Vacation Rentals by Owner

ANNINA'S HOUSE VARENNA OCT.9 - 16, 2011 Lebanon, Oregon

Guest: Stephanie (Lebanon)
Date of Stay: 10/09/11 Review Submitted: 10/28/11

Would highly recommend Annina's House! Just spent a wonderful week in Varenna at Annina's House, mother\daughter trip and had a fantastic time. The accommodation was just perfect for us and had everything we could possibly need. The apartment is literally steps away from the lake shore, the center of town, lots of wonderful restaurants with views of the lake, five minutes walking from the train station and ferry. We enjoyed our breakfasts and dinner lakeside every night. The weather was perfect. Maria and Pietro are really great, they picked us up at the train station upon our arrival and took us to the flat and showed us everything. Varenna was a great home base for us during our stay, since it is on the train line to Milan ,we were able to easily spend a day in Milan, a day in Venice, and got to see all of Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, Cadennabia, and Como via ferry. Varenna is a very charming, quaint, and picturesque lake side town. Everything was absolutely perfect and I am anxious to go back.

Owner response:We are very happy for the beautiful words written about us in Varenna and Annina our house, we met two wonderful people (mother and daughter) we sincerely to meet again again in varenna kissing Maria e Pietro

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Annina's House 9/15/2011 for 5 nights

Guest: Anita (Oxnard, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/15/11 Review Submitted: 09/24/11

I read the other reviews of this property and couldn't agree more! We were met at the train station as well and had the special pleasure of meeting Lucca, Maria & Pietro's adorable grandson. Maria and Pietro gave us a quick tour of the precious town of Varenna and the flat. They were so kind and welcoming. The flat is exactly as advertised, including everything we needed to move right in! It is close to the train station, ferry, market, hiking and plenty of great restaurants to walk to (galleries and gelatto shops too). Try the American breakfast (two adults can split it) at the Varenna Caffe. We liked relaxing on the small terrace that looks down the Contrada to the lake, but there is so much to do in this quiet, peaceful area that we could have easily stayed a week. We also looked at their larger property which would be good for 3-4 people or 2 adults and 2 kids. I would highly recommend Annina's House, it is a great value for the money, clean and well appointed. See you on our next trip to Italy Maria, Pietro & Lucca!

Owner response:Thank you very much for the comment, we wish you much happiness to two people very dear Maria Pietro e Luca

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

B & B Frontelago - Olcio (Lake of Como)

Guest: Tina and Derek (London)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 05/30/11

We have been at Maria's and Pietro's B&B for over a week on the occasion of my nephew's wedding in Lecco. The place was recommended to us by my relatives and when we arrived we could not believe how wonderful it was. The room was excellent, extremely clean, the bed very comfortable. The view of the lake from our window so inspiring and calming. We thought we were in Heaven. Both Maria and Pietro were very hospitable and helped us in every way. They gave us plenty of information on the area, places to visit, restaurants and transport. On Maria's suggestion we had a fantastic walk over the mountains, reaching beautiful little villages with incredible views of the lake, Bellagio, Lierna. We also had beatiful boat trips to nearby amenities, ie, Varenna, Bellagio, Tremezzo and found the people in the area very civilized and kind. I still remember the gentleman on the other side of Olcio station, who was picking up cherries from his tree. When he saw us waiting for the train, he came across with a bag of cherries! Enchanting place, with beautiful people. The colours of the lake and the countryside around will stay forever in our memories. The breakfast was excellent and Maria went our of her way to cook for us meals which we liked. When my sister joined us from Naples, we were very happy together and spent few good hours with Maria and Pietro talking about everything possible as if we were very good old friends. We also went to dine at Sig.ra Lucia, a wonderful woman who welcomes everybody who needs help and also tourists at her fantastic place on the edge of the lake. She cooked for us a wonderful meal, for a mere cost of 13 euros including wine, coffee and water. Although we have relatives in the area, we will always go and stay at Frontelago with Maria and Pietro as we felt the place as our home, comfortable and welcoming in all aspects. It is highly recommendable to everybody who wish to visit this part of Italy and really experience the true Italy and the kindness of the Italian people. Grazie tante Maria e Pietro per il bellissimo soggiorno al vostro Bed and Breakfast. Auguroni

Owner response:We would like to thank you so much for your beautiful words, they really touched us! It was a real pleasure having you with us we were delighted that you enjoyed your in our little corner of Lake Como Thank you again for being so nice! With kind regards Maria and Pietro

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Annina's House - A Wonderful Place to Stay

