Guestbook of our previous clients [Guest Comments: 160 positive, 0 negative]
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January 2014 Positive
Where one feel’s “at home” in varenna We first discovered the ancient fishing village of Varenna in 2006. In one brief afternoon, we fell in love with Varenna and promised ourselves that we would return. In fulfillment of that promise, we recently completed a two-week stay at Maddalena House in the historic center of Varenna. What a wonderful experience! Our desire was to experience daily life in historic Varenna, and to meet it's local residents. Choosing to visit in the off-season, we opted to spend our Christmas and New Year holidays there. No itinerary, no car, no group tour guide. We were open to experience each of the 14 days as they unfolded. The experience was phenomenal, and central to that was Maddelena House and Marilena Anghileri! Maddelena House has a long family history, and we felt honored to stay there. It is the quintessential older Italian home, honoring that tradition, yet offering all the desired modern conveniences. It was a warm, comfortable nest. A place easy to live in. Marilena? She is simply outstanding! Excellent in her abilities as a property manager, and very genuine in her desire for her clients to have a wonderful stay. She goes above and beyond in her efforts to help clients. We will consider her a friend, forever. During our visit, we had many blessings: a wonderful apartment overlooking the piazza, meeting many local residents, having superb dining experiences, and observing holiday traditions that were overwhelming in their simplistic beauty. Maddelana House in historic Varenna? It was 'La dolce vita' in it's truest sense.
November 2013 Positive
A home in the village of Varenna Maddelena House in the village of Varenna was the perfect end to our three week stay in Italy. Marilena met us at the train station, gave us a quick tour of the village and showed us our apartment in Maddelena House. This is truly a home. Warm and cozy with everything you need for snuggling in, cooking meals and relaxing. But you don't have to relax! The apartment overlooks the village square, and is a short walk to the ferry terminal for cruising on the lake, Hotel Villa Cipressi and its lovely gardens, as well as restaurants, bars, and shops. Staying at Maddelena House is like living, even for a brief time, in a lovely village on the lake. We arrived in early November, and unfortunately many attractions and restaurants were shutting down for the season. Even so, we had plenty of places to eat and things to see and do. I can't say enough about Marilena and this property. Marilena's friendly customer service is flawless, and the apartment provides everything one could want or need. I hope to visit Varenna, and stay in this apartment, someday in the future.
October 2013 Positive
Camilla house : Beautiful apartment with incredible lakeview My husband and I rented the Camilla House for three nights in October. We were so impressed with the apartment--comfortable bedroom (lots of storage space), large bathroom, fully equipped, modern kitchen and a dining/living area with views of Lake Como and the mountains. Marilena met us in Varenna and gave us a detailed overview of the town, the apartment and lots of important info pertaining to the area. We opted to cook in all 3 nights because we couldn't get enough of the spectacular views!.
October 2013 Positive
Perfect in every way Marilena is a wonderful hostess, making you feel at home from the very first minute. She picked us up at the train station, brought us to the apartment and showed us everything we needed to know- how the appliances/heat/shutters etc work. I can't say enough about Marilena and her concern for all her guests. The apartment is in a perfect location, right near the beautiful town square. Everything a guest could want or need is available in the apartment. All appliances, even a washer/dryer, clothes line (indoor and outdoor), books on the area, books to read, two tv's, clean, clean bathroom with shower, comfortable bed, and plenty of closet space. The price is unbelievable reasonable. We have stayed in many areas of Italy at similar places, but each one is unique. Our expectations run high because of our previous good experiences. Marilena did NOT disappoint! She is always available and warm, friendly and helpful. As I said, I cannot say enough about our Varenna experience and it is due in large part to Marilena and wonderful apartment. She is so warm and friendly you feel so at home. We loved her cats too. Don't stay any where else in beautiful Varenna.
October 2013 Positive
Ideal apartment Finished our 2 month trip to Europe with a 2 week stay in Varenna. Our decision to stay at Maddalena House was one of the highlights of our trip. The apartment is very authentic and exactly as described. Ideal for two people and very well equipped. Situated on the town square it is within walking distance to pretty much everything you need, including the pier for ferries to other towns on Lake Como and the train station. Maddalena as a hostess cannot be faulted. Picked us up from station on our arrival as we were loaded with luggage and took us to a supermarket to do some shopping. Also took the time to show us a few of the sights and gave us recommendations as to where to eat etc. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her and I must say that in all our years of travel we have never experienced anything like it. Much appreciated the fact that she also took us to the train station the day of our departure as we had a very early train to catch. In summary anyone considering visiting this amazing part of the world would do themselves a favour in staying at Maddalena House for genuine Italian hospitality.
