Casa Carlotta

WHAT A VIEW IN THE ROOMS!!! We were very welcomed in this house. Perfectly cleaned, technological bathroom (you bath listening to music), tremendous breakfast cooked by the lovely owner and we even got the company of this cuuute little dog Sofia 🤍 we will come back for sure!

Casa Carlotta was an amazing place to stay up on the hill, above Varenna. To get to the hotel, it's a short taxi ride up the winding road, or if you're fit enough, you can use the stairs to cut through all the streets directly up the hill. It's about a 15-20 minute walk up the steps, or a a five minute taxi ride. I personally liked using the stairs as it was very scenic and a great workout. The hotel was very clean and Mara was super friendly. We had stayed there a couple of weeks after it first opened, so things were very new. The best way to describe the hotel, is it was cozy, charming, with genuine owners. Mara had taken an extra step to make tiramisu, due to us missing breakfast and also provided a small espresso. She also took time to get to know us and provide insights into some of the restaurants and shared some experiences of her travels and life. It truly was an amazing experience! Be sure to spend time with Mara's dog, Sophie, who is adorable! One amazing aspect....the shower is a corner shower with waterfall type of water and jets on the side, which felt amazing! Next time I visit the area, I'll be staying here again. The hospitality made me feel like I was back home in a small town, where everyone knows your name. Well done!!!

There was nothing I did not like.

The property was clean, spacious and benefited from an amazing view of the sea and the mountains. It is run by Mara, her husband Flávio and their lovely tiny little dog Sophia who star of the show! lol. She was quite literally the on site entertainment with her cute little barks and funny little run. Mara was very welcoming, she recommended places for us to visit and how to get there. The property is further up the mountain but can be accessed easily bus or a 25 minute walk. The property is cleared marked on Google maps and is accessed from the rear. Bear in mind it’s steep but if you’re a regular hiker this should be no problem. Coming down it takes 10 minutes, Mara explained to us a short cut which is not on Google apps. Do not attempt this route with flip flops! Note the buses are frequent however you cannot pay by app. It’s cash only however the bus drivers are really chilled out and will let you on providing at least you tried to get a ticket. Mara will also prepare you breakfast. It’s basic and buffet style but nevertheless very tasty. We were very happy with it.

There was absolutely nothing that put us off this place. Mara’s hospitality is second to none. She will go out of her way to make you feel comfortable.

La chambre est confortable et spacieuse. La déco. La vue du petit déjeuner dehors, même si pas dégagée. Le sourire de la gérante.

- Les horaires très restreints du petit dej 8h30 à 9h - aucun fruit au petit déjeuner.( Mais 2 jus de fruits) - Pas de shampoing fourni dans la douche ni gel douche. - Balcon avec vue sympa mais très partielle - Au prix de la chambre, même pas une bouteille d'eau offerte, juste des snacks et boissons payantes. - Le parking gratuit annoncé n'est certes pas très loin mais petit et public donc faut croiser les doigts pour une place (il nous en restait heureusement une) - Le bruit des discussions au téléphone entendu depuis la chambre à côté de l'accueil. - Le bus s'arrête devant mais ne passe que toute les heures. - Une fenêtre sans volet mais un rideau épais bien que pas complet pour la fenêtre. En conclusion, l'intérieur est joli ( quand dehors ça ne paie pas de mine), mais le prix donne l'impression que l'on paie un style surtout. Nous avons séjourné dans un autre hôtel sur le lac de Côme, moins cher mais avec piscine, vue dégagée sur le lac, restaurant sur place.