Guest: Roland (Niskayuna, NY)
Date of Stay: 05/05/11 Review Submitted: 06/02/11

We stayed at Annina's House for 5 days this May 2011 and enjoyed the experience greatly. The apartment was spotless and comfortable as well as convenient. Maria and Pietro are gracious and personable hosts. They met us at the railway station and gave us a short tour of the village. Then everything we needed to know about the apartment, the village, and Lake Como was explained to us. Our vacation time in Varenna and on Lake Como was trouble free. They were also available to assist if we had any difficulty with the apartment. The lake is exceptionally beautiful. The frequent and low cost ferries make traveling around the lake and enjoying the scenery a joy. We couldn't ask for better accommodations or a better place to enjoy wonderful vacation.

Owner response:Thank you very much,We would be pleased to welcome you on another occasion Maria e Pietro

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great place to be and to explore the lake

Guest: Susie (Heidelberg, Germany)
Date of Stay: 04/22/11 Review Submitted: 05/01/11

Maria's House is a wonderful apartment from where it is very easy to explore Varenna and the lake. Situated in historic Varenna, shops, cafés and restaurants are within very easy distance. The apartment is perfectly clean and also the kitchen is well equipped - for those of you who would like to cook some meals at home.Maria and Pietro are very friendly and welcoming. You immediately feel at home1

Owner response:We would like to thank you so much for your beautiful words, they really touched us! We are so glad that you liked Varenna and enjoyed your stay at our place, we always try to do our best as to let our guests feel comfortable and when we manage to, their feeling good is the very best reward to all our efforts! It was a real pleasure having you with us for a while and we hope that we'll have the chance to meet again one day. Maria e Pietro

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Varenna in Winter

Guest: Glen and Abby (Chicago, IL USA)
Date of Stay: 12/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/16/11

We stayed at Maria's House the week between Christmas and New Year's and we really enjoyed it! The town was just beautiful and very romantic, quiet and slow in this off season, and so evocative of the days before tourists overran these lakeside villages. All the villas were closed, but some shops were open and we visited Bellagio and Menaggio, which had more shopping. We found 4 or 5 restaurants in Varenna that were open and we enjoyed every meal, especially at Il Cavatappi, Varenna Monamour and Quattro Pass. We took day trips to Bergamo, Como, and Lugano using the ferries and the regional train system - the port and train station are a quick walk from the apartment. The apartment was great and we used the kitchen and washing machine often. Maria and Pietro were very gracious and met us at the train station on Christmas Day. We would love to return, maybe this time in the summer to see how different Varenna is with tourists!

Owner response:Thank you very much for comment Maria e Pietro

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lakeside Luxury

Guest: SAKS (Hitchin, England)
Date of Stay: 09/18/10 Review Submitted: 10/13/10

We enjoyed staying in Marias House very much in late September. The apartment was very comfortable, spacious and well equipped, including a washing machine. There was some noise from the road and one of the other apartments at night. The owners, Maria and Pietro were very friendly and picked us up from the railway station on arrival. Be aware there are a lot of steps in Varenna, as mentioned in another review. Parking is limited and we only found one small shop for groceries and basic provisions. There are supermarkets (not open on Sundays) in nearby Bellano which is only a short train ride away and well worth a visit in it's own right. The trains are very cheap but not always reliable and quite tatty. Milan is only an hour away. We loved Varenna which is very picturesque and enjoys a very good selection of restaurants. We ate at Vecdhia Varenna and Quattro Pass which were both very good. Bar Nilus was also very good for cheaper meals. The apartment was a short walk to the ferry port where you can travel to the other central lake towns for a reasonable price. We walked up to Varenna Castle one day which was hard work but rewarded us with fantastic views of the lake! You have to pay €4 to enter the castle where you will find birds of prey and plaster cast ghosts! I'm sure we will come back some time soon. Simon & Sue

Owner response:Thank you very much Maria e Pietro

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

B&B FRONTELAGO lago di Como Mandello del lario

Guest: Giulietta e Romeo (Germania)
Date of Stay: 09/08/10 Review Submitted: 09/16/10

Wow, what a fantastic place directly on the shore of Lake Como. Fantastic roads to take the Guzzi for great trips! The room was spotless, bed comfortable and the local church bells quite calming the 7am and 7pm bells were the best, the breakfast was buffet style with an option of eggs. Secure place for the bike & car. Local restaurant called Lucia's great value for money €13 per person and that includes a bottle of red wine, mineral water & coffee. If you like fish great restaurant in Abbadia called 'da Piero,' but be prepared to be disappointed if you cannot get a table., two menus available both excellent value, and best advice if you get a table don't eat a big lunch or after midday!! Maria & Pietro just could not be more friendly,helpful and be more welcoming. When we left it was just like leaving old friends.Will be back next year.

