The location was great - there is a bakery downstairs which does pastries and also takeaway pizza and fresh pasta which was really good. The supermarket is over the road so really convenient and the apartment has a good sized fridge. Train station is a short walk away for a 5 minute train ride to Varenna and you can get boats from Bellano to other points on the lake (though there are more boats from Varenna so we sometimes got the train there). The apartment was very clean and really nicely decorated. It had pretty much everything we needed (loads of hanging and wardrobe space which was really nice) and beautiful views from all the windows. Parking was available at a 'box' (underground garage very close by) at 10 euros a day. Much cheaper than 18 euros a day in the carpark and parking otherwise can be tricky in this area. Wifi signal was good. Orrido is walking distance and also lots of hiking trails (it is very steep though so be prepared for a lot of uphill steps). Bellano itself is fairly flat so a bit more accessible than Varenna. We didn't actually use the car at all when we stayed but had stayed with friends before our visit and had needed it there. It would be very easy to come here by train and get everywhere by boat, bus or train.

We stayed in April and it was a bit cold (not the host's fault as gas supply issues meant Italy has recently restricted use of gas central heating in certain months). There were plenty of spare blankets, which we were glad to have at night. The children's beds were fine but our mattress was a bit hard. Generally though the apartment was really lovely and we would definitely stay here again.

Beautiful apartment in a fantastic location for visitors. Groceries and a great bakery are 20 steps from the door. very central located very close to the train, the ferry terminal and the restaurants and shops. you will be pleasantly surprised.

the only things we missed were oil and pepper. loved it here