September 17th,2013 Positive
My family and I loved staying at "Camilla House" and plan to stay there again the next time we return to Lake Como. It was such a terrific way to end our stay in Italy, our only regret is not being able to stay longer. The apartment was very clean, comfortable, bright and spacious: amazing 180 degrees lake views , there was everything we needed (and the owner was always available if we had any questions), excellent wifi. Going into the center of Varenna was really easy since we were able to use Marilena's garage there whenever we wanted and could catch the ferry boats to bellagio and other nearby villages. We especially loved Varenna and all of the restaurants and cafes and medieval buildings and activity, but I have to say that we were happy to return to Camilla House for some peace and quiet where we could either walk down to our own little “private” beach or just relax in the apartment while enjoying looking at the lake (or take a relaxing nap on the modern sofa beds which were really big and comfortable...I haven't slept that well in years!). Thanks, we'll be back and hope to stay longer.
	John and Eileen (Boston,Ma)
September 2013 Positive
Maddalena House Rocks! We recently spent two weeks in Marilena Anghileri’s Maddalena House in central Varenna. The one-bedroom apartment was located on Varenna’s main piazza, with a picture-perfect view of the piazza and the town’s church. The apartment was clean, comfortably well appointed, authentically decorated, and had a modern, updated kitchen and bath. Ten minutes walk to the train station. Less than ten minutes walk to the ferry. One minute walk down to the waterfront. Several dining options right out the door on the piazza and off. Varenna’s two small food shops (macelleria and frutta e verdura) and town pharmacy are also located on the piazza. And for the two weeks we were living there, the main piazza had several local events that had us right in the middle of things. Varenna is centrally located on Lake Como, a ferry ride away from Bellagio, Menaggio, and the other lake towns. Trains runs north-south on the east side of the lake through Varenna. Milano is just over an hour away by train; St. Moritz via the Bernina Express is a long day trip, but worth the effort for the adventure. We chose not to rent a car and never felt we needed one. For “groceries,” take the five-minute train ride north to Bellano. Varenna makes a great base for exploring this part of Italy. After two weeks of almost daily excursions, we feel like there is more to do. We will happily return. We really enjoyed our stay and wholeheartedly recommend this apartment to those looking for an authentic Italian Lakes experience in the lovely small town of Varenna.
	William & Patricia (Seattle, USA)
June 2013 Positive
Fantastic place to stay for the authentic italian experience We recently stayed at Maddalena house and this was the highlight of our tour of Italy. We booked directly with Marilena and this process was efficient and secure. Our apartment was very clean and had a large bedroom with en-suite, a lounge room and a fully equipped kitchen. All the rooms were well appointed with traditional Italian décor, creating a wonderful holiday atmosphere. The apartment is on the first floor overlooking the town square, and we had a perfect vantage point to observe community activities. Marilina lives in the same building and she was a fantastic source of information on sightseeing and activities. She introduced us to several local residents and we were made to feel part of the community. A wonderful experience. The apartment is convenient to the railway and ferry and close to many restaurants, shops and banks. We highly recommend this apartment and it is ideal for either a short or long term stay in Varenna.
May 2013 Positive
Like staying with a friend We stayed in this apartment in May 2013 and we felt like we belonged here. Marilena met us in the town square, helped with our luggage and went with my husband to show him where to park. This apartment is so well equipped with everything you could want or need for a week's stay. There were brochures and advice to cover all sorts of interests. Marilena is a great host and we loved this apartment.
May 2013 Positive
We stayed at Camilla House at Varenna in May 2013. This apartment is actually located at Fuimelatte, a short distance out of Varenna. The view from the apartment was stunning - across Lake Como to Bellagio and Menaggio, with snow-capped peaks beyond. We were met by our very welcoming hostess, Marilena, who carefully explained everything that we needed to know to enjoy our stay. The apartment is spacious, comfortable and fully equipped. There was an unusually generous supply of consumables, soaps, detergents, etc. and the bed was very comfortable. There is a parking space allocated to the apartment and Marilena also provided us with a permit to access a lockup garage in Varenna close to the ferry terminal, which was useful because on-street parking in Varenna is very scarce and we made a number of ferry trips during our stay. She also lent us her laptop which was equipped with a USB key so we could access the internet during our stay. We cannot speak too highly of Marilena who is the perfect hostess.