Owner response:Many thanks Maria e Pietro (Luca and Annina)

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Annina's House -The most wonderful place in the world -

Guest: Lee & PJ (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
Date of Stay: 08/23/10 Review Submitted: 12/05/10

We had been travelling for 36 hours before arriving in Verenna. We were tired, hot, thursty & pretty grumpy. Getting off the train we were met by two beautiful people - Marie & Piedro, what a treat! They were so welcoming, friendly, kind & generous, we knew straight away we had made the best choice for the start of our 3 month Italian holiday. They drove us around town hi-lighting all the tourist spots, where to shop for groceries, the best eateries etc. We were then shown to our accommodation, which was spotless, very comfortable, and had everything required to make a great meal (which we find lacking in a lot of places). It was in a wonderful position with views to the lake, most nights we sat on the balcony watching the facinating crowd pass by. This place was like a fairyland, the cobbled laneways & dancing lights across the lake. It was so close to everyting and the food & wine in the area was like nothing we had experienced before. The ferrys are so close, as is rail - where you can go to any part of the lakes and very cheaply - we actually were suprised by the price - thinking everything would be very explecive, but not at all - on par to Melbourne & perhaps even cheaper. We spent 10 days in Annina's & have not long been back home from our trip, but this is, when I look back on Italy, where I would love to be right now - on that balcony with a glass of wine. My only hesitation in writing this review, it that once everyone finds out about Maria & Annina's, they will be booked years in advance. When we left, both Piedro & Maria came to see us off & we felt as though we were leaving home - it really was sad to leave them and Verenna. It was a wonderful starting ground for Italy and I often think about that first day. I highly recommend this place to anyone. WE LOVED IT!

Owner response:Thanks very much, With love Maria e Pietro

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Annina's House in Varenna on Lake Como.

Guest: Italophile (Cologne, Germany)
Date of Stay: 07/29/10 Review Submitted: 08/16/10

Dear Maria and Pietro, just a short note to tell you that we thoroughly enjoyed our ten-day stay at your studio-apartment. It conforms entirely with the description as listed and proved ideal for our particular needs: a quiet, relaxing holiday in a beautiful part of the world without private means of transport. I shall recommend Annina's house to like-minded friends and we hope to return ourselves one day. Thank you for coming to meet us upon our arrival in Varenna and for calling by to say farewell at the end of our sojourn. With kindest regards - Michael and Bram

Owner response:Thank you very much,We would be pleased to welcome you on another occasion Maria e Pietro

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Great Place to Stay on Lake Como

Guest: Stefan_Suzanna (Boston, MA/ USA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/14/10

This is a great place to stay! We spent a lovely week at Maria's House in Varenna from May 29 to June 5. The apartment was just as described and pictured. As other reviewers have said, it is immaculately clean as well as just steps away from the lake and the village center. Having the washing machine added to the convenience of the unit, too. Maria and Pietro were warm, pleasant and accommodating! I enjoyed corresponding and speaking in my limited Italian with them. For a small community, Varenna has plenty of restaurants to choose from. Dinners at La Terrazza at the Albergo Milano, Vecchia Varenna we the most memorable. Another place named Quattro (near Albergo Milano) had excellent food. The restaurant at the Hotel Olivedo at the ferry boat dock was excellent, too. Enjoy a coffee, lunch or a glass of wine at one of the lake-front bars or on the terrace of the Hotel du Lac. The ferry boats and battelli are a great way to see some of the lake.

Owner response:Thank you very much for comment Best Regards Maria e Pietro

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Davina4 (Hertfordshire, England)
Date of Stay: 04/22/10 Review Submitted: 04/22/10

We spent a very enjoyable 4 days at Annina House. The apartment is exactly as described on the website - simple, but intimate, clean and perfect for couples. Maria and Pietro - the owners - were extremely helpful and friendly, collecting us from the train station and dropping us off again at the end of our stay.Annina House makes you feel as though you are living amongst the local community and is in an excellent location from which to explore the surrounding area.

