Milan & the Lakes - Italy - page 537

( 339 5446515; www.lestanzedellago.com ; Via Rodari 6; 2-/4-person apt €100/130; ) Five cosy
apartments, nicely decked out in modern but understated fashion, make for a good deal in
the heart of Como. For stays of five days or longer you can use the kitchen too. All apart-
ments feature a double bed, sofa bed, timber ceiling and tiled floor.

Avenue Hotel
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BOUTIQUE HOTEL €€

( 031 27 21 86; www.avenuehotel.it ; Piazzole Terragni 6; d/ste from €170/220; ) Combining a
quiet location deep in the old town with ultra-modern rooms in which bold colours offset
a minimalist white background, Avenue Hotel is deservedly popular. The free bicycle
rental is a nice touch, as is the laptop safe box and flat-screen TVs. The service, too, is
warm but discreet.

Albergo Firenze
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HOTEL €€

( 031 30 03 33; www.hotelfirenzecomo.it ; Piazza Volta 16; s €92, d without/with piazza view €125/145;
) Tucked above a women's fashion boutique on Piazza Volta, this attractive hotel
has bright, spotless rooms, including several with access for wheelchairs. Don't be put off
by the somewhat gloomy reception area, but do pay extra for a superior room with a
piazza view because those out the back are a little dark.

Eating
Self-caterers can stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables at Como's food market OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP ( 8.30am-1pm Tue & Thu, to 7pm Sat) outside Porta Torre.

Natta Café
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CAFE €

( 031 26 91 23; Via Natta 16; meals €10-15; 9.30am-3.30pm Mon, 9.30am-midnight Tue-Thu,
9.30am-2am Fri, 11.30am-2pm Sat; ) This funky space, in the old town but ever-so-slightly
removed from the busier thoroughfares, is Como's antidote to traditional trattorias and os-
terie . A funky cafe with free wifi, it serves up light meals that change regularly,
baguettes, salads, wine by the glass and well-priced cocktails (€5 to €8). It's a lovely, laid-
back little spot.

Gelateria Ceccato

GELATO €