Casa Manoli Varenna Center

A modern apartment (furnished mostly by Ikea) at the very top of central Varenna with an obstructed, but nice, view of Lake Como (roof and TV antenna obstructing the view). Steep uneven steps lead to this two story apartment with an open living room/kitchen upstairs. A large fully opening glass door leads to a small, sunny patio (gets very hot due to a western exposure in the summer) Kitchen was equipped enough for very basic cooking. Laundry machine worked very well, but slow. Power problems prevent using multiple appliances at once (AC, Washer, stove, etc) (We only flipped a breaker once) The only light bulb to the bathroom was reported to management the first day as burnt out, we were told it would be fixed and it never was replaced. Two nice bedrooms are downstairs with comfortable beds and good linens. Bathrooms have small but nice showers with good water pressure and hot water. Close to restaurants, bars, and a take away fast food pizza restaurant. The Varenna Holiday office is immediately below the apartment across the street. Four of us were very comfortable and happy with this interesting, fun, modern apartment built into a very old structure.. The staff is very friendly and helpful (we never bothered to ask again for the light bulb). We had a fantastic time and would definitely return again. This apartment is not suitable for people with mobility issues that are not comfortable climbing a steep uneven, narrow staircase. We got a lot of exercise just walking up the steps, which is basically everywhere in Varenna. Highly recommend!

The property managers of Varenna Holiday are really wonderful and helpful with all aspects of our stay in Varenna on Lake Como. We chose Varenna because we could take a direct train from Milan. But beware, if you do take the train, there is only one small platform and the train only stops for about 30 seconds and if you are in the wrong area of the train, you cannot get off and will have to get off at the next stop. We ended up getting a taxi to the VRBO, which worked out because we had a lot of luggage it would have been a hike to get from the train station to the property (about a 5 minute walk, but on cobblestone streets is not easy with luggage and in the dark). Once we got to the property manager's office, which is across the street from this darling apartment, all went smoothly and like clockwork. The place is clean, bright and welcoming. We had only 1 snag. The hot water does not work if the thermostat is off. Figured that out after a few days of no or cold showers. And just beware that there are steep stairs up to apartment (the elevator can take your luggage from halfway up stairs to 3 level in the kitchen). But we were fine with that, plus we got an amazing view of the lake! Would recommend this place for sure!

the view, the acommodation it's really a good location really central. But you have to like stairs because they are many mostly when you're comming back from the Edge of the lake. the ground was not clean.

The elevator did not work. So be aware that the stairs are difficult with luggage. No one was at office for check in. We had to wait 30 minutes outside of the office before we could check in. Enjoyed the town of Varenna and we were close to ferry and restaurants.

Where to start???? Let’s see, we’ve stayed in at least a dozen VRBO’s over the years with almost all good experiences. This place had such “good bones” that all it needed was some care and it would have been just fine. Unfortunately, the care wasn’t there and it put a damper on our stay….. So, to the specifics. Varenna is built into a hillside, steps are everywhere. We’re in our 70’s and, while traveling light, we were spending just under a month in Europe, so our bags weren’t all that light. We liked this place because it had an elevator, but when we got there, we learned it was out of order and no one made a move to fix it the entire time we were there. Schlepping our bags up 40+ stairs (and the last series without a handrail) was a real pain, to say the least. When we got inside, we found a sign saying that children under 10 years old were “expressly forbidden” (their words) from going up and down those interior stairs without a parent – we guess because it didn’t have a handrail …geeeez – really? Oh, it’s two story, so we had to manage those stairs all the time. To give it its due, the place was clean, but barren – just not inviting. Nothing welcoming, in fact nothing at all - like a bottle of water, sale and pepper, spices, paper towels, napkins, coffee (but a real nice empty Nespresso pod holder), etc. etc. etc. The hinges on both toilet seats were broken, which we found incredibly annoying, to add to the annoyance, the toilet paper holders were also broken. The sink faucet is coming loose – who knows when it will fall off. There was a nice tool kit, but it lacked a screwdriver which I needed to fix the handle on the French Press coffee maker (yes, we found a market the next day to get coffee). The foldout couch has seen better centuries and the dirty cushions don’t stay on. BTW - a throw blanket or some such might have been nice. The living space is plenty big, but to use the dishwasher or oven requires you to move the dining table – come on. That’s our story and we’re sticking too it. Oh, did we say that it was quite expensive and is managed by a rental agent, so you’d thnk that someone should have known better.

We loved our stay in Varenna. The beds were very comfortable and the linens were nice. It wasn’t clear that it was a two story apartment and one bathroom was upstairs in the living area and one for both bedrooms to share. Also, there are 4 flights of stairs to carry your luggage up to the apartment. It is very challenging.

We loved our stay in Varenna. The beds were very comfortable and the linens were nice. It wasn’t clear that it was a two story apartment and one bathroom was upstairs in the living area and one for both bedrooms to share. Also, there are 4 flights of stairs to carry your luggage up to the apartment. It is very challenging.

We loved our apartment and stay in Varenna. It exceeded our expectations.

We loved the apartment proximity to the lake and town.

We loved the apartment proximity to the lake and town.