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The apartment was perfect in every way

Guest: Fabio Cattaneo (Milano)
Date of Stay: 04/06/10 Review Submitted: 05/04/10

Buon Giorno Maria and Pietro, Thank you very much for a wonderful time in Varenna. The apartment was perfect in every way. We enjoyed all the comforts of the apartment, especially the internet, the washing machine and the location near the center. The apartment was so clean and comfortable. Everything we needed was available. Thank you, too, for your kind hospitality picking us up at the airport and taking us to your home for a delicious Italian dinner...Maria is a wonderful cook! The night we spent in the B&B was very nice too. We are sorry we woke up so late....it was a very long trip from California and many hours time difference. We enjoyed the beautiful village of Varenna. We took ferries to Bellagio and to Villa Carlotta. We hiked up to the castle and took the train to Tirano and then to St. Moritz. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Albergo Milano. We took the train to Monterosso and spent 3 days hiking in the Cinque Terre...very beautiful. Then we took a train to Venice and took a 7 day cruise to Bari, Istanbul and Croatia. We love Italy and hope to come back again. We thank you so much for a wonderful experience. Ciao, Cathy & Fabio

Owner response:Thank you very much for comment Regards Maria e Pietro

Recommended for:Age 55+

Guest: LOUIS and IRENE (San Diego, CALIFORNIA, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/03/09 Review Submitted: 11/03/09

We were fortunate to rent the studio apartment at Annina's House for our week's stay in Oct.'09. Emails to and from Maria and Pietro made us feel like family by the time we arrived at the train station in Varenna where they picked us up, helped with our luggage, and introduced us to several of their friends. Upon our departure, they brought us back to the train station. Their gracious hospitality was more than we could have imagined. The apartment accommodations were spotless with complete furnishings in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area with washing machine and refrigerator. The living room studio couch/bed unit, closet, TV, and table were replete with beautiful paintings, flowers, magazines and pamphlets. Everything gave the air of being at home -- what a wonderful feeling to have in a foreign country! The location of Varenna enabled us to visit Torino, Milan, and San Remo in addition to the boat ride to Bellaggio and Managgio across Lake Como. Varenna is gorgeous and it was topped only by Maria and Pietro (two wonderful, caring people). We highly recommend everyone to contact them for accommodations in Varenna.

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Beautiful appartment

Guest: BoulderJay (Boulder, Colorado USA)
Date of Stay: 10/25/09 Review Submitted: 10/12/10

The reviews are correct, everything is as advertised...Pietro met us at the train station and drove us the half mile or so to Maria's and helped us carry all of our bags upstairs (traveling with a one year old). Maria gave us a tour of the immaculately clean appartment, just the right size for a 3-4 people. Loved the full kitchen, clothes washing machine and large bathroom. The living room was large and bright with lots of windows to let in the lake breezes. The main road underneath can be a bit noisy at times. The flat is located a few steps from the main square and a few from some excellent restaurants..we loved Borgovino and the lovely owner Mara. She even made us full dinners to go so we could eat well while the baby was sleeping - try the filet! Varenna was such a nice relaxing change after 9 days in Florence city center. Early mornings and evenings after the tour boats leave you the town to yourselves. We had perfect weather for fall - 70's and sunny with breathtaking views of the Alps to the north. Our boy loved the playground near the ferry dock. I would definitely recommend Varenna and Maria's house.

Owner response:Thank you very much, with affection, Maria e Pietro a kiss to your baby

Recommended for:Families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Guest: RAC - MAR (USA)
Date of Stay: 08/03/09 Review Submitted: 08/03/09

We celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversay at the apartment in Varenna 7/11/09-7/15/09. This is a fabulous property and value. Beautifully located in the middle of Varenna. We especially appreciated the cleanliness of the apartment, the very functional kitchen and the clothes washing machine. Maria and Pietro were wonderful hosts-would return in a heart beat!

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Guest: Greg & Anne1 (Australia)
Date of Stay: 07/01/09 Review Submitted: 06/30/09

We highly recommend this B&B situated on beautiful Lake Como. Our hosts Maria & Pietro welcomed us like family & made our stay truly memorable. Nothing was too much trouble for them! Our room was very comfortable with our own bathroom. Maria's breakfast was so delicious,a perfect way to start the day exploring this wonderful part of Italy. What a pity it's so far away from Australia!