	Paul and Marylin Quinlan (Eltham Vic Australia)
May 2013 Positive
Lake como without the crodws Maddalena House is true value for money with location and service all that the visitor could wish for. It is the ideal location for a couple who want to experience Lake Como away from the madding crowd. We overlooked the main square and church, and it was less than a five minute stroll to the lake front. One bedroom with an en suite, sitting room, and kitchen/laundry combined, it had all the facilities we needed, and the service from Marilena could not have been better. For much of our stay she was living in the apartment below and always available, and, when she was not, she was available for advice by phone. The kitchen facilities and nearby shops (all within a minute or two on foot) made self catering a pleasure. When we wanted to eat out, there were plenty of options at a good price. Varenna is quiet, but all touring activities are easily accessible by ferry or bus. One can have as restful or as active a time as wanted. Bellagio, a major tourist and shopping town is quite close by ferry and there is an excellent all day cooking class which includes a spectacular trip high into the surrounding mountains and a lunch to die for. Access to Varenna is easy by train from Milan and we had no need of a car during our seven day stay. We agree with a previous reviewer that a hotel in this area would provide much less satisfaction and would probably cost a lot more.
April 2013 Positive
Why staying in a hotel when you have maddalena’s wonderful apartment? April 12 -15, 2013, my wife and I stayed in Varenna (Lake Como) for three nights at the Maddalena House owned by the beautiful Marilena Anghileri. It overlooked the town square. It had a full kitchen and wash machine, a balcony off the kitchen, a good size living room with TV, a large bedroom and nicely equipped bathroom. It was quiet, though next to the square. Every morning at 7:00am, the church's bells at the front of the square would ring seven times, followed by a minute of beautiful church bell ringing. We kept our refrigerator full of fresh fruits and juices from the nearby corner market. The lake front was less than a two minute walk. And Marilena was always there in her below apartment with answers to any questions we had, or suggestions on places to go an things to do. She was gracious enough to pick us up in her car upon arrival at the train station, and to take us back there when we left. Most of all, we loved her suggestions of restaurants to eat. Our favorite was right below our bedroom window--Albergo del Sole. It was so good, we ate there three nights straight--excellent meals and service every time. This, being our second trip to Varenna, was by far the most enjoyable and relaxing of the two. You just do not get the service, comfort and family feeling in a hotel as you do when you stay with Marilena and her amazing cat, Tartufina. at Maddalena Apartments. Relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Como's Varenna, and Marilena's hospitality.
05/03/2013 Positive
Villa Clara. Great location, lovely garden secure parking. A perfect home base for exploring Lake Como and nearby areas. This apartment was clean, spacious and comfortable with 2 bathrooms and had all of the amenities in a "home away from home" (including wifi, satellite TV, etc.) but for us the real bonus was the location, the security of the garage parking and the darling private large garden where ,weather permitting early March, took our meals. My husband and I like to have a car when we travel in Italy and were pleased to discover just how close this place was to everything we needed. It was easy walk to the center of Varenna (and it's charming walkway overlooking the lake), the ferry boat dock and the Varenna train station. This allowed for us and our friends to be independent as we explored the area together whether it was to take a ferry to go shopping in Bellagio (or to see one of the famous villas), or to take the train to Milan (our friends even took a fast train to Venice for one night) or to meet for coffee or a drink at one of the cafes in Varenna. We had a lot of privacy since the owners were only around on the weekends, but marilena, who lives in the village center, was always nearby if we needed anything. Great place. Would definitely return.
05/11/2012 Positive
We stayed in Casa Camilla the first week of a 5 1/2 week trip to Europe, and it raised our expectations for the rest of the trip. Marilena is a great hostess, and she went out of her way to make us feel welcome. She drove us around the town to show us the location of places like the bakery, fish market, her residence, good restaurants, etc. Then she took us to the house and explained everything in detail. She provided us with a laptop so we could use the Internet flash drive (our IPad didn’t have that option), and she also gave us a cell phone to use during our week there! The apartment was very clean and spacious (I didn’t feel the need to wash dishes before using them :) ). The views are just spectacular. Not only did we have a private parking place at the apartment; we also had a complimentary private parking space in the middle of Varenna! That made taking trips on the ferry to other towns very easy. We cooked nearly all of our own meals; the kitchen was very well equipped. Having a dish washer and a washing machine (and drying racks) was also a big plus. It is an easy walk to the bakery or into town from the apartment via a trail. This apartment (and Marilena as a hostess) gets a score of A++ from us! We hope to return again one day.
