Name: Il Portichetto
Address: Via Del Castellano 9, Varenna, IT

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2026

Michelle

Very accommodating and personable.

6/10

Pleasant

24 Jun 2026

Kshitiz

I will be very honest, I was not very disappointed with the money that I spent but let me tell you about the full experience !
Rita is very helpful and she offered to pick us up from the station and brought us to the hotel !
So, first thing
1) check in time ends at 7 pm as she helps in the restaurant that they have next door (still, very restrictive, I have never experienced that before and I am glad that I didn’t get to know what would happen if we don’t make it as we tried as hard as possible traveling from zurich to reach train station at 6:25)
2) Bed was not comfortable at all as it caved in from different places and we could feel the spring in the mattress.
3) Breakfast was very limited and ordinary but the fact that it was free was a positive.
4) Walk to Varenna is very steep and it turned out to be 20 mins.
5) There is a pool and my son was excited to go in but it was frequented by owner’s dog who licked/drank water from it ! Making it uncomfortable for us to attempt going in !

My expectations were high after reading all the reviews but I was disappointed and wouldn’t recommend !

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2026

MIN

Rita is wonderful! She picked us up at the train station when we arrived. The property is very beautiful and overlooking the lake with fantastic Mountain View. The breakfast at the hotel was very good and the staffs were very helpful and friendly. We enjoyed it very much for our 5-night stay.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Dongfeng

Had amazing stay, staff was friendly and helpful, room was clean, spacious.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2026

Alvaro and Laura

Very nice stay. The views were amazing

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

ELMOOTAZBELLAH

The hotel has a deadline for check in by 7PM. But the trains in Italy no longer run on time. We arrived to Milano 1:35h late, and missed our connecting train to Varenna. We barely got into the 6:20 train which meant we were late for check in. When we arrived, Rita arranged for two of her staff to help us out. They showed considerable courtesy and even made us a light dinner. The room was functional with a goof bathroom, air conditioner, a small fridge and they added a free bottle of wine for good measure. The breakfast was very nice and the staff continued to be very nice throughout. Highly recommended.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Roman

The stay at Rita's was amazing! It was our first time in Como and this place was perfect for our stay. Rita is very kind and knowledgable as she offered in advance to pick us up from the train station and kindly gave us a ride back down on our day of checkout. There is a lovely breakfast prepared every morning with stunning views of Como, along with a room that is exceptionally well maintained, clean, and full of amenities (including a good washing machine). While the incline is quite steep, the hotel is a quick 15 minute hike down to the main town. Varenna was definitely the best choice to stay in Como for our first time as we felt it offered the most stunning views, was not super busy and good places to eat, all within a convenient commute from this lovely stay!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2026

Carolyn

Wonderful helpful and friendly staff. Immaculate room. Great restaurant. Location was more difficult to access the Port than we expected. The trail was not as easy as we thought although we walked it down to the port. . Rita was very helpful and picked us up from the port one night, the other two nights we took a taxi.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2026

Kim

Loved my room, the staff were lovely & even collected us from the ferry & the breakfast was fresh and tasty!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2026

Thanh Trung

The host, Rita,

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

Alan

A wonderful, peaceful place to stay in a small village in the hills above Varenna near Castello di Vezio. Proprietor Rita and her staff make you feel very welcome. Had an excellent dinner at the little on-site restaurant run by Rita's daughter. A 20 min walk downhill on a shaded stone path takes you into Varenna; it's a steep walk back uphill or a taxi ride. Some may find this inconvenient but we liked being able to get away from the crowds in Varenna when we were done touring for the day.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2026

Kathy

Perfect location

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2026

Scott

Rita, was one of the most delightful ladies I ever meet. She wanted to help with everything. Taxi call rita, more towels call rita, need to pet a dog, well for that one you will have to call pepo. The resort was beautiful, our room overlooking the pool area and olive tree grove. There was a restaurant on site and wonderful breakfast every morning (a rare fine to have included). There was a washing machine in our room so that was nice too. The only downside was that the hotel is a half mile uphill from town, but you are rewarded with wonderful views.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2026

Daniel

Excellent deal for the location and Rita was as attentive and friendly as you could hope for. Taxis are difficult to find in the area, and she helped arrange them for both our arrival and departure. Small village within a few minutes of the Vezio castle, a beautiful area. Would highly recommend if considering a small Italian village getaway.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2025