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Guest: VRBORORG217846 (france)
Date of Stay: 06/22/09 Review Submitted: 06/22/09

Hello, We stayed at Maria and Pietro's house for one week in April. Maria and Petrio were very nice and helped us a lot during our stay. The flat is small but nice. The display is wonderful just next to the lake. Have a nice time there. Odile and Marco from Paris

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Guest: VRBORORG208866 (-)
Date of Stay: 05/13/09 Review Submitted: 05/13/09

My father-in-law, two brothers-in-law and I stayed at Maria's House from April 24 to April 30 for my wedding at la Chiesa San Giorgio in Varenna. We had a wonderful time. The apartment was very nice, clean and conveniently located in Varenna. I would highly recommend Maria's House to any visitors to Varenna and the Lago di Como area. I hope to be able to return again soon one day.

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Guest: Rowan and Elise (Melbourne, Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/07/09 Review Submitted: 05/06/09

We stayed at Maria's House from 30th April to 5th May, 2009, and it was absolutely wonderful!! Verenna is stunning, and the apartment is in such a perfect location!! Maria and her husband met us at the train station and drove us to the apartment, and then returned us to the station when we left! The apartment is great too - in really good condition and really comfortable. We had an absolutely incredible time in Varenna and just didn't want to leave!!!

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Guest: Loredana (Frankfort, New York)
Date of Stay: 04/19/09 Review Submitted: 04/18/09

My husband, 18 year old son, and I just returned from Italy where we stayed in Maria's house from April 11-April 16. Peter picked us up from the train station and brought us to the house where we met Maria. Both of them showed us around the apartment and then gave us a tour of the village. As for the apartment, it is PERFECT. We travel often and rarely stay in hotels but instead choose homes like this one. The apartment was spotlessly clean and in a perfect location. The price was reasonable and we loved to come home to Maria's house each night after a day of travels. Peter and Maria are wonderful people who are very HONEST. Sometimes it's scary going to a foreign country not knowing anyone but after meeting them I knew I could call them for anything if we needed to. They are trustworthy people and we can't wait to visit Varenna again and we will not hesitate to stay here again. Thank you Peter and Maria for everything!!!!!

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Guest: Edie Watrous (Niantic CT USA)
Date of Stay: 04/14/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/09

My Husband and I rented Anninas House from MArch 9th to March 26th 2009. We had a wnoderfull time. The Studio apartment is close to the lake and in the middle of Varenna. It is an easy walk to the Ferry landing or the Town Plaza. Maria and Pietro picked us up from the Train Station and took us to the Apartment. They showed us how everyting worked and took us on a quick tour of the town. They introduced us to the owners of Cafe Barrilott. This is a local Coffee/Wine bar which ahs Internet service. A great place to hang out for wine or coffee after touring and before dinner. Maria and Pietro speak some English and are very warm and friendly hosts. We bought the six day ferry pass and toured all the places the ferry took us too. Everyone we met in Varenna were friendly and helpful. We can recommend that anyone who wants to see the true Italy stay with Maria dn Pietro in one of there places and enjoy Lake Como.

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Guest: craigwoody@sbcglobal.net (-)
Date of Stay: 04/14/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/09

My Wife and I rented Annias House for one week from March 9th to the 26th 2009. We had a wonderful time. The studio apartment in very close to the lake and in the midle of Varenna. Mario and Pietro picked us up at the Train Station and took us too the apartment. They showed us how everything worked and then took us on a quick walk arounf the town. They introduced us to the Owners of Cafe Barilott a local wine and coffee bar. They also have Interent Service. They speak some english. They are warm and friendly hosts. We bought the 6 day ferry pass and proceeded to tour lake Como. The Restaurents in Varenna were great and we tried them all. Everyone in Varenna was friendly. We recommened that anyone who wants to see northern Italy stay with Maria and Pietro in any of thier places and enjoy Lake Como.

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Guest: Natalia & Regina (-)
Date of Stay: 04/12/09 Review Submitted: 04/12/09

We've just returned from our journey to Como Lake, Varenna. We stayed 3 nights in Annina's house - a one-room studio appartment rented by Maria and Pietro. The appartment is equiped with everything you need and even more: there is a kitchen with a gas oven, a microoven and all the necessary stuff, a friedge, a washing machine and a TV set. The bathroom is large and clean. The most wonderful thing is that the appartment is located in Varenna's center in an ancient house just few steps from the lake. The appartment is decorated with paintings and looks very pretty. Maria and Pietro are very kind, hospitable and nice people. We liked staying in this place very much and would like to return there some day. Our age is 25-26 years and we're experienced travellers so we have seen lots of different appartments and this is one of the best. We had a truly magnificant stay here! Many thanks to Maria and Pietro!