	Mary Tidd
25/08/2012 Positive
My sisters and I stayed at Camilla House in August of 2012 and we loved it. The apartment is clean and cute and the view is spectacular! It had everything we needed to enjoy our stay in this wonderful area, including being able to do laundry. We especially appreciated the price! Marilena was more helpful than we could have imagined and we are so greatful to her for making our stay so enjoyable. Thank you again for everything Marilena!
	Susan Sarana
April 2012 Positive
My wife and I stayed at Villa Albertina from April 24 through April 28, 2012. We wish we had more days to stay here before we headed to Milan. This is a lovely apartment in "downtown" Varenna. Enzo and Antonella - the owners - were wonderful to deal with throughout. They met us at the train station and drove us to the apt., took us in, and showed us everything. This clean, well-maintained apt. is the bottom floor of Enzo and Antonella's home. It sits up about 10 steps from the street and is nestled into the hillside. There are lake views from the living room/dining room, kitchen, and bedroom - all good-size rooms. Plenty of room for two adults. The bathroom was outside the bedroom and had a washing machine - after spending 6 weeks in Italy in VRBO apts., and using different kinds of washing machines - this one was easy to use. Connecting to the internet was easy. Kitchen was well-equipped. The owners invited us to visit their terraced gardens which went up and up the hillside - we went up everyday. Spectacular views of Lake Como! The mountains were still snow-capped which added to the dramatic views. Varenna is a very small town and you can walk everywhere. The passarella (the walkway) along the waterfront is an easy stroll in both directions. Plenty of restaurants: definitely go to Il Cavatappi Ristorante on Via XX Settembre (this Via is almost directly in front of the apt.). We had one of our best meals in all of Italy here. It is tiny (5 tables) and the food and wine are exquisite. Mario, the chef, and his server were memorable! We also had good pizza and wine at the Victoria Grill right on the town square. The walk to the ferry takes less than 10 minutes. We visited Bellagio - and spent the day walking the highways and byways. We visited Lenno and took the fast boat to Villa Balbianello - wow, what a place! The views from the ferry were magnificent. In Varenna, we hiked up to Castelllo di Vezio - awesome! Go up into the tower for incredible 360 views. We hiked to the Cimitero. We hiked up to the Sorgento di Fiumelatte and then further up. Beauty everywhere! On our last day, Enzo took us back to the train station for our ride back to Milan. Varenna was a perfect end to an incredible 6 weeks in Italy. Wonderful apt. Wonderful people. Wonderful food. Great gelato. Magnificent views of lake and mountains. A slow, relaxing pace. We will come back here. This place - and Villa Albertina - are magic.
	Vermont travelers (Vermont USA)
11/08/11 Positive
My sister and I stayed in the Valentina House with three teenagers. Marilena was absolutely fantastic in helping us book the apartment and answering all my questions regarding Varenna. Camilla was extremely helpful in meeting us at the train station and taking us to and from the apartment. The apartment is perfectly located between the water and the town square in the historic part of Varenna. It does require walking up and down historic steps, but not too many. The teens spent a good deal of time on the balcony or at the cafes (especially Il Molo) on the water, giving them the freedom that they enjoyed. We were able to cook a couple of meals in the apartment, having purchased food at the grocery stores in the main square. The apartment is cozy, yet authentic. It is ideal for four people, but manageable for five. There is a pull-out cot in the main room. The location in Varenna is perfect for visiting other towns on Lake Como via the ferry or train. We also went to Lugano Switzerland, via the bus from Menaggio. We had a truly wonderful and authentic experience, thanks to the ideal location and helpful owners.
	Catherine P.
14/05/11 Positive
You will not be disappointed. We spent some days in Marilena House in May, and would do it again in a New York minute. Marilena is very easy to work with and her property was exceptionally clean, well located and equipped with everything you may need for a comfortable stay in this charming village. The perfect spot to explore other Lake Como destinations by ferry. We also enjoyed day trips to Lugano and Bergamo by bus and train. There are plenty of restaurants and stores nearby. The walkway along the water is beautiful. Varenna felt like home.
