All That Jazz says: Get your ass goin'!, April 10, 2005
Reviewer:
All That Jazz
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I wanted to grant this place 5 stars, but I simply couldn't. It's definitely the-place to stay at around the lake, though.Pros:1. Super-friendly staff. Really.2. Cheap. The price above is out-dated, it's currently 13.50 for HI members and another 2 for sheets.3. Breakfast is basic, but it's still a buffet and they'd make your coffee on the spot. Italian coffee made by Italians. Can't go wrong with this one.4. Amazing, incredible, spectacular, extraordinary (and a bunch of other adjectives as well) view of the lake.Cons:1. School groups can trouble your rest. They did mine, until their teachers forced them to go to bed at about 11pm.2. The town is normally uneventful, and a bus to Como would cost 2.85 each way.3. The few showers were in the hallway and unisex. On the other hand, it wasn't too difficult to take a shower when no one's there.4. The lock out is simply too long, and the common areas are locked as well. Not much fun if it's raining.Make up your own minds. I had a blast there.
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(Review ID: 7287)
wow what a great hostel, November 16, 2004
Reviewer:
bootyshaker
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yep, this is the best hostel in italy. dorm room with veranda overlooking lake como. has a excellent common room and breakfast. owner is great and will help out with pleasure. this is the only place to stay on the lakes. do not miss this place.
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(Review ID: 7288)
Ideal location in Como- wonderful atmosphere & service, June 24, 2004
Reviewer:
cnguyen818
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As a backpacker, you couldn't find a better value in the Como area, esp. around the village trio of Bellagio, Varenna & Menaggio. La Primula is minutes from the ferry dock. You are greeted with welcoming smiles and warmth (like coming to someone's house)-- true family atmosphere. In fact, some families do stay here but it's mostly teens to 30's crowd. The balcony eating area overlooks the lake (though you can hear cars whizzing by below) and offers great views of hills & mountains. Meals are GREAT considering what you get vs. how much you'd have to pay elsewhere- homecooked cuisine changes daily. 12 euros gives you half carafe of house wine, primi, secondi, and dessert. You can get second helpings too. Breakfast is included in room rate, after 8:00 (juice, toast, yogurt, tea, best ever cappuccino). I had to leave before 8am, but was served at 7:30.Dorm rooms (13 euros- 6 beds, same sex) are spotless and linens are crisp & clean (2 euros per stay). There's free luggage storage and fast internet connection (30 min free by showing guidebooks Lonely Planet or Rick Steves). The bathrooms were stuffy but clean (showers a little cramped, but bathrooms are fine). Dining area is cozy with piano, guitar, books, and games. Kayaks & bikes are available for day rental. Staff is friendly and very accommodating. I was short on euros and they made an exception of allowing me to pay part of bill in USD. The clientele is diverse from all over the world. If you tire of Milan and its noise, congestion, and pricey hotels (its hostel is poorly rated and 30 min metro ride from city centre)...Menaggio is a 1 hr train ride away (from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino) and then 10 min ferry ride from Varenna. Nice hikes are in the area and Lugano is a 1 hr away by bus (recommend the trip, as winds through very scenic Lake Lugano landscapes).
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(Review ID: 7289)
Family stay in Menaggio, October 25, 2003
Reviewer:
Marg & family
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We (a family with 3 kids) stayed at La Primula for 3 nights in October. To be honest we were a little dissapointed in the hostel: our room was very cramped and the bathrooms all smelt. Breakfast was very good, dinner was reasonable. The hostel is definitely very social, and would be great for solo travellers (especailly young ones). The real plus of this place is the location. It is easily reached by train and ferry, and the view from the hostel is gorgeous. Menaggio itself is a nice town, and the nearby towns of Varenna (don't miss the climb up to Castello di Vezio) and Belagio (great cafes and shopping) are well worth exploring. Menaggio is a great base for hiking in the pre-alps - for some of the most breathtaking views you could ever see. The staff at the hostel can give you lots of info about hikes. There are good tratorias in town, and we had a good time watching the soccer on TV in a bar in town with some very animated locals.
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(Review ID: 7290)
Nice Hostel but incompetent staff, August 29, 2003
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Anonymous
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Although the hostel is set in a great location, if you plan to reserve beds at this hostel using the online booking service, be careful. We turned up with our booking sorted, only to find that the hostel had no record of our reservation and they only offered us couches on the hostel's balcony to sleep on.Not the most pleasant experience....
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(Review ID: 7291)
beautiful scenery, June 21, 2003
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Anonymous
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this place was beautiful, overlooking the swiss alps. after all the great reviews, i thought this place would be fantastic. the only reason i'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is the fact that our room had no view. the other rooms in there looked like it had awesome views. but that didn't matter since we hung out on the terrace anyway. also, this place was recommended by rick steves so there are 90% americans staying there. the food that was praised by many, was only mediocre. i was expecting more. but overall, it was in a great location and better than the other hostels i stayed at.
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(Review ID: 7292)
THIS is what a good hostel should be like!, June 6, 2003
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Anonymous
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Without a doubt, the best hostel on my trip. The meals are great, and the rooms are very nice (they come with their own showers). Everyone is very social, and if you wish to, try to clean up after dinner- it'll help you get to know people. Menaggio is a great town, too: mini-golf courses, outdoor pools, and excellent restaurants (if in Bellagio, check out La Divinia Commedia- it's a theme restaurant where all the menu items are named after things out of Dante's The Divine Comedy).
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(Review ID: 7293)
nice and very friendly, March 22, 2003
Reviewer:
thaske@web.de
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(ger.:) ein sehr gut gelegendes hostel am comer see, sauber und sehr nett geführt und gute Verkehrsanbindung(eng.:) very good location with a very friendly staff- meal : 10 Euro incl. Vino or water -try it !!!
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(Review ID: 7294)
five star hostel, March 6, 2003
Reviewer:
sarahbethinrome@hotmail.com
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This was my favorite hostel ever. Gorgeous location, comfortable rooms, and incredibly hospitable staff. The owners are also gourmet chefs and prepare an amazing three course meal (vegetarian version available) every night for a great price. You eat with the other travelers at a big table family style and make friends. There is also a bar and a deck with a beautiful view. Very social. The staff helped me figure out how to get everywhere. They even set up an appointment for me to go horseback riding in the mountains with a guide. I highly recommend the horseback riding! Once in a lifetime views, from a horse's back! I'll always treasure my experience at La Primula!
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(Review ID: 7295)
Great Staff, location, and homemade dinners, August 30, 2002
Reviewer:
Michele
( kndygrl2001@yahoo.com)
from Las Vegas, NV
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I stayed here last year (June 2001) and it was wonderful, rooms are a little crowded but bunkbeds are comfy. Small showers but plenty of pressure and hot water. Staff is wonderful. Laundry facilities, bike rental, kayak rental, hiking maps. Cheap too. Have dinner there - its great and cheap, 3 courses, plus a glass of wine for about 8 euros. They have a porch that overlooks the lake and great gelato in town...don't miss this place!