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Guest: olga9 (-)
Date of Stay: 10/18/08 Review Submitted: 10/18/08

i stayed three nights in early october. the room is lovely, very clean, photos don't do it justice. beautiful view of the lake (from certain spots in the apartment) which is just across the road. charming hosts, always willing to assist. i have only magical recollections from staying there.

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Guest: Denok (Quincy, Massachusetts, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/15/08 Review Submitted: 10/15/08

Date Submitted: October 11, 2008 Date of Stay: September 2008 We had enjoyed so much to stay at Maria's House and we choose it as Rick Steve's also recommend this place. The house is in central of varenna and very cozy, homey, and complete all appliances. The shower is larger compare than 4 star hotel in Rome, Florence, etc. The way she set up the apartment is very roomy and cozy, italian style (nice & unique collection). Alot of closet to store our stuffs. The apartment is extremely clean. We are so happy that we stayed at this place. We had used the washing machine and hang our clothes by the windown to have an experience as Italian people do. It's fun. And the only thing that we don't recommend someone who has a wellchair or elderly - it's too high to take the stairs. Especially caring all luggage. Maria & Pietro are very nice couple. They picked us up at the train station, showing us around the town even it's a little bit to communicate since they speak little english, but it's fun to hear someone else speaking in different languages. We just go with the flow. Close to Villa Monasterra and everywhere we walked at the botanical garden we were smelling flower scent, and herbs (rosemary plants are huge & everywhere). It's close to the ferry dock, so we catch sunrise and sunset on the way to ferry dock. And transporation is easy hop on hop off boat for 10.50 Euro/day, you can visit each island: such as Bellagio, Menaggio, and different places in Lake Como. Definitely, we recommend this place and I would be back again to stay at the same place. Our ages are range from 40 - 49 years old. So taking stairs are no problem for us. Recommended for: Sightseeing, Tourists without a Car, Romantic Getaway, Adventure Seekers

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Guest: joe 12 (canada)
Date of Stay: 10/14/08 Review Submitted: 10/13/08

very nice place

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Guest: Jenny and Keith Connar (York, England)
Date of Stay: 09/22/08 Review Submitted: 09/22/08

Very clean and well equipped apratment. Maria had lots of very useful information for us. She and Pietro were very friendly and helpful.

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Guest: Mark Kennedy (Carlow, Ireland)
Date of Stay: 08/06/08 Review Submitted: 08/06/08

My Fiancee and I stayed in Maria’s apartment last Easter. For our wedding last July we booked Maria’s apartment again for my Uncle, aunt and young son. We were made feel very welcome by Maria. The apartment caters for every need, even down to stocked first aid cabinet. 10min walk to the train 5min walk to free parking. I would defiantly recommend it as a great place to stay. Mark Kennedy

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Guest: Mark Kennedy1 (Carlow, Ireland)
Date of Stay: 08/05/08 Review Submitted: 08/04/08

My Fiancee and I stayed in Maria’s apartment last Easter. For our wedding last July we booked Maria’s apartment again for my Uncle, aunt and young son. We were made feel very welcome by Maria. The apartment caters for every need, even down to stocked first aid cabinet. 10min walk to the train 5min walk to free parking. I would defiantly recommend it as a great place to stay. Mark Kennedy

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Guest: Rudy Fernandez (Tampa, FL USA)
Date of Stay: 07/07/08 Review Submitted: 07/07/08

My wife, 2 daughters, and I had a wonderful stay at Casa Maria. Everything in her website is correct: the beauty, the clenliness, the hospitality, the value, the ease of travelling without a car, etc. If I have an other opportunity to spend 2 weeks in Italy, I would consider spending the whole vacation with Maria & Pietro. My only caveat: Maria and Pietro speak very little English. But if you do not speak Italian (becase of their friendliness) your sign language will go a long way!

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Guest: Cam Spoleto (Melbourne, Australia)
Date of Stay: 06/12/08 Review Submitted: 06/12/08

Maria's house is wonderful and exactly as described in the website (no nasty surprises). It was my second visit to Varenna and there will definitely be more visits, with no hesitation to stay at Maria's house. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for central, comfortable, hospitible accommodation provided by very friendly, helpful, caring people.