Tracy

I normally do not write reviews; but, wanted to for this hotel. It is a small quaint hotel. It actually has a small pool and hot tub with incredible views. It is actually located in Vezio right outside of Varenna. At first, I was concerned about the location from Varenna. However, Rita the proprietor made sure we had transportation from the train station as well as to and from all of our points of interest. We seriously wanted for nothing. Rita and the staff made sure all our needs were taken care of. She even cooked us lasagna dinner herself when the local restaurant was closed. I have stayed in many hotels but never received this level of hospitality. We actually would say and continue to say where is “Rita” because this would not happen. She took care of every need and would not let us be without a ride, food, umbrella, etc.
If you are planning to visit this area you will not regret staying at the Hotel Diffuso il Portichetto. Rita and her staff will treat you like family! I can’t wait to go back!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2025

Oliver

We were treated like family from the moment we arrived until we left. Every little detail was taken care of throughout our stay, making us feel truly welcome and comfortable. The hospitality and attention to detail were exceptional.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2025

Gita

The hotel was half way up the mountain so it was lovely to have them pick us up from the train station. The town of Varenna was easily reached with a 10 minute walk down the mountain however the uphill trip could be a bit gruelling, there is a free bus that operates from the station after 7pm. The hotel room was well appointed and even had a washing machine which was well used by us. It was a beautiful peaceful setting with pool and spa and a lovely restaurant a few steps away. The breakfast was wonderful and I would go back in a heartbeat!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2025

Joel

This is the highlight of any trip to Lake Como. Rita ( the proprietor) is a breath of fresh air and makes sure everything is perfect for your stay. The room was lovely, completely equipped and even had a washing machine. The location, above Lake Como, was breathtaking and you could not find a better place to stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2025

Jane

Rita the owner of this mountainside property is amazing. She takes extra care and attention to make sure your stay is perfect.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2025

Benjamin

Il Portichetto Hotel, July 2025

Great stay, the hotel and Rita, the host and all the staff are amazing! Fantastic views, a bit different from your regular hotels but that is a plus! Has a hot tub and pool as well as included breakfast (which is really good and it’s great to not have to worry about breakfast). It’s a bit outside of Varenna, it’s up in the hills, so you will need a Taxi every time to get back up to the hotel, there was a free night bus that took us to the hotel, but I believe it’s only running until October 2025. Going down to Varenna, you do need a Taxi or if you have a bike or rented car, be careful with the curves and the other Italian drivers lol. You can also do a walk down that takes about 20-25 minutes, but it is very rocky path down. Overall, great stay and room and would recommend.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2025

Scott

The accommodations were wonderful! large rooms, pool and jacuzzi. Yes, the path down to the lake/train station is a bit steep at times but if you take your time, it is worth the effort.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2025

John

Special stay

We truly loved our stay here - Rita and the team were so accommodating to our needs including late checkin and early checkout! Breakfasts were delicious, room super comfy and the pool much enjoyed after the hike up the hill from Varenna.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2025

thi lan dai

Amazing staff , beautiful view from the spacious the apptment .

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2025

Robert

Rita and her staff were amazing, from the beginning to the end we loved our stay it was perfect and romantic, the view from breakfast was breathtaking. They were so nice and kind we want to return.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2025

Verified traveler

Wonderful!

Lovely spot overlooking the lake and Varenna. Host was so nice and helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2024

Gayle

Great Italian town in beautiful Lake Como

Apartment was clean, comfortable and fully equipped. The view of Lake Como from the balcony is exquisite.
Breakfast was excellent and Rita was a great host.
The croissants were the best we've ever had!
The walk up and down the path to the town issues but walkable.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2024

Susan

We loved this place! Beautiful accommodation with gorgeous view from the apartment deck. The only complaint is that the dishes could have been cleaner.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Oct 2024

Jo

OUR THOUGHTS!

