My first visit to La Darsena was in May of 2007. It is built on the lake side of the road, nestled in the little village of Tremezzo offering clear views of the mountains and the azure water of the lake. What sets this aside is the tranquil atmosphere, enhanced by the convenience of incredible food and a spectaular location. There are only 6 rooms…each one decorated with miminalist elegance, all with views of Lake Como. To sip a glass of wine during sunset on the lovely terrace is a quiet and mesmerizing moment of beauty. The food is gourmet, made from all local ingredients. Fresh fish from the lake are featured. The hotel has its own boat dock, but a five minute walk will take you to the ferry from Tremezzo to Bellagio and on into the city of Como. The owners are friendly and helpful. For me, I cared not if I ever left the premises, although found myself slipping over to enjoy the shops and sights in Bellagio. Como is a walking town and filled with small Italian shops where the owners treat you with respect and dignity. Nestled into a corner of a piazza is the Cafe Aida….where they serve mouth watering pastries, my favorite being the Baba Rum Cakes of Naples. The people watching is incredible. Driving is challenging because of the narrow winding roads around the lake and the herd of tourists that fill the Lake Region during the months of May through October. But if you want to just relax, I would not even attempt to drive. Use the wonderful lake transportation and the frequent local buses. Check out their website: www.hotelladarsena.it Oh, the most important thing…the prices to stay there are a steal and a best kept secret of the region. Buona vacanza!