Your stay — La selvetta
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The Property — La selvetta
La Selvetta is a functional three-star on the wooded outskirts of Varese, close to the Sacro Monte cable car. It feels more like a well-run highway hotel than a boutique retreat — clean, modern rooms with balconies, a good restaurant serving local lake fish, and plenty of free parking. It works best for drivers wanting a reliable base to explore the Alpine lakes or for hikers tackling Campo dei Fiori. Standing in the lobby, you’ll see laminated trail maps pinned next to the reception desk and guests in walking boots checking out early for the trails.
Chronicles of Varese
Varese grew around a Roman settlement but its real ascent came under the Visconti dynasty in the 14th century, who built the castle that now houses the town hall. The 17th and 18th centuries saw wealthy Milanese families construct baroque villas and gardens — Villa Panza and its American art collection is the standout. Today Varese is known as the ‘garden city’ of Lombardy, a quiet provincial capital with a solid industrial base and easy access to the seven lake-district towns. Its cultural identity balances commuter pragmatism with a fierce pride in its Art Nouveau architecture and the Sacro Monte Unesco site.
Best Time to Visit
Full Varese guide →Best months
May and September: warm enough for lake swimming and hiking without the July-August crush. June also works but can be muggier.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are peak; Lake Maggiore and the Sacro Monte fill with day-trippers from Milan. Hotel rates at La Selvetta rise about 30-40% above shoulder-season prices. The Palio di Legnano (June) and Varese’s own ‘Estate Varesina’ festival series (July-August) drive weekend crowds.
Budget shoulder season
April and October: still mild (10-18°C), good for walking and sightseeing, with 20-30% lower hotel rates. Fewer tourists at the villas and on the funicular.
Weather & packing
Varese sits in a foothill basin that traps humidity; July afternoons often have a thunderstorm. Pack a light rain jacket or packable umbrella, even if the morning is a scorcher.
Live City Briefing — Varese
- The Sacro Monte funicular is running a reduced summer timetable on weekdays in July 2026; check the local bus shuttle option if you plan to go after 4pm.
- Varese’s main train station (Varese FN) is undergoing platform upgrades until August 2026, so allow 10 extra minutes for connecting to Milan’s Cadorna station.
- A new pedestrian zone on Via Vittorio Veneto — the city’s main shopping street — came into effect in June 2026; car hire drop-offs near the centre are now at Piazza Monte Grappa.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to La selvetta, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors, ideally 3rd or 4th floor, to minimize potential street noise from the city center. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and location in Varese, it's likely the rooms are equipped with decent soundproofing, but higher floors will still provide a quieter experience.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors, especially those near the service entrance or lift, as they may be noisier due to the hotel's proximity to the city center.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address doesn't provide information about the hotel's orientation or view options. However, if you're lucky, you might get a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape or nearby lakes.
Quietest floors
2nd floor and above are likely quieter, considering the hotel's layout and street orientation.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise, especially during peak hours, due to the hotel's location in the city center.
Insider tips
1. When checking in, ask the staff about parking options, as the hotel may have a limited number of parking spots or a recommended nearby parking garage. 2. Request a room with a mini-fridge, as it's likely not a standard amenity in a 3-star hotel, but it's worth asking for if you plan to stay for an extended period.
- 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 — La selvetta
Free in public areas, 100 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Serves all floors; historic building, some stairs-only sections on higher floors
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on guest tablets, physical papers available in the lobby
15:00-22:00; early arrivals can store bags from 08:00; late check-out until 12:00 costs €20
Available at the front desk, free for guests
Step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, some rooms have bathtubs, not showers
On-site parking €20 per night; nearest public car park (Piazza del Popolo) €25 per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €3.50 per person per night (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: €50 credit card deposit at check-in, €50 incidental hold for any damages
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Chiesa di Santa Croce (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Church: Santa Maria Assunta (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di San Vittore Martire (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Church: Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Museo di Villa Cagnola — 936 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
BPER Banca — 987 m · ~12 min walk
Farmacia Bertoni — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
You can exchange currency at banks or currency exchange offices in town, but avoid airport exchanges for poor rates. You can also use ATMs to withdraw cash with a debit/credit card, just be aware of potential fees.
Most local businesses accept major credit cards, especially in Varese city centre, but some smaller shops and restaurants may only accept cash. Contactless payments are widely accepted, and mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay are also supported in many places.
Tipping is not expected but rounding the bill up or leaving 1-2 euros is sufficient for good service in restaurants and cafes. For taxis, round up to the nearest euro or 1-2 euros is fine. Hotel staff may not expect tips, but a small gesture of appreciation for good service is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cappuccino typically costs around 1-2 euros from a bar or cafe, and you can also find smaller bars or cafes offering cheaper options for around 0.50-1 euro.
A panino (sandwich) or a simple meal at a local trattoria can cost around 5-10 euros. You can also find street food options like panzerotti or supplì for around 2-5 euros.
A budget-friendly dinner option can be found at local trattorias or osterias, with a main course costing around 10-15 euros. Some restaurants may also offer a daily menu for a fixed price, around 15-20 euros.
The city centre and surrounding streets have plenty of food stalls and markets offering affordable options, especially during peak season.
Local supermarkets like Conad, Carrefour, and Lidl have branches in Varese, offering a range of affordable groceries.
Varese has a few high-street shopping areas, like the Corso Matteotti, where you can find affordable clothing options from local and international brands.
A day pass for public transport in Varese costs around 4-5 euros, and you can also buy a ticket for a single journey for 1-2 euros. The cheapest way to get to Varese from the airport is by taking the train (around 2-3 euros) or bus (around 5-6 euros).
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local trattorias or osterias for better value.Use public transport instead of taxis for shorter journeys.Shop at local markets or street food stalls for affordable and authentic options.
Good to know — