Town House Suite In Riva al Lago - Como

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in May 2008

Wonderful three night stay and excellent value for money. Couldn't be more central. Very courteous and helpful staff. No breakfast available whilst we were there but plenty of options available close by. Older style building with no lift, which didn't worry us, but could affect those with limited mobility. A few reserved street parking spots available just outside the hotel.

Guest name: RW, Australia

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in May 2008

Town suite met our standards. the hotel was clean, quiet and the service very good. Too bad that there was no breakfast and you were not allowed to eat in the rooms. I recommend this hotel if you plan to stay for a couple of days.

Guest name: KK, Germany

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in May 2008

The place is worth staying if you want to stay more than a day on lake of Como. The staff is quite helpful and the room is comfortable for budget travelling.

Guest name: DL, Italy

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Apr 2008

I spent 2 nights from April 8-10. The room is very clean and good. It is somewhat far from S. G. Como station. But this hotel is near for boat, bus and information center.

Guest name: Hyuk Jeong, South Korea

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Mar 2008

This location is great, just steps away from bus and Lago Nord rail station. Main rail station is a couple km. We chose In Riva for the price and location and were not disappointed. They did require cash for bills less than 100 euro.

Guest name: JO, USA

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Mar 2008

Ideal location near train station and lake. Clean and comfortable, great value. Would definitely book here again.

Guest name: Cynthia Reid, USA

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Nov 2007

Great room, with a little view of Lake Como. Clean, good room size and bathroom. Generally helpful staff. The downside was getting dead bolted inside my room one morning, which was pretty scary and potentially dangerous. It's not the nicest location, being right behind the bus station, but still only a minute's walk from the lake.

Guest name: Cosette Dean, Australia

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Dec 2006

Fabulous central location. A bargain. Very nice hotel owner. We will definitely stay again.

Guest name: SW, USA

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Nov 2007

everything was as described, only downside was couldnt get as much as a cup of coffee in hotel in the morning

Guest name: AR, United Kingdom

Average rating:  6.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Stayed in como two nights. Didn't meet too many folks. No breakfast offered. shabby lobby. Room small and a hike up three floors with luggage difficult BUT I liked it overall. Moved to Hotel Funicular the second night because they could not keep us.

Guest name: JB, USA

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Oct 2007

If you had to book a room for more beds than the number of guests try ringing or emailing the Hotel close to your arrival. There might be rooms that better suit your needs which might have become avaliable after you made your booking.

Guest name: JW, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.6

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Oct 2007

You pay for convenience. It's super close to the train station and waterfront. I think I could have paid less at a nicer property but it would have been more of a hassle to get to. The restaurant associated with the hotel on the main floor was extremely good. The pizza was the best, as good as Naples. The room was like a jail cell, plain and cramped. The bathroom was more spacious and clean. Lots of noise in the courtyard at night until midnight, but this is common Italian behavior, bring earplugs. Some staff speak excellent english, others none at all.

Guest name: Tamra Ancona, USA

Average rating:  6.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in May 2007

Small room, no service in the hotel, parking is perfect (private in the middle of COMO. Friendly staff, perfectly location in the centre of Como near bus and trainstation!

Guest name: Jan Willem Gouverneur, Netherlands

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Two Relatives

stayed in May 2007

The owner was great. He helped us with all of our concerns, even getting us a driver to the airport at 3 in the morning! The hotel has no elevator so beware of that. Everthing else was nice. I cannot say enough about how quiet the room was. It is behind another building, so that helps with sound. Then, the windows are double paned and there are two sets, one in front of the other. Overall a great stay for the price and in the heart of Como. There is also a funicular up the mountain just around the corner. And if you like deals, there is a thrift store just by the church nearby.

Guest name: Kevin Wichterman, USA

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Apr 2007

The room was clean and we had a view (sort of) of lake como. The bedroom and bathroom seemed to have been redone lately, which was nice. All that having been said, we referred to IRAL as the "anti-guest" hotel. First of all, no one told us that an extra 5 minute train ride from the main station to "Como Nord Lago" would save us thirty-five minutes of dragging our suitcases through town. When we arrived, there was no one at the reception desk, but all sorts of other people smiling at us saying, "I don't know where he is, I am sure he'll be back soon." So we waited 15 or 20 minutes to get checked in. But the absolute best part of the stay was the list of rules posted in our room. Among them were "No eating in the room." "No washing clothes in the sink and hanging them to dry" and "No using extra towels." The breaking of any of these rules carried a monetary penalty with it. And all seemed to say, "I don't want to have to do anything but make the bed, so if you make any other sort of mess, I will charge you to clean it up." The last straw that broke the camels back for me was when I asked them for recommendations on local restaurants. "There are no small restaurants left in Como," they told me. "Try the place across the street." As a matter of fact, there are a number of fabulous small restaurants all over Como. I recommend the little french place next to McDonald's. They have a small space upstairs where they serve divine pasta. Or just around the corner from the church is a little place called "La Cucina di Elsa" which had wonderful seafood. Lastly, my favorite was right by the "Nord Lago" train station (and therefore IRAL) called "Vagone". They specialize in classic Italian dishes from Como and Napoli (as the family is Napolitana). In any case, the price at IRAL was nice--the cheapest we paid while we were in Italy. It just felt like we were inconveniencing the staff by staying there.

Guest name: Jen Swindle, USA

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2007

Excellent service provided by Mario, for example when he waited for us past midnight at our late arrival from the airport. Good location, close to shopping and restaurants.

Guest name: Jan Tønder, Denmark

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Mar 2007

We stayed for only 1 night at In Riva al Lago but really enjoyed it. The hotel is situated directly next to the lake, from our window we could see it. Although located in a crowded area, the rooms were quiet (excellent windows). Everything was very clean (only minus: the bath could have had a real door). A bonus is the basement garage. As there are nowhere parking places for free, it is perfect for 5 Euros a day. The stuff is very friendly. As far as I noticed it's mother and son, they were very friendly! After all: good accomodation for a good price in the center of como.

Guest name: Petra Naumann, Germany

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Mar 2007

A nice little place, strategically located close to the center of town; quiet in general (there is a church with bells ringing nearby). All in all, unassuming but pleasant.

Guest name: Gabriel Pushkas, USA

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Mar 2007

The Riva al Logo probably offers one of the best price-quality-bargains in Como! It's located second-row to the lake, a bit hard to find (walk the waterfront along the luxury places-when the shore is bending left, cross the street, walk on straight and you will hit it in a small street!). Very convenient for travellers without car-main railway station (S. Giovanni for frequent trains to Switzerland and Milan Central) about 15 mins to walk, Como Nord (non-Trenitalia suburban trains to Milan) 2 min, boats on Lake Como 5 mins, Funiculare di Como (cablecar) 5 mins, City center (Duomo) 5 mins to walk, too. Pub, supermarket and inexpensive pizza/chinese food nearby. Surprisingly quiet setting for a quirly italian town. We think it's a perfect "base-camp" for overseas travellers on low/medium budget to explore Milan, Lake Como and southern Switzerland! Only disadvantage: often booked full.

Guest name: Bernhard Ubrig, Germany

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Mar 2007

This hotel is highly recomendable. It is very close to loads of restaurants and pubs, and moreover it is 30 seconds away from the harbour. Great stay!

Guest name: AG, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.3

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Dec 2006

Extremely clean and very good value for 3 people. Good central location.

Guest name: Colin Hunter, Italy

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Dec 2006

I am very hapy to choose hotel In Riva al Lago. It is nice, small but very friendly. They have obliging and friendly personal. Thank you for help in desperate situation. I never forget kindly and good hearted man in reception. Thanks and Marry Christmass and happy New year 2007. I recomend this hotel for everybody, who look for home in travelling. Good people are existing, they work " In Riva al Lago" !!! Helena Mandysova

Guest name: Helena Mandysova, Czech Republic

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Dec 2006

Otimo hotel, pequeno mas limpo, silencioso, bem atendido pelo responsavel, otima relação preço/qualidade. Vale a pena se quiser um bom lugar para descansar apos varias horas de passeio e não quiser gastar muito.

Guest name: AM, Portugal

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Group

stayed in Nov 2006

The owner was very friendly and helpful. The environment and price are very attractive.