	Lake Travelers (Ohio's North Coast, USA)
01/11/10 Positive
My wife and I spent 4 wonderful days in early October. in Varenna at Marilena's - Marilena House. It is difficult to tell which was better - the home - and I do mean home like in your own home or the person. Both are very warm and wonderful. The location is in the center of the little city and convenient to everything - train, ferry or hiking. If you visit - you will want to go back.
	John (St Charles, IL USA)
26/10/10 Positive
Varenna was a perfect location from which to enjoy the wonders and beauty of the Lago di Como district. Whilst not the biggest of the towns along the lake it is very well placed for visiting all towns and for making day trips into Switzerland. Marilena House was also perfect in comfort and location-right by the centre piazza of the town. The apartment was spacious, well equiped and convenient to all amenties in the town and from the windows we could watch the activities of the centre square and local restaurants. Marilena herself, was a kind and wonderful hostess, generous with her time and helpful with suggestions and local information.
	Aussie ladies (Perth, Western Australia)
25/10/10 Positive
"As we arrived in cobblestone square in the charming little town of Varenna, Marilena was there to greet us and make us feel at home. We toured through the little alleyways to find lovely little restaurants and to learn about "our" private garage in town. Heading a short distance down the hill to the lake and ferry dock, one can choose from a selection of cobbled staircases, past wonderful old houses and a few shops. We felt as though we had stepped right into a fairytale. We then drove a mile or so south on the lake to "our" home away from home, where we found idyllic views of the lake, snow-capped mountains, and the back of Bellagio from every window, every couch, table and bed. Decorated in keeping with life in the Varenna area, the apartment is immaculately clean and beautifully equipped. Marilena has thought of everything: full kitchen, dishwasher, clothes washer, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, flat-screen TV . . . and everything in excellent working order. Each day we parked in "our" garage in Varenna and headed for the ferry landing to board a ferry, motor launch or hydrofoil for visits to other villages aroun.
	Liz (Virginia, USA)
02/10/10 Positive
Both the town of Varenna and Camilla House combined for the best week out of the month we spent in Italy. Don't overlook the free use of the garage in town because of the lack of parking in and around town. The town is charming and has a special ambience at night; it feels very comfortable and safe. The view across the lake from our apartment to Bellagio is beautiful as are the mountain ranges across the lake. There is nothing Marilena doesn't know about the area and she truly goes out of her way to insure a pleasant experience. The ferries easily connect you to Bellagio and other picturesque spots. The train service to Milan is excellent. When we go back to Varenna we will stay at Camilla Housed the lake, where we wandered, shopped, enjoyed lunch, visited villas and soaked up the amazing atmosphere. Every afternoon we picked up fresh croissants for breakfast the next morning. Just a short drive takes you to the Swiss Alps . . .about one hour to St. Moritz. Or take a ferry across the lake to Menaggio and drive a short distance to Lugano. Spending an evening with Marilena was a highlight, as she gave us a tour of Varenna, sharing the history of the village's homes, gardens, restaurants, and waterfront. If you are looking for a lot of action and glitz, do not stay in Varenna. But if you are looking for natural beauty and want to see how.
	Bill (Surprise, AZ)
16/08/10 Positive
Camilla House in beautiful Varenna is great! My husband and I stayed there this summer and wanted to spread the word that it is a real find. It was very clean and comfortable and equipped with everything we could have wanted including satellite TV and internet service through a web key and some fans which helped a lot to take the edge off on those really warm days (something our hotel rooms in Italy have never provided). And the views of the lake were to die for. Our host went out of her way to make us comfortable. She met us at the train station and took us directly to the apartment and then to a supermarket in one of the neighboring towns, which really helped us get settled in quickly. We chose not to rent a car since we wanted to get some exercise. Instead we preferred to walk along the picturesque path in front of the apartment down into town (with lovely views of the Villa Monastero Gardens) and sometimes we also took the trail up that joins with the "Sentiero del Viandante" (Wanderers Path) to the Castle Vezio (where we often ate lunch or enjoyed a cool drink). When our son drove in to join us for a few days, he really enjoyed the convenience of having a parking spot at the entrance of Camilla House plus Marilena was kind enough to give us the use of a garage in the center of Varenna. It was all very convenient since parking in Varenna can be a real challenge. We also loved that we could just walk out our door and down a flight of stone stairs (less than 100 meters) and a minute later we were swimming on our own private beach. We found that we really liked that the apartment is in a quiet residential part of the town, far away from the traffic noise and the other tourists. Instead our neighbors were the local Italians who live there. We found it to be a perfect (and very private) place to relax in at the end of a day of sightseeing. We could stare out those windows at the lake and the mountains and those ever-changing sky for hours!