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Guest: Karen and Alex Polglaze (Perth Western Australia)
Date of Stay: 06/08/08 Review Submitted: 06/08/08

Maria's hospitality when we arrived very late at night was so welcoming and friendly. The apartment was well appointed, very clean and extremely comfortable for ourselves and our daughter. The large range of modern appliances made our stay very pleasant. Its central position made sightseeing very easy by ferry, train or car and walking around the village was not a problem. We would have no hesitation in recommending Maria's House to any one or staying there again ourselves. Many thanks Maria

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Guest: Viv and Lisa (Edinburgh)
Date of Stay: 04/23/08 Review Submitted: 04/23/08

Had a lovely friendly welcome by Maria at the station. Lovely apartment and so close to the lake. We had everything we needed. The weather was mostly cold and wet when we were there but the apartment was nice and warm. You don't need a car as it's easy to get to from Milan and there are loads of ferries you can get from Varenna to other parts of the lake. We even went to Switzerland for the day from Menaggio. Thoroughly recommend Maria's apartment.

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Guest: Glyn&barb pearson (chester uk)
Date of Stay: 12/17/07 Review Submitted: 12/17/07

what more can we say,beautiful apartment,fully equipped,centrally located,spotless,lovely friendly people,what more could you want in a holiday.we have only just come back from there and would recommend it to everybody.

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Guest: Marian Fonville (-)
Date of Stay: 11/03/07 Review Submitted: 11/03/07

We could advise this place!! Varenna is the most beautiful/pittoresque village at the Como lake. The station is nearby, only 10 minutes walk, and the lake/boat 1 minute. A typical italian grocery shop is at the opposit side of the street. Maria and Pietro are very kind and have a enormous hospitallity. The appartment is very nice, well equiped and at the third flour. The beds are good. We stayed there with 4 persons (2 children). No problem. You can visit a lot of nice places by train, like Milan (1-15min) Tirano/Lugan/Como. The train is very cheap. (10 euro return to Milan). You can make nice walkingtourd in the nearby mountains. We came there for the second time and fell in love!!!

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Guest: Susie and Murray (Perth, Western Australia)
Date of Stay: 10/28/07 Review Submitted: 10/28/07

We could not have been made to feel more welcome. We were met at the train station by Maria's smiling face, shown around the town. The apartment was lovely, great location, spotlessly clean, fully equipped-had everything. Just as described on the web site. Varenna was beautiful. A lovely inroduction to Italy. We stayed at Maria's house for 5 days in September 2007 and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Far nicer than a hotel.

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Guest: Cathy and Jerry (-)
Date of Stay: 10/28/07 Review Submitted: 10/28/07

Thank you very much for a wonderful time in Varenna. The apartment was perfect in every way. We enjoyed all the comforts of the apartment, especially the internet, the washing machine and the location near the center. The apartment was so clean and comfortable. Everything we needed was available. Thank you, too, for your kind hospitality picking us up at the airport and taking us to your home for a delicious Italian dinner...Maria is a wonderful cook! The night we spent in the B&B was very nice too. We are sorry we woke up so late....it was a very long trip from California and many hours time difference. We enjoyed the beautiful village of Varenna. We took ferries to Bellagio and to Villa Carlotta. We hiked up to the castle and took the train to Tirano and then to St. Moritz. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Albergo Milano. We took the train to Monterosso and spent 3 days hiking in the Cinque Terre...very beautiful. We love Italy and hope to come back again. We thank you so much for a wonderful experience.

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Guest: Cathy & Jerry
Date of Stay: 10/21/07 Review Submitted: 10/20/07

Buon Giorno Maria and Pietro, Thank you very much for a wonderful time in Varenna. The apartment was perfect in every way. We enjoyed all the comforts of the apartment, especially the internet, the washing machine and the location near the center. The apartment was so clean and comfortable. Everything we needed was available. Thank you, too, for your kind hospitality picking us up at the airport and taking us to your home for a delicious Italian dinner...Maria is a wonderful cook! The night we spent in the B&B was very nice too. We are sorry we woke up so late....it was a very long trip from California and many hours time difference. We enjoyed the beautiful village of Varenna. We took ferries to Bellagio and to Villa Carlotta. We hiked up to the castle and took the train to Tirano and then to St. Moritz. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Albergo Milano. We took the train to Monterosso and spent 3 days hiking in the Cinque Terre...very beautiful. Then we took a train to Venice and took a 7 day cruise to Bari, Istanbul and Croatia. We love Italy and hope to come back again. We thank you so much for a wonderful experience. I would like to post a comment in the guest book. I could not bring it up from your link. I will try from your website. Ciao, Cathy & Jerry

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Guest: l.cottam (birmingham)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/01/07

We have just returned from Varenna, having stayed in Maria`s house.We were extremely comfortable,and convenient;shops and restaurants a few yards away.The flat was spotlessly clean,and well furnished.Maria and Pietro met us at the station and gave us a quick tour of the town.Found Varenna very convenient for all lakeside destinations. Villa Monastero very closeby and should not be missed. by and

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Guest: John Potter1 (York, UK)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/01/07

We stayed in three apartments in Varenna in as many weeks, and Maria's house was by far the best. It was beautifully clean when we arrived and very well equipped (in fact it was the only one of the three with a decent kitchen). What also makes it special is that Maria and Pietro are two of the nicest people you could hope to meet. My wife and I would recommend it to anybody looking for a friendly welcome and a comfortable stay.