Guest name: MH, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Nov 2006

The place is great! I would recommend it to anyone and I would definitely stay there again. The man in charge is very friendly and helpful. I was confused when I arrived at the OTHER train station (from Venice). I had reserved here specifically because it was near the train station. At any rate, the location was terrific, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby. (No breakfast is provided.)

Guest name: Danis Kelly, USA

Average rating:  7.3

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Nov 2006

will come again

Guest name: AF, Italy

Average rating:  5.7

Guest type: 

stayed in Aug 2006

The room was not as spacious as it ought to be for such a price and location.

Guest name: Marc Barral, France

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2006

Th staff was very kind and helpful. The room was very little, but for a one-night stay it didn´t matter. We got a quiet room at 3° floor and got help from the staff with our luggage. Without an elevator not recommended for people with difficulties in climbing stairs.

Guest name: Hilkka Tepponen-Forsberg, Finland

Average rating:  7.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2006

For a cheep nights stay, it was exactly what we expected. No complains.

Guest name: Tye Garner, USA

Average rating:  8.3

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2006

L'état de la chambre était bien superieur à ce à quoi nous nous attendions. Le tout a été mis à neuf récemment semble-t-il. L'accueil a été excellent, et pour 5 € de plus, nous avons pu garer la voiture pour la journée et la nuit dans un parking souterrain ce qui à Côme était inespéré. Excellent séjour mis à part un groupe de gens qui s'étaient mis en tête de s'expliquer en hurlant sous nos fenêtres à une heure très tardive (et ça a duré). Je suppose que ça n'arrive pas tous les jours...

Guest name: Amélie Dietlin, France

Average rating:  4.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in May 2006

I think the room was expensive comparing to the services provided : little bedroom, no breakfast, no bathroom in the bedroom (not even some water in the bedroom to wash our teeth !). Even if the room was clean and quiet.

Guest name: AV, France

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in May 2006

Fabulous experience here. The references were accurate--it is noisy with the windows open, but you cannot beat the price. Plus, the place is SPOTLESS--and I am a very, very picky person about cleanliness. Awesome location--SHORT walking to shopping, eating, the lake, bars, the train. Another plus: we rented a car and they have a garage that you can park in for 5E a day!! We'd go back in a heartbeat.

Guest name: David Ching, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2006

We spent 3 days and 2 nights in Lake Como at the end of April. The weather was cool but sunny during the day. We were treated to a Lightning storm and downpour during dinner on night(which forced us to stay for desert!). Impressive! We can't say enough about In Riva al Lago. The location is prime for exploring as it is a short walking distance to the Funiculare(we rode up at sunset.....spectacular), it is right next to the bus station and close to the Lake passenger terminal. We loved it...could access the entire lake and walk to anywhere in Como. There are even pedal boats and kayaks for rent nearby. The accomodations themselves were stellar for those on a budget. The rooms were good sized, the bed was one of the most comfortable we'd had while in Italy for 3 weeks. Great water pressure in the shower and a decent sized shower enclosure. We were happy not to have to wear earplugs. After 20:30 the room was extremely quiet(we stayed in F1). We had to lug our bags up a couple flights of stairs, but after 3 weeks....no problem. Mario proved to be very knowledgable about local restaurants, train schedules and touring trips in general...take his advise....he was never wrong about anything we needed. He has a great command of English. He is a real asset and because of his concern for his guests satisfaction, is one of the main reasons we can recommend this establishment so highly. We thank him for his kindness and wish him a successful Summer

Guest name: Thomas Wood, USA

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Apr 2006

Un rapport qualité-prix exceptionnel : très bien situé, chambres très propres, personnel plutot cool mais efficace et serviable.

Guest name: Marc CROZET, France

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Apr 2006

It is a nice accomodation, very good value for your money. The staff is competent and very sympathic. You feel welcome and cared for.

Guest name: Karsten Herfort, Germany

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Apr 2006

Our stay here was our first night in Italy, and since we were traveling as a family of 5, we were concerned things might be a little tight. Mario arranged for us to have the family suite, which was wonderful, with a water view of the Lake, which is a block away. I also liked the fact that it was tucked back into a neighborhood where there were local shops for cheese and fruit. We were traveling on a luxury trip throughout Italy, but we booked late and this was one of only a few places to still have availabilities in Como. The others were @ 200 Euros a night, where was still about 100 euros below our budget. So when I saw 90 euros a night i was curious, and when I saw they had many many reviews I started poking around. Having now stayed there, it turns out it was our most Italian hotel stay in 11 nights, and for that it was our best. Clean, friendly, safe, spacious, local, tucked away and very, very close to the center. This is a total rave.

