The Orange House is conveniently located near the railway station (just down the hill, so UP the hill with luggage on the way back), and close to Lake Como and the town centre. The owner communicated with us via WhatsApp prior to arrival and met us at the station. We had both the Orange and Red rooms. As the name suggests, they are decorated in these respective colours. The rooms were basic but spotlessly clean. A delicious and comprehensive breakfast was provided by the lady of the house, including delicious apricot croissants one morning and that orange Italian bread/cake that is also very tasty. There was ample hot water in the bathrooms and the Orange Room was quite spacious (the Red room is smaller and is on the ground floor).

Most of the power outlets were the older Italian type meaning our adapters didn’t fit them. Fortunately a more modern adaptor was available in the room so we could charge phones etc. There are also stairs up to the property so be warned if you have heavy luggage.

Stella was wonderful: pragmatic, helpful, engaged, so kind and maternally attentive with everything from feeding us bread and ham when we arrived after everything was closed, 23 hours in transit from the US to loaning us needle and thread for our own repairs. Her breakfasts delicious. Her manner, bruskly loving.

Our communication with Mr Amilcare Giuseppe (who does the communication for Orange house) was challenging. We didn’t have wifi on the train. We sent him word upon leaving the Milano train station with ETA. We couldn’t honor his request for contact 30 min prior to arrival with no SIM card and European cell service. Consequently we had difficult actually entering Orange house and finding Stella (the owner). I would strongly advise you get very precise directions for your arrival to ensure smooth and easeful travels.

The hotel is a short walk down the hill from the train station. I had informed them that I was arriving by the train from Milan, so my hostess was waiting outside in the rain to let me into complex and show me my room. We discussed breakfast and arranged for an early time on the second morning so that I could catch an early train. The breakfasts were tasty even though much was not healthy as I enjoyed the crepes, pancakes, and powdered cream filled croissants. The room was comfortable. I was surprised to have a bathroom outside my room but found it not to be an issue since I only shared the general living space with the guests in the upstairs room. I did not share the bathroom.

Guests only interact with the hosts at check-in and during breakfast. It is important to let them know your arrival and do not book with them if you are uncertain or especially if you might arrive late. Be aware that the entrance is not on the side closest to the station but is on the street below.

There was good communication regarding our upcoming stay. The apartment building was a short walk down the hill from the train station, Varenna-Elsinore. Our hostess met us at the corner, so we knew where to go, and she helped with my case ro access the few sets of 2 steps to reach the apartment. The room was clean and nicely furnished, with a mini fridge, comfortable bed, air-conditioner and set of double windows we could open, but also close the roller shutter to keep out the heat. Our bathroom was a few steps across the hallway. Stella gave us all the necessary instructions. The breakfast each morning was beautifully presented and was an excellent variety. The location was wonderful, with a short walk to access the ferries, tourist attractions and restaurants, and we found a laundry service nearby. When our aircon made an unusual noise, our host was quick to deal with it.

Nothing.

What a fabulous find in Varenna on Lake Como! We loved the location near the train station (to avoid hauling luggage long distances over lots of cobblestone pavements in the town) - the house is right outside the river from the mountain that drains into Lake Como so we had lovely sounds of running water! (The central part of Varenna near the tourist office and San Giorgio is a few minutes walk away - we preferred being away from the action and were literally a stone's throw from the ferry terminal which was super convenient). We had views of the mountains and a small part of the lake from the windows that opened for fresh air and beautiful views. (When the weather is warm the room can get a bit stuffy but this is easily fixed by opening the windows!). As we arrived on an earlier train, we were also able to arrange an earlier check in - and were greeted near the entrance by a waiting staff member. The orange room in the orange house is definitely very orange! But it was comfortable and had lots of amenities - twin beds, bar fridge with tea/coffee and plenty of shelves to store snacks (and a tray of sweet lollies and bottled water were provided). A large wardrobe with extra blankets (not needed) and storage space. Bathroom had a small but wonderful shower and a bench that you could use to sit or store extra towels (and we had extra large towels!). Breakfast every morning was enormous! Croissants, bread with cheese/deli meats, cereal, fresh fruit, yoghurt with many sauces, juice... and fresh coffee/tea! We even had breakfast earlier than scheduled on the day of departure so we could get our train. Communication and staff was very efficient and friendly and helpful. We absolutely loved our stay in the Orange House in Varenna! If we return to Lake Como in the future, we know where to stay!

Nothing - we absolutely loved our stay!

Room was very clean, cozy and quiet. Breakfast was great and Stella was a great host, working to get us brochures and other information to inform us on sightseeing options.

Check in process was confusing, we did not understand that Orange House is basically a flat in a larger apartment building. The host was to meet us at the gate, but there were some timing and communication issues that led to this not happening. We also messed up the number of guests on our reservation that created some confusion at first.

We had a great experience with this accommodation. Do not be deceived by the tone of the initial message (part of it was in caps lock which might sound slightly aggressive) that you will receive, the owner/employees are all very kind and helpful and will reply promptly help with requests. The room we stayed in was spacious and had enough room for 2 big luggages. Toilet was just a few steps away and was clean and spacious for Italy’s standards. Breakfast was amazing and beyond worth it for the value we paid! A highlight of our trip! Very grateful to stumble upon such a pleasant accommodation which is not very expensive (for Varenna) and close to the train station (only had to go through 1 flight of steps). Highly recommend this place for the experience we had 👍🏻

Perfect room for a night or two. The picture don't do it justice! Trust me! Super comfy bed. It's a lovely and romantic 5 minute walk, without steps, to the centre points - for those who haven't been to Varenna - this is very normal and actually the best way to stay as in peak season, I imagine if you stay in the tiny centre or harbour area, it will be overwhelmingly busy. Varenna is magical and you won't regret staying a few steps away. We were welcomed, with lots of detail, secure parking for an additional 10. Very good. Can't verify breakfast as we left for an early flight! NOTE - if you book here, you will receive communications from host that may seem "Blunt"/direct - just allow for translation. It's not as it seems! Honestly - you're good! :) :) :)

You could hear a little of the upstairs noise, but I'm a light sleeper and actually it wasn't that bad! Honestly - you'tr good to go!

Fantastic service from Pirelli, who was an excellent communicator giving us all the info we needed to arrive. He even met us at the train station and walked us to our room. Also, the breakfasts were lovely and the cook was very sweet and hospitable. I loved the privacy of the breakfast where it was just my wife and I.

the rooms themselves were a little dated, but that doesn't really matter - they were clean, private, quiet, and comfortable, and a good value

Orange House is located conveniently just below train station, a 5 minute walk. You can hear the train, but it was not bothersome. Included breakfast was fabulous. We stayed in the Red Room on the first floor. It is essentially a bedroom with the bathroom across the hall. This worked great for us as sleeping quarters, but it may not be the best place for spending one's waking hours. Amilcare, the host, graciously met us at the train station upon arrival, helped with our luggage, and escorted us to our room. This was unexpected and delightful.