Kind, helpful owner. Free parking can be arranged a little farther up the hill. Walk down to Varenna (ferries, etc) is steep and very slippery where wet. Impossible for us to climb back up. Each return trip by taxi cost $12 to $30 Euro. $$$ If your budget allows, stay down in town.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2024

jaquelyne

Rita and the rest of the staff are very accommodating and made our stay very nice. Breakfast was good. It is easy to goto town but it is a steep climb back. We couldn’t find a taxi so Rita came to pick us up. Very nice!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2024

Warren D

We had a great stay at Il Portichetti. The room was spacious and Rita was a superb hostess.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2024

julie

Charming hotel in the Varenna hills

Il Portichetto was a lovely place and Rita a charming host. We very much enjoyed our stay and the hotel is very close to the castle and walking trails to Ballano and Fumielatte. Pool was a welcome relief after a hot day walking. Breakfast okay. Walk up from town a brisk 15 minutes.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Sep 2024

Christopher

Rita and all the staff made our stay special. The accommodation is quite high up in the hills and it is a tricky walk down to Varenna, about 15-20 minutes. Rita and Kirsty organised taxis for us but we did have to reserve them in advance.
The hotel is great and we had everything we needed.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2024

Catherine

Great stay!

The room was comfy, shower and bathroom were clean and updated, the room stayed cool with the AC. Rita really cared about her guests and was always willing to help. It is far from the city center, so plan to use a taxi since it can be a steep climb.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2024

Christopher

My wife and I just finished our stay at Hotel Il Portichetto - a hidden gem in Lake Como, located just above Varenna in Vezio. We were very happy with our stay here! Rita is an amazing host, as well as her sweet and friendly dog that you’ll see around the property! Rita got in touch with us before our stay and arranged for a car to pick us up from the train station, as the hotel is a bit of a hike up the mountain and we would not have been able to do that with our bags. She was also very responsive when we would message her via WhatsApp with any questions we had before arriving.

Rita and the staff were very kind, welcoming, and friendly. In addition, our room was very comfortable and clean, and it was a big and spacious room, too! It was also right by the pool and hot tub. Another thing we loved was having a washing machine and a clothes drying rack - very convenient! We enjoyed a nice dinner at the restaurant beside the hotel our first night, and a yummy breakfast the next morning.

We would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone looking for an affordable stay, with clean and comfortable rooms, a wonderful staff, and in a peaceful and relaxing spot!

Just be aware that this hotel is not actually in the town of Varenna - as mentioned above, it’s a bit of a hike up and down - maybe 15-20 minutes, and there is an incline.

However, Rita provides a list of numbers for different taxis, so if you’d rather not hike up and down, it’s less than a 10 minute taxi ride, for about

10/10

Exceptional

13 Aug 2024

Nowrin

The most homely accomadation I have ever stayed in. Rita is an amazing host, she was so helpful and friendly throughout. She makes the best croissants I have ever had in my life for breakfast (and I've travelled to France several times so thats saying something). If you are disabled or have small children with pushchairs this is not the place for you as there is a lot of hiking involved getting around the immediate area. It is 150m above lake level, so a daily climb back up from Varenna is effort in the heat of summer. This is why however the views from my apartment room were breathtaking. The room was spacious, cleaned every day and contained everything you would have in our own house at home (washing machine, detergent, ironing board and iron, airer etc) they have literally thought of everything. It is so rustic and couldnt be more italian. I loved it ❤

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

12 Aug 2024

Chantal

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Il Portichetto. The room had all the conveniences and was very clean. The pool was refreshing and a charming area to relax. Rita and the staff are very friendly and helpful and helped us with maps and ferry schedules and helped to arrange cabs. The breakfast is amazing and we had dinner at the restaurant twice and the food and service were excellent. My only regret is that we only stayed two nights. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Lake Como!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2024

Robert

Rita the owner was very accommodating. She maintained contact with us before and during our travel from Milan to Varenna - Esino train station, and she actually provided our transportation to the hotel when we arrived. Rita is very hands-on and was available from early morning through late evening for guests. The other woman - I am so sorry to say I missed the name of the woman who spoke English and helped with translation as needed and was in charge of cleaning our room was just as helpful and professional as Rita. They make a great team and made us feel welcome and at home each day. Rita also was able to arrange taxis for us a few times so our reservations of these rides was expedited. The only challenge for us was that the walk both down to Varenna and the return was challenging on a relatively steep, curvy, cobblestone path unless one was prepared with good walking shoes with non-slip soles. It is important that guests understand they will need to either make the trek one or both ways or be prepared to secure a taxi or other transportation. The on-site breakfast was very good, and the restaurant food represented local cuisine well and was cooked perfectly. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Il Portichetto.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2024

Verified traveler

Rita was super helpful, communicating early with me to understand how we were arriving and arranged for our transportation to the apartment. Rita, Roxanna and team ware very hospitable, making us feel at home. from the moment we checked in.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2024