Guest name: Jim Tumber, USA

Average rating:  6.3

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Apr 2006

Venere says breakfast included, but there was no breakfast available. We challenged this, and were told it was the hotels mistake, as they had filled in the options incorrectly on Venere when signing up. They were unwilling to refund us for their error, however. Apart from the fact the information is quite simply incorrect concerning the exact price for this hotel, and our bed was very creaky, we had a very enjoyable stay here...

Guest name: Timothy Scott, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2006

No complaints at all - the value for money at this place was absolutely first class. Very good rates, nice room, excellent service when required.

Guest name: AM, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Feb 2006

My 9-year old daughter and I stayed in the small bunk-bed room on Valentine's Day. We found the hotel very adequate for our needs. Staff was very helpful and the location was excellent. The only thing I didn't like was not having access to the bathroom during the middle of the day. We would stay again.

Guest name: Wendy Hanson, USA

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Mar 2006

Viaggio di lavoro ottimo qualità-prezzo

Guest name: TG, Italy

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Feb 2006

This was a wondeful hotel, very clean, right next to the lake, bus station and northern railway line (for trains to Milan). The room wasn't very big but the bathroom was, and as you only use the room to sleep in, space isn't important. The facilities were new and clean and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The bar below the hotel was also excellent, serving enormous portions of lovely (and very cheap) bar food. The hotel was also very secure. There was a key pad to get into the front door, another to get into the corridor of our room then we had a key to open the room door. We would definitely go back.

Guest name: Katie Davies, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Group

stayed in Dec 2005

really awesome place. friendly staff. seemed more like a hotel than a B&B. Iàd recommend it to any traveller for the great prices they offer.

Guest name: Nicholas Wayne, Spain

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Nov 2005

Hotel was an excellent value as long as you do not plan on spending alot of time in your hotel room. The rooms are somewhat small, but very functional. It was quite cold when we stayed there and there was plenty of heat and hot water. Some other postings complained about noise due the proximity to the bus terminus. We did not find that to be the case, though the windows were closed all of the time. One other note. The main train station is about a 15 minute walk from the hotel. The train station across the plaza from the hotel is for Milan service only.

Guest name: Ron Berry, USA

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Nov 2005

Great location! I could not have asked for a better location for this price!

Guest name: Sage Nord, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Nov 2005

We had an excellent stay at In Riva Al Lago. Very close to both train stations and the centre of Como. Rooms were well priced and extremely clean. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a great and affordable place to stay in Como.

Guest name: Shaen Stesco, Canada

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2005

I asked for a quite room which we got suprising even though the Hotel/Hostel was located near bus stop and train station Pillows could have been a little more comfortable. Great location, Mario (owner) was very helpful. Enjoyed our stay would stay there again.

Guest name: Alida Pope, Australia

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Oct 2005

Excellent place to stay. Price wise, clean, efficient and close to all amenities. Mario was very helpful.

Guest name: Valerie Tyrrell, Australia

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Single corporate traveller

stayed in Oct 2005

What a pleasant surprise this stay was. The price was so low and the standard, quality of room, location and staff were all really excellent. I can't bnelieve it was this price in Lake Como. I really recommend this place and will be using this hotel twice a year from now on (I go to Como for work).

Guest name: Claire Brown, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.0

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Oct 2005

Very friendly staff. Good price, but no private bath. However bathrooms were very large and clean, no problem during our stay, but hotel wasn't busy. 1 block from the lake, and right next to the bus station, so some noise from there. Very good value.

Guest name: Mike Lancaster, USA

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

To call this a 1 star property is hard to believe. I have stayed in 3 star hotels which have been a far lower standard and even the odd 4 star. If you can do without a phone & mini bar and accept a fan and not air con (ok for our October stay) then this is must be best value property available. I was nervous about my stay as have never went below 3 / 4 * before but this was a great hotel and a very pleasant stay. Enjoy.

Guest name: COLIN KETCHEN, United Kingdom