	silverstar (Charleston)
27/07/10 Positive
What an unforgettable experience Our family had the pleasure of staying at Casa Marilena in April 2010 and we continue talking about our trip and Marilena's impeccable hospitality and wonderful accommodations. The owner, Marilena, not only is clean, organized and has provided her guests with all the necessities, she genuinely cares about her business and makes every possible effort to accommodate and help her guests. We were right in the center of this laid back tiny town and were able to go around by ferry boat all around the lake. Although we had a car, we ended up leaving it more often in the parking lot and traveling by boat, as it was easier and more fun for our children. We loved every moment of our stay, and we'll definitely go back to Casa Marilena again and again, after all our daughters would love to see the co-owner, Tartufina the cat, yet again.
	Annie and Ari (Westport, CT)
17/07/10 Positive
Marilena's "Camilla House" in beautiful Varenna is great! My husband and I stayed there this summer and wanted to spread the word that it is a real find. It was very clean and comfortable and equipped with everything we could have wanted including satellite TV and internet service through a web key and some fans which helped alot to take the edge off on those really warm days (something our hotel rooms in Italy have never provided). And the views of the lake were to die for. Our host, Marilena, went out of her way to make us comfortable. She met us at the train station and took us directly to the apartment and then to a supermarket in one of the neighboring towns, which really helped us get settled in quickly. We found that we really liked that the apartment is in a quiet residential part of the town, far away from the traffic noise and the other tourists. Instead our neighbors were the local Italians who live there. We found it to be a perfect (and very private) place to relax in at the end of a day of sightseeing. We could stare out those windows at the lake and the mountains and those ever-changing sky for hours!
	Malcom Wendy (Atlanta)
22/06/10 Positive
Varenna is a delightful little village on the eastern shore of Lake Como, with the lake on one side and mountains on the other. It is very conducive to walking- short walks up and down cobbled lanes with multi covered window boxes, to and from the lake edge; a very picturesque walk to and from the station whether via the main road or the lakeside walkway; half an hour to the nearest village where Eurpoe's shortest river roars out of the mountainside and tumbles into the lake, slightly longer if you take trhe wooded mountainside path; and longer walks up mountains to more lovely little villages or the next larger town. Express trains erun fro Milan and take just over and hour and goes on to the Swiss border. Ferries go up and down the lake to larger towns for more shopping and sight seeing including some fabulous villas and Como has a beautiful basillica and a fernicular railway. Varenna shops have superb local produce-wines, fresh pork, sausages, cheeses, dried mushrooms, pulses, pasta and fresh fruit. More mundane needs are suprisingly cheap in the supermarket in the next town, reached by car, bus or train. The sound is church bells and birdsong. There are 4 historic churches in the main square, each with priceless art works. Local artists provide watercolours, oils and ceramics. The ornithological museum has an amazing bird collection. Be aware that most businesses close from noon till 3pm, but open early and close late. Marilena house has everything you could possibly need including a balcony for wining and dining. Marilena is the ideal host- not intrusive, but if you need any information you only have to ask. A castle, a monastery, a monastery garden- what more could you ask. A week is not enough, stay a fortnight.
	Zich and Sue(Weymouth, Tasmania, Australia)
03/04/10 Positive
We recently stayed at Marilena's house in the beautiful town of Varenna. Marilena was so helpful - picking us up from the station; driving us to the supermarket; lending us a mobile phone because ours was not working; taking us back to the station at the end of our stay and generally giving us lots of helpful advice. The apartment was delightful and very well equipped and beautifully and comfortably furnished. One drawback for us (coming from sunny Australia) was that being winter, many restaurants, bars and attractions were closed at this time which we had not realised. However I would thoroughly recommend Marilena's House to anyone - and Varenna and the Lake itself are just so beautiful - an absolutely stunning place to visit at any time of the year.