Catherine

We loved and appreciate RITA for being so hospitable and caring for us. We’ll definitely come back to this place next time. It’s 10 mins walk to Varrena ferry boat station but the problem is going back to the hotel and it was not easy, but the rest was good. The place was clean too.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2024

Dessy

Wonderful boutique style hotel, nestled in the hills of Varenna. Ultra clean and friendly and accommodating staff. Highly recommended to anyone who’d like to experience the authentic life of the locals, amongst the olive trees, hiking trails, stunning views and away from the crowds this is the place to stay while visiting lake Como.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2024

Kaylee

Best service in a peaceful location

Amazing spot to stay, we enjoyed being at the top of the hills in such a peaceful area. The service was above and beyond!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2024

David

Friendly and considerate

Service was over and above. We were treated with more than courtesy, we were given care with a generous heart. The breakfast was delicious and beautiful on a little patio. Would definitely recommend!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Jun 2024

Randy

Authentic Italy

Great little spot on the hillside above Varenna…The hike up & down is not outrageous (unless raining) The innkeeper is very accommodating & We felt appreciated throughout our visit

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2024

Matt

Lovely family run hotel

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

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2024

William

Best Breakfast and Close to the Castle

I am so happy I found this place and lucky that they had a room for us. Situated a stone's throw from form the Castillo di Vezio (which is the best 5 Euros you will spend) this place was an authentic Italian village charm. The owner was kind enough to arrange a ride for us since it was pouring rain and the hike up the hill via the cobble stone road was not something you will (or can do) with luggage. She stayed in touch via Whatsapp and it meant the world to us.
Other things we loved!
- Pool
- Jacuzzi
- Free Breakfast (and she puts out a full spread)
- Washing machine in the room / air dry out side
- Extremely comfy

We 100% plan to come back to Verrana and we will see you all next time at II Portichetto

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2024

Carrie

Rita was amazing!!! The place has so much personality and we loved the pool and courtyard area:). The washing machine was a huge plus:). Her dog Pipo was adorable. Breakfast was awesome! I totally recommend staying here.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2024

Robert

Excellent quiet place with outstanding service. Very clean and highly recommend. The complimentary breakfast was also very good.
Only things to be aware is that the center of Varenna is a significant distance down the mountain. You can walk there but it is a pretty good distance. The hotel will arrange local taxi to take you down and back up. The cost will be between 10 and 15 euros each way but very much worth it. Other thing is that the room temperature is centrally controlled. Either heat or air conditioning is on. During our stay the heat was on as it gets cool at night. Our room was a bit stuffy but we kept the window open during the day which helped.
The area is very beautiful.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2024

Colleen

This place was such a beautiful spot, with the staff meeting us directly at our taxi with the sweetest smile! She showed us our place, the restaurant right down the road and where breakfast was which was light and perfect. Rita was just a text away and always able to get a taxi back because the walk back up is no joke! Only around 15 euros, definitely worth it. Loved this place and people so much!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2024

Nevin

Even though the property is located on the hills above Varenna, it was was worth staying at this Hotel and we never felt far away from the action. Kristy and Rita took good care of us helping us order taxis and get to and from the hotel whenever we needed. The staff are amazing and make this place worth the stay. Hotel has a good breakfast and everything you need to make your stay comfortable.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2024

Tony

Recommend

Really lovely hotel. Staff could not do enough for you.
Would stay again and recommend.

Yes there is a hill. But takes 10-15 mins to walk up. It’s not terrible

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

09 May 2024

Jane

Secluded hotel up the mountain.

Secluded hotel up the mountain. Quiet and relaxing. This is an old hotel with dated furniture and linens. You can hike down the hill in about 10-15 minutes to town and catch the ferry or train. You can hike back up, but it is a little bit if a grind as it is steep in parts if u are in good shape and used to walking it’s not too bad. Has a lot of Italian flavor! Breakfast is a plus.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2024

Brad

In the quiet town of Vezio, it’s a great place. Rita and Kirsty make you feel like you are staying at a B and B. It’s a 10 minute walk downhill to Varenna. The 20 minute hike up can be challenging, but the hotel will get a cab for you if you don’t want to hike up. Highly recommend

