Your stay — Il Fontanile
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The Property — Il Fontanile
Il Fontanile is a charming 3-star hotel in Varese, offering a rustic-chic atmosphere with a focus on comfort and relaxation. The lobby's warm decor, complete with wooden beams and stone walls, immediately sets the tone for a peaceful retreat. Guests can expect a homey feel, with a strong emphasis on regional Italian cuisine and a warm, welcoming staff. This hotel is perfect for couples and solo travellers seeking a laid-back, no-frills experience in a convenient location, within walking distance to Varese's historic centre and Lake Maggiore.
Chronicles of Varese
Varese, situated in the Insubria region of Lombardy, has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. The city's strategic location at the foot of the Alps made it an important hub for trade and commerce throughout the centuries. The medieval old town, with its narrow streets and picturesque piazzas, still boasts many well-preserved buildings from the 12th to 16th centuries. Varese's cultural identity is a unique blend of Lombard and Swiss influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals. The city's proximity to the Swiss border has also made it a hub for international relations and diplomacy.
Best Time to Visit
Full Varese guide →Best months
June and September are ideal months to visit Varese, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. The weather is generally sunny, with occasional light rain showers, making it perfect for exploring the city and surrounding lakes.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Varese, with prices for accommodations and tourist attractions increasing. The city hosts the Varese Jazz Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from across Europe. Hotel prices tend to rise during this period, but the event is not to be missed for jazz enthusiasts.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months for Varese, with mild temperatures (15-20°C) and fewer crowds. You can find discounted rates for accommodations, and the city's parks and gardens are particularly beautiful during this time.
Weather & packing
Varese's climate is influenced by its proximity to the Alps, resulting in sudden changes in temperature and precipitation. Pack layers for your visit, including a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city's cobblestone streets.
Live City Briefing — Varese
- The Varese city bus network has been expanded to include new routes and frequencies, making it easier to get around the city without a car. The historic centre of Varese has been designated a 'no-car zone', with restricted traffic access to promote pedestrian-friendly streets and reduce pollution. The nearby Lake Maggiore has been experiencing some water quality issues due to algal blooms, so it's best to check the current water conditions before planning water activities.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Il Fontanile, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors, such as 3rd or 4th floor, to minimize street noise from Via Varese. These rooms will still offer a decent view of the surrounding area.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms close to the lift, as it may be a bit noisy, especially on lower floors. Also, rooms near the service entrance might experience some noise during early morning hours.
Best views
Depending on the room's orientation, you might get a view of the surrounding cityscape or the nearby hills.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above are likely the quietest, given the hotel's 3-star rating and location on a main street.
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that Via Varese can be busy, especially during rush hour, so rooms on the lower floors may be noisier. Additionally, the hotel's location near a main street means some external noise is unavoidable.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's parking, which might be limited, but is available on site. Request a room with a balcony for a better view and some fresh air.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Il Fontanile
free in public areas, €5 per hour paid tier in rooms, login via hotel app
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on rooms' tablets
15:00-22:00, early bag-drop from 12:00, late check-out fee of €50 until 18:00
available from 12:00, €5 per bag (max 2 bags)
step-free access, wheelchair entries to ground-floor rooms, historic building limitations on elevator capacity
on-site parking €20 per night, nearest public car park €15 per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €3 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: €50 advance deposit, €100 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo (657 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Oratorio della Beata Vergine Immacolata (764 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Santuario della Schirannetta (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di Santa Maria della Gioia (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parco Mantegazza — 369 m · ~5 min walk
Museo d'arte moderna e contemporanea — 424 m · ~5 min walk
Giovanni Santuccio — 2.2 km · ~28 min walk
I Campi di Piazzale Staffora — 492 m · ~6 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 679 m · ~8 min walk
Lafarmacia Masnago — 527 m · ~7 min walk
Varese Casbeno — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
You can exchange money at a Banca Popolare di Varese branch, and many local shops accept credit cards or cash. Be wary of poor rates at airports or tourist bureaux.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Varese, including contactless payments at most shops and restaurants. Some smaller shops may still require cash.