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Guest: Julia20 (Montreal, Quebec)
Date of Stay: 08/17/07 Review Submitted: 08/17/07

We spent 9 delightful days at Maria’s House in Varenna.Everything you could think of was provided in the apartment – two comfortable and spacious rooms, kitchen, dishes, coffee maker, stove, fridge, microwave, washing machine, etc! There is even a computer with a high speed internet and flat screen TV with a satellite antenna! Who would ever consider living in the hotel if you can live in such a wonderful apartment and for a very reasonable price?Both Maria and Pietro did everything they could to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. We are so happy we have chosen Maria’s house for our stay in Varenna! It could not be better!

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Guest: giliua (lecco)
Date of Stay: 07/28/07 Review Submitted: 07/28/07

fantastici quattro giorni passati in un bellissimo appartamento nell' incantevole varenna .ringrazio cortesemente maria e pietro per l'ottima accoglienza e loro disponibilità.a presto

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Guest: Tireur (St. Helier, Jersey)
Date of Stay: 06/05/07 Review Submitted: 06/05/07

The welcoming smiles at the railway station on our arrival told us that we had made the right choice of accommodation for a memorable week in Varenna to attend a friend's wedding. Maria's House has everything that you could possibly need for a comfortable stay in the heart of a delightful village. The helpful grocery shop is just along the street and eating out is a real pleasure when the restaurants and pizzerias are just around the corner. This is the perfect base from which to explore Varenna, the lake and other towns in the region because of the excellent transport connections by water, by road, by rail and by air. Other wedding guests were certainly impressed by the facilities in our comfortable home from home and we will hope to be back one day.

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Guest: Judith10 (Freiburg/Deutschland)
Date of Stay: 05/31/07 Review Submitted: 05/31/07

Auch wenn das Wetter am Comer See für Ende März relativ kalt war - Wir hatten trotzdem einen angenehmen Aufenthalt in Marias Ferienwohnung, die sehr zentral und gut ausgestattet ist. Varenna ist einer der schönsten Orte am Comer See und mit Schiff und Bahn verkehrstechnisch günstig in der Mitte des Sees gelegen.

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Guest: Karl6 (Adelaide, Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/26/07 Review Submitted: 05/26/07

Varenna is a charming town, and Maria's apartment is a excellent place from which to enjoy the beautiful lake and the surrounding mountains. The apartment is well furnished, very clean and comfortable, and our hosts were very welcoming. We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay and it made our holiday there last autumn even more enjoyable. An excellent way to get rid of work stress. I highly recommend it. Can't wait to go back there again!

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Guest: Pedro de Malnago (Valencia)
Date of Stay: 05/23/07 Review Submitted: 05/23/07

Hola,el sitio está muy bien. Está exactamente el el corazón de Varenna. De alli se puede llegar a Bellagio, que tambien está muy bien y a Lecco, que merece una visita.Los dueños son muy amables y nos hicieron la estancia muy agradable. La casa esta estupenda. Lo aconsejo

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Guest: Jeff109 (-)
Date of Stay: 05/21/07 Review Submitted: 05/20/07

Our stay at Maria's has been wonderful, a great exscape from the big cities. Our only regret is that we could not stay longer.

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Guest: Mr Terry (Galway, Ireland)
Date of Stay: 05/18/07 Review Submitted: 05/18/07

We stayed at Marias house for a week in May and had a marvelous time. The facilities are 1st class and the apartment is very well located. Maria Peter and Pino could not have been more helpful and gave us a very warm welcome.

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Guest: Ali Nester-Smith (London. UK)
Date of Stay: 05/09/07 Review Submitted: 05/09/07

A wonderful stay in Varenna at Marias House. Our hosts could not have been more welcoming (even when our flight dictated arrival at nearly midnight) and the apartment is perfectly positioned to explore both Varenna and the wonderful towns around Lake Como. Literally yards from the shores of the lake, Marias House is beautifully appointed and a perfect little home from home. We would heartily recommend escaping there whenever possible!

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