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2024

Ronnie

Amazing host, awesome stay with everything ready and prepared, with a cute dog to accompany. We absolutely love Rita and her accommodation.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2023

Jessica

Our stay was wonderful. Our host was simply amazing. Friendly and cooked the most wonderful breakfast and dinner! Relaxing, quiet and comfortable. Be prepared to walk to town or arrange a taxi.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Oct 2023

Tracey

Great little property on the hills above Varenna. Quiet, secure and if it hadn’t been so rainy I would say great options to walk to town or see the surrounding area. Rita was friendly and had good recommendations, and was VERY patient with our rudimentary Italian! Overall a wonderful stay in a quaint location with great hospitality ❤️🇮🇹

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2023

Domenico

Rita and everyone were very helpful, welcoming, and hard working.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2023

Andrew

Quiet and peaceful. Lovely location with wonderful views and excellent food cooked by Rita for whom nothing was too much trouble. I can recommend this small and friendly hotel to anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing break.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2023

Leonard

Our stay in Varenna

From the moment Rita collected us at the railway station until our departure we had a wonderful time at Lake Como. Rita is an excellent hostess,helpful and courteous.
Thanks to Rita and her staff . We were sorry to leave .

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2023

Karolina

Lovely place

Lovely stay, Rita was a great host!
Beautiful location. The breakfast buffet was delicious, with a huge variety of options! Very peaceful place nice and clean.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Sep 2023

Mariana

Stayed in this hotel for 3 days. My husband and I love it. The location is super nice a bit of a hike to walk but honestly we didn’t mind. Our room was super clean and had everything that we needed. The stuff was super nice and the food that they offer is homemade and it is amazing.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2023

Julie

Sweet little hideaway

This sweet little hotel is so special. Rita was just wonderful. She had a driver pick us up at the train station and made sure our stay was perfect. We will definitely return to her wonderful little hotel if we return to Varenna. I highly recommend staying there.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2023

Hoyt

Unique in that it was tucked up in the hills above Varenna and very peaceful and quiet. I am adventurous and loved the hike down to Varenna and spending time and then even though a bit harder enjoyed the peaceful walk back. We are both 69 and able to do it! Be sure and have a walking stick!! Rita was amazing and the bfast and dinner excellent ❣️and well priced after long day. Didn’t have to eat dinner in town. Highly recommend

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2023

Wendy

Lovely Hotel and stay

This little hotel was so cute, and had everything you need plus more. Rita couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating. There was a home made bottle of wine waiting for us! There is a washer in the room, plus everything you need and more. It is high up on the hill from the lake/town right next to an olive grove and old castle. The breakfast was home made, and had a lot of variety. There is a restaurant on site. I highly recommend it.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Sep 2023

Nicolas

Rita was a treasure of a host. Very friendly helpful, and funny. We stayed in one of the apartments with our own kitchen, bedroom and terrace (with a stellar view!).

Breakfast was included every morning which was super and dinner was available every night at a very reasonable cost.

Our only gripe is the walk back up to the hotel from Varenna. It is an ancient Roman mule road that is fairly steep. It’s not too long of a distance (15 minutes down, 30 minutes up) but it’s just something to be aware of. Taxis are few and far between in the area, so expect to walk it most of the time. Rita did pick us up from the train station, so at least we didn’t have to lug our bags up!

Otherwise, superb trip.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2023

Stuart

Clean, peaceful stay

Amazing stay - clean, quiet and lovely pool area. Staff were great and very friendly. Had dinner - lasagne and ravioli were excellent.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2023

Shamaila

The owner Rita was very friendly and the staff was amazing. She guide us about the area and where to eat and how to commute and which areas to explore. One of the best options to stay in Varenna

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2023

Michael

We very much enjoyed our stay. Rita takes very good care of you like she is your own Italian Nana. The food at the restaurant is home made by her and delicious. The rooms are nice and our view was great. It is a bit of a walk up the hill from Varenna, but nothing a cold beer won't make you forget. Overall highly recommended.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2023

Jack

very nice facility

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2023

Lynn

Wonderful Italian escape

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!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2023

Mark

Beautiful apartment style hotel in Perledo, up the hill from Varenna. Lovely friendly staff and Pippo the dog.