Tipping in Varese is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 1-2 Euros for good service is appreciated. Taxi drivers and hotel staff may also expect a small tip.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cappuccino or espresso at a bar costs around 1-2 Euros.
A panino or sandwich at a local bar or bakery costs around 5-7 Euros.
A pasta dish at a mid-range trattoria costs around 10-15 Euros for a main course.
You can find affordable food options at the Varese Marketplace, particularly during lunchtime.
Conad and Coop are two common supermarket chains in Varese.
You can find affordable high-street shopping at the Varese Shopping Centre or at local markets like the Varese Flea Market.
A single ticket for public transportation costs 1.5 Euros, and a day pass costs 5 Euros. From the airport, take the bus number 760 to Varese city centre.
Buy a Varese Tourist Card for free public transportation and discounts at local attractions. Consider purchasing a rechargeable Varese public transportation card for convenience. Take advantage of the free parking areas on the outskirts of town to save on parking fees.
Good to know — Varese
Type C/F/L · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
VareseWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Varese, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Il Fontanile
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 679 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Lafarmacia Masnago — 527 m · ~7 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Varese city centre (Piazza Monte Grappa) → Agriturismo Valtinella
💡 The stop is called 'Valtinella' – not the same as Sacro Monte. Look for the blue sign on the main road. Buses get busy at school times (08:00-08:30, 16:30-17:30). Best to walk the last 500m up the dirt track if you have light luggage.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) → Varese
💡 Get off at the Varese bus station, then take the C-line bus (€1.50) up to Valtinella – it's a 15-minute ride. No direct bus from Malpensa to the agriturismo.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) → Varese
💡 Buy the ticket from the Trenord machine not the Malpensa Express one if you want the cheaper regional option (around €10 vs €13). The train runs direct from Terminal 1.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) → Agriturismo Valtinella, Varese
💡 Agree the fare before you get in – drivers sometimes quote €90. Use the free airport WiFi to book via the 'App Taxi' app, which gives a fixed price of €75. The agriturismo is up a narrow lane, so tell the driver it's near the Sacro Monte funicular.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Il Fontanile?
Request rooms on higher floors, such as 3rd or 4th floor, to minimize street noise from Via Varese. These rooms will still offer a decent view of the surrounding area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Il Fontanile?
Avoid rooms close to the lift, as it may be a bit noisy, especially on lower floors. Also, rooms near the service entrance might experience some noise during early morning hours.
Is Il Fontanile noisy?
Be aware that Via Varese can be busy, especially during rush hour, so rooms on the lower floors may be noisier. Additionally, the hotel's location near a main street means some external noise is unavoidable.
Which rooms have the best views at Il Fontanile?
Depending on the room's orientation, you might get a view of the surrounding cityscape or the nearby hills.
What are insider tips for staying at Il Fontanile?
Take advantage of the hotel's parking, which might be limited, but is available on site. Request a room with a balcony for a better view and some fresh air.
What time is check-in at Il Fontanile?
Check-in at Il Fontanile is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Il Fontanile have Wi-Fi?
free in public areas, €5 per hour paid tier in rooms, login via hotel app
Is there a city or tourist tax at Il Fontanile?
€3 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Il Fontanile?
A panino or sandwich at a local bar or bakery costs around 5-7 Euros.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Il Fontanile?
A single ticket for public transportation costs 1.5 Euros, and a day pass costs 5 Euros. From the airport, take the bus number 760 to Varese city centre.
When is the best time to visit Varese?
June and September are ideal months to visit Varese, with pleasant temperatures (22-25°C) and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. The weather is generally sunny, with occasional light rain showers, making it perfect for exploring the city and surrounding lakes.
Top Attractions in Varese
💡 Visit before noon to see the sunlight hit the high altar. The crypt costs €1 but is often closed; check at the sacristy.
💡 Bring a book or a snack. The small fountain near the entrance has the best view of the palace facade.
💡 Bring binoculars in spring for birdwatching. The café near the lake does cheap coffee and panini.
💡 Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The funicular up costs €2, but walking is free and more atmospheric.
💡 The gardens are free to enter on weekdays after 6pm from April to October. The villa entry costs €10 but the garden alone is worth an hour.