B&B Villa Olmo

Location - although a bit out of city centre (15-20 min walk), I like the location: 200-300 m from Villa Olmo and Como lake (i.e. from lovely lakeside promenade that leads to the central part of Como town); 100-150 m from city bus stop (connection with railway station and city centre). Although furnishing (except the bed!) is a bit old(is), everything is very well maintained and meticulously clean. The bed is only 80 cm wide (enough for me, as I'm not a corpulent person), but extremely comfortable, with the option to raise the upper (head) and/or lower (leg) parts using a remote control. Wi-fi is good. There are fridge, microwave and kettle in the room. Breakfast is great - a day in advance, guests arrange with the host the time and type of breakfast, that will be delivered to the room (eggs, toast with ham & cheese, butter & jam, croissant, tea/coffee - everything nice, hot and tasty). Marcello is amazing host - polite, friendly, helpful, providing advices and recommendations. Thanks, Marcello! I particularly appreciated the option of storing my luggage after check-out, till afternoon departure from Como. Price is not low in general, but it is reasonable and affordable comparing with other Como accommodation prices. Hence, this is very good value for money. Luxury should not be expected here, but you may count with friendly, welcoming atmosphere and decent - comfortable and well-maintained accommodation. All in all, it would be my pleasure to stay here again and I wholeheartedly recommend this place!

Just a few recommendations for improvement: 1/ It is not suitable for all guests to arrange check-in time exclusively by direct phone call (30 min in advance) - no WhatsApp, as it is strictly emphasised in welcome note. For people with non-EU phone numbers, it is an extra-cost, due to roaming tarifes. Marcello understood my explanation regarding this issue and we transferred further communication (e.g. breakfast arrangement etc.) to WhatsApp. Hence, my recommendation would be to change welcome note formulation and allow WhatsApp communication from the very beginning, i.e. from the moment of check-in time announcement. 2/ Since the room is equipped by fridge and microwave, kettle, mug and glass, it would be useful to add a plate and one cutlery set (sharp knife, fork and spoon). Suppose Marcello would provide it on demand or guest my keep some of that from breakfast serving (as I did), so not really a problem since the second day of stay. Only the first night may be "problematic".

Good location. Easy parking. Friendly host.

It was very clean, the person responsible was really here for any of our wishes. The place was close to the center and very close to the lake.

Marcello was there on time for the check-in and explained everything needed. The room was tidy, the beds were comfortable and the ceiling fan worked well. Breakfast was served at the agreed time by Gabriella, a very kind lady! It was a bit unusual setup of a residential apartment adapted into guest rooms. The bathroom is across a shared corridor (and appears to be also shared). It feels more like staying in someone’s place. Overall, the stay wasn’t bad. For me personally it is good for no longer than one night stopover.

It is disappointing when the description is misleading and inaccurate. Our room had neither a balcony nor a terrace, as was stated in the listing. The view wasn’t of a garden, but faced another residential building. You need to call about an hour before arrival NOT via WhatsApp to be able to access the building. I didn’t set up the roaming and couldn’t reach the owner. At the check-out we were asked to pay in cash, which stressed us a bit out, as we were not being informed in advance. The local ATM was not functioning, and we were in a hurry to get the train. Given the neighborhood, stay and breakfast, it was on an expensive side.