Great food and views of Varenna and Lake Como. Property is a 20 minute walk up a cobblestone track from Varenna, useful for burning off excess calories 😂

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2023

Peihong

We visited Lake Como in early May. Rita was very nice and helpful. She picked us up from the train station and helped us arrange taxis back to the hotel and to the train station on our checkout day. The room looked very new，clean, and spacious. there was a washer in the bathroom but we didn’t use it. The bathroom was spacious which was a surprise to us because European hotels seem to have small bathrooms. Shower gel and shampoo were all provided, pool stuff was also provided. Breakfast was included and was very convenient for us. There was bread, egg, ham, yogurt, juices, coffee, milk. The croissant was very good. I would definitely recommend this hotel.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2023

Danny

Very clean and well kept. Rita is a fabulous hostess with breakfast and optional dinner if you want to stay close.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2023

mark

Il Portichetto is in a small village at Peledo, overlooking Varenna. The hotel is quiet and clean. Our hostess Rita is super friendly, she speak some English, we were able to communicate w/o much trouble. There is a small footpath that goes between the village and Varenna waterfront, it’s pretty steep, so if you have big luggage, it’s better to call taxi to take you there, it’s OK to walk from the train station to the village, but I wouldn’t do it if I have luggage or if the weather is bad. The hotel had a website and you can talk to Rita using Whatapp. The hotel has a small kitchen and Rita make excellent meal, must try the lake trout. Over we had a great time and will come back again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2023

Damien

Difficult to get to if you don’t drive. Walking up with luggage is quite a chore. Great breakfast was included. Thanks so much, Rita

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2023

Grace

Loved our stay, clean, quiet and scenic hotel. Rita was so friendly and kind, breakfast was really good we would highly recommend staying here.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

20 Sep 2022

Joseph

Hard to communicate but they tried to help.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2022

terry

A hidden gem

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2022

John

The location is beautiful!!! And the hotel had a lot of character and special amenities. All staff was VERY friendly and helpful. Overall, it is a place worth staying at.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Aug 2022

Gail

Stay here

Rita is the best. We loved everything about this location. The Rooms are new. Lovely pool. Beautiful grounds. .

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Aug 2022

Emma

The stay was amazing. Rita goes above and beyond to accommodate any request. I wish I booked it for longer time and hope to come back there eventually.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2022

Nicole

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!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Aug 2022

Sung Jin

lovely stay

great stay
great view

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2022

Lisa

Great hospitality and beautiful location. Nice to be away from all the summer crowds down in Varenna.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jun 2022

Mary

Rita was a wonderful host! Very accommodating and helpful. Wonderful restaurant on site. A true taste of small village Italy

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2022

Callum

Enjoyable Stay!

The stay was very enjoyable. Although a slight hike up the hill to get to the accommodation (we struggled a touch with the cases but a taxi is only €10), our apartment had everything you could ever need for a stay! Spacious and full of all the amenities required, the staff were lovely and we ate on site one evening where the food was delicious.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Sep 2021

Verified traveler

Local Experience

Great place to stay to get out of the touristy area of Lake como. Beautiful place with a great restaurant and a short walk to the castle that has the best views of the lake.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2020

Digg

Amazing and rustic - a real find to see the real Como

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2020

Hendrik

ll Portichetto

Warm and welcoming place to stay with breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Restaurant food was excellent. Staff was very kind and generous to our family. Swimming pool also has marvelous view of Olive tree grove. Visiting the castle is also a must while staying there. All in all, a wonderful time had by our family! We highly recommend it!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Parking easily accessible & free, roomy, nice breakfast, good value.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Great hotel with a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Has all the essentials. Located in a quiet hillside village and its a steep 15 min walk to Varena but fine if you are able, and taxis are available if needed (make sure to pre-book your return!)

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2019

Ronald

Old Italy at it’s best.

Rita is a wonderful person. She make the absolute best apple strudel and is a fine chef. Great view of the lake.
Let me tell the facts about the walking path to Varrena. It is approx. .7 tenths of a mile to the village. If you have issues with the bottom of you feet, ankles, knees or hips this is NOT a walk for you. It is close to a 30* incline. There are only 3 taxi’s for the whole area. Every time I called the were busy. Maybe Rita can call and you will have better access. The path is still medevil stone.
Other than the path a great place to stay. My wife and I are very fit mid 60’s years old. You will love Rita .It is more of a 25 min. Walk instead of the quoted 10 min.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2019

Richard

Amazing panorama and hospitality

Found this gem (needed Waze to help find location), stayed in an apartment with amazing views and hospitality!

