La Terrazza di Marta

This would definitely be 10/10 if it wasn't for the things mentioned, biggest being the "late" arrival rip off as a welcoming message.

The apartment is absolutely lovely. But BEWARE: YOU MUST CHECK IN BETWEEN 15-18 OR FACE A PENALTY OF 50 EUROS. This is not made clear on Booking.com but only on the email you receive when it is impossible for most people to do anything about it. I was already in the area so I avoided the fine, but it set a tone to my visit: "we only care about money and are willing to rip you off any way we can". As the rent paid wasn't high enough already. The terrace is amazing, but very hot if the sun is shining. For the price paid and all the additional money made from late arrivals you'd think they could set up a parasole or two? There were ants indoors. No microwave. The sofa in the living room can sleep an extra person. The bed itself is not comfortable, after a couple of nights I got severe back pain (which is very rare). There was an espresso machine, but only a few capsules. The shops nearby didn't sell them. I asked the rental agency where I could find more and I was told to travel to a nearby town to see if they might have them. Umm, no. Takes two hours on foot and because of ferry schedules, about the same by ferry. If you happen to have a car and you have managed to find a parking spot (any spot, free or paid) you don't want to give it up because you will not find another one during the day and you will probably have to park 30-60 mins away from Varenna (the rental agency will not help you to find one). So you will not want to spend your whole day shopping for capsules that may or may not be sold anywhere. Either provide enough capsules to begin with or sell them, I would have been happy to pay any ridiculous extra fee to have more. Or just get rid of the machine, now it is just another reminder that it is all about appearances and not about making guests' comfortable.

Not applicable

Lot of steps from street to apartment, no mention of this at all.

Views and well appointed

Lots of steps so a little difficult to access with suitcases

The view from the terrance was wonderful in the evenings. We ate two of the three nights in to enjoy the view. It was a unique floor plan that added to its charm. Air conditioning worked well , it was spotless and the staff was great to work with. We would happily stay there again.

We didn’t mind the steps- after all you are in Varenna -but one has to be able go up skinny ones up to the terrace within the apartment. One needs to be careful. For reference :We are fit 65 year olds.

New property, great location. Nice terrace. All the facilities you need. Easy check in/check out.

no issues

We had a lovely 3-night stay at La Terrazza di Marta in the charming town of Varenna. The apartment building is located at the end of a narrow alley way just a few steps away from Varenna Holidays' reception office on Via Venini. As previous travelers have noted, you will have to climb 67 stairs from Via Venini (a combination of stone and concrete stairs) to reach the front entrance of the apartment which is located on the third floor. Varenna Holidays also has two other apartments in the building which you will walk past on your climb up the building's exterior staircase (Little Nest Flat - 1st floor and Il Giardino di Alice - 2nd floor). La Terrazza di Marta was beautifully updated and has the best views of the three apartments in the building. The roof top terrace offers stunning views of the lake and mountains. There is also a small bistro table and two chairs on the balcony next to the front door if you don't want to carry your coffee or wine upstairs to the terrace. The apartment was well-equipped with hotel-sized bathroom products (shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, soap) as well as dishwashing liquid in the kitchen. Everything we needed for our 3-night stay! We didn't cook any meals while we were there, but the kitchen appeared to be well equipped with a good selection of pots and pans and even olive oil and salt and pepper. There are a few small stores just a few minutes walk away where you can pick up some basic groceries (La Bottega di Varenna at Via Venini 6 and Macelleria Salumeria Lillia at Via 4 Novembre 2). Check out Lake Bakery (Via 4 Novembre 4) for homemade desserts and takeout sandwiches, focaccia, wine and the locals' hangout Al Barilott (Via 4 Novembre 6) for great panini sandwiches. Varenna Holidays' staff was quick to respond to our e-mails leading up to our arrival and very helpful upon check in.

We stayed at La Terrazza di Marta in early May and were fortunate to have sunny weather with comfortable temperatures around 15-17C. The roof top terrace was beautiful, but it is in full sun by afternoon making it uncomfortable to use during hot weather. An umbrella would be a great addition for shade, but might not be practical if it was windy.