Hotel Olivedo

It’s hard to imagine a more centrally located yet peaceful and charming hotel than Hotel Olivedo. A short walk from the Varenna train station, Hotel Olivedo is a tall, grande looking yellow building that is also next to the Varenna boat ferry. If you want to hop from place to place around Lake Como, this is a perfect place as a point of departure. It’s surrounded by other bars and cafes and it’s a short walk by the coast to the various restaurants, a few Gelato shops, and boutiques (incidentally, we loved these two restaurants— Al Prato and Quartro Pass). However, we enjoyed daily (included) breakfast with our stay which was as delicious as it was generous. And more notably, we dined at the restaurant at Hotel Olivedo for lunch the first day and dinner the last day. Each meal was scrumptious. Our room was large and the view of the lake and hustle-bustle of the area was delightful. A cheery yellow colored room with all of the amenities we expected, we were comfortable there. The room (like the hotel) has a historic, familial Italian charm. I liked that it didn’t look like we could be in Chicago or New York. The bathroom was also good-sized and aligned with our expectations (the hair dryer could be updated—it’s pretty weak). The bed was firm and the room was kept very clean. We particularly love staying in boutique hotels that are family owned and operated—we love feeling like we are at a home away from home where folks answer questions and offer suggestions. Hotel Olivedo provides just that—we experienced the father’s great cuisine, the mother’s management of countless activities (this place is a very busy, full-service hotel and restaurant), and at least two kids—Luigi and Martina—who seemingly do it all. Luigi greeted us cheerfully and helped us whenever we needed it. He is warm and friendly—leading us to feel comfortable here and thoroughly enjoy our stay. We highly recommend this hotel and it’s restaurant. In conclusion, Hotel Olivedo is perfectly situated in one of the most beautiful places on earth (think Cinque Terre meets Amalfi Coast). Adding a friendly, clean, affordable, and homey hotel to this heaven on earth made our stay truly memorable. We hope to return!

We are 70ish. Booked a room months in advance. Told there was a lift. No lift to the 4th floor. Smallish room. Things broken. Don’t stay here. Air not working. Shower hand held and broken. Sink drips. What else can I say.

So much to love about Hotel Olivedo. The location is amazing--right in front of the ferry dock, and a five-minute walk from the train station. It's a Mom and Pop operation with adult children Luigi and Martina running much of the customer service. The rooms were clean and spacious, the breakfast was ample and delicious, and we loved people-watching with a cocktail from our balcony in the late afternoons. This is not a slick and fancy hotel--instead, it's quaint and charming. We highly recommend it.

Warm, friendly service. Stunning views from a corner room of lake and hillside Owners/family printed travel docs, arranged COVID tests and taxi Room was spacious, comfortable, well appointed, spotless, Comfortable bed Conveniently located to ferry terminal Lovely walk to old town shops and restaurants, along waterside (passerella) Full breakfast included Would definitely stay here again

Hotel built in 1890’s on key point in Varenna by the ferry dock. Updated and clean with comfortable bed. Gorgeous views from room 26 with two balconies. Mother father daughter son always looking to make your stay comfortable. Perfect location. 7 minute easy walk from train station. Very good breakfast. Eggs, bacon, pastries and cappuccino to die for. Can’t beat the views from this room.

We are currently staying at Hotel Olivedo. It’s perfect. The views are amazing hotel is clean, rooms are spacious, breakfast is delicious, coffee was the best I have had and dinner was divine The staff is welcoming and professional. Do not hesitate to book this hotel. Located across from ferry dock. Great people watching

Like most people after the long period of Covid travel restrictions, my double vaccinated wife and I were really looking forward to a short break off of our Maltese island home and needed to travel to attend a wedding on the shores of Lake Como. We travelled from July 7 to 12. Having never visited the area before we chose this hotel on the basis of budget and location. It is superbly located lakeside just across from the water ferry landing jetty and the panoramic views are quite wonderful. The building itself is quite ordinary looking at first glance and very 'old fashioned, 'old world' inside, so that you feel you are stepping back in time as you enter to the sound of the door bell, announcing your arrival. Don't be fooled by the first impressions however, this hotel is a traditional, family run business and their hospitality is incredibly welcoming. Mother runs the front of hotel, the father is in charge of the kitchen and an excellent chef. Their two adult children, Martina and Luigi are professional and friendly and each and every member of the family and their staff are warmly attentive to their guests, from the moment you arrive to the time of departure. Nothing is too much trouble and they make you feel so very welcome. The bedrooms were modestly furnished but very clean with comfortable beds. Breakfast was generous, always with fresh ingredients and well-presented, and the dinner menu was so good that we dined in the hotel twice in five nights. It was that good! We enjoyed good weather in July so were able to enjoy breakfast and dinner outside. From our table the views were amazing and we were able to enjoy the leisurely comings and goings of the water ferries and watch the people slowly walking by, enjoying a 'passagiata' in the cool of the evening. A short hop across the lake takes one to Belaggio and Menaggio and Lenno and the rhythm of lakeside living was a joy to experience. Each village has its own character and charm and all are worth visiting. All in all a wonderful stay in an extremely well-run and welcoming hotel. But it is the family themselves who make it so memorable. Thank you all. We will be back.... and soon.

100% recommendable. Staff was super nice, helpful and charming. Absolutely amazing view. Nice rooms could not imagine to have a better location in Varenna. Thanks to Enzo and the whole team for having us and making this trip so special. Hope to see you again! Ciao ragazzi Konstantin & Nastasja 🫒

Very charming hotel with outstanding service and excellent location. Restaurant on ground floor and the breakfast was included and great variety and excellent quality. Room was lake view King and we had two windows facing the lake, one with a balcony with two chairs overlooking the car ferry. Areas of improvement: AC was weak for the room but eventually got there and the electrical outlets need updating to accommodate USB ports.