Family

8/10

Excellent

01 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Gorgeous grounds and happy lovely staff. Only cons were the decor.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2019

Jesse

Cozy stay on charming hilltop village

Excellent! We will be returning to this bit of heaven on Lake Como. Set away from the crowds, it was a nice respite from the touristy spots. The villa offered excellent food, room was private and comfortable, the grounds were excellent and the castle took us by surprise!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2019

Karin

Quite hotel on the hill above Varenna

We stayed for two nights while visiting the area of Lake Como. My main reason for booking this hotel was because parking was included. When driving to this hotel, there are two public parking lots to choose from and you get a voucher from the hotel to keep in your car so you don't have to pay. There is also a great view of the lake on the road near the parking lots.

The room was spacious and clean, with a slightly dated interior, but that didn't bother us. The AC worked really well but we didn't really use it during the time we were there.

We ended up having dinner at the hotel on our first night and the food was very tasty and quite affordable. We had breakfast at the hotel because it was included with our booking and it was a very generous spread of food. Typical cold cuts and cheese, pastries, fruits, yogurt, etc.

The main drawback to this hotel is the location. If you want to be in Varenna, then you should just book a hotel in town as this hotel is a 5-10 min drive or a 20 minute walk down a steep hill (and then you have to walk back up later). So if you will be out late in the towns around the lake, maybe stay somewhere closer to the water.

But if you want a quite place to escape the hustle and bustle of the touristy towns, with parking and a really hospitable host, this is a great choice!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2019

Verified traveler

Exceptional service in a perfect location!!

From the moment we rolled our suitcases down the narrow cobblestone lanes of Vezia and through the door of the Hotel Il Portichetto we felt as though we were visiting a friend. Rita and the hotel staff welcomed us in like we were family and quickly set about ensuring we had everything we needed.

Check in was smooth and easy and we wasted no time tucking into a delicious meal of pasta, pizza and Italian breads in the cosy restaurant surrounded by a small collection of local villagers and fellow travellers. Before we headed for our apartment Rita ran through some local tips and tricks for making the most of the local attractions while also staying on the right side of the municipal parking inspectors. Breakfast was also very good, Rita makes sure each guest is well looked after.

Our apartment had everything we needed plus a stunning view over Lake Como with the snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps in the distance. In short, our stay was the type of holiday experience you wish for; we were a little sad to have to move on. Thank you Rita, we will be back!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Sep 2018

S

Excellent hosts very friendly. Amazing views. Gorgeous breakfast and quintessential Italian room.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Aug 2018

pcotis

The hotel is small, rooms are simple, clean, comfortable. Hotel owner, Christine, is delightful and serves a large breakfast buffet as well as tasty meals for lunch and dinner.
While the hotel is not actually in Varenna, it is a short (and very steep) hike down to Varenna (14 minutes), or there is a bus. Take a taxi from the train station (5 minute ride) if you arrive by train. Our family of three had a studio with two bedrooms, bathroom (with clothes washer), kitchenette with dining table. We had a view of Lake Como from our door, seats and table outside the door on a private patio. Nights were cool, comfortable, and quiet. Lovely place. We'd stay there again.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2018

Thomas

Beautiful and Quiet

This was a very nice place to stay at Lake Como. It was way up on the hill right next to Castello Vezio. It is a charming neighborhood above Varenna and the crowds. It's a nice walk through the old alleyways and streets to the castle. There's a lovely church and surrounding garden. Il Portechetto was excellent. We stayed in the apartment overlooking the lake. There was a patio where we could sit outside and enjoy the view, drinking the complementary bottle of wine. The apartment had every amenity one could need and was very comfortable. The restaurant was beyond excellent - one of the best meals we had in Italy! Fresh lake fish excellently prepared. The trout was outstanding. The restaurant also serves a large variety of pizza but I really recommend ordering from the dinner menu. It is memorable.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jul 2018

Sarah

Gem of Vezio

I’ll portichetto is a little gem of apartments and rooms hidden in a medieval alley of cobblestones above Varenna. The restaurant is delicious and owned by the same people - Rita gave our daughter a lollipop and let us leave our bags there after check out to explore the castle - friendly, helpful and great service. The apartment was clean and had stunning views, even better than we had thought because Rita switched us to an unbooked apartment with a better view. All in all a lovely lovely place to stay.

Family