plenty of hidden restaurants, waterfront cafes, just across the lake from menaggio and bellagio. Como itself is quite a long way south of these towns, better off not staying there unless it's just for a couple of days to see como then move up.

If you decide to stay in Menaggio, I like the Grand Hotel there. Lovely helpful staff, overlooks the lake, and right next to the ferry station.

These are really helpful suggestions - including about the travel board, which I didn't know about (quite new here).

Thanks so much everyone! I've made a couple of bookings and will review with the OH.

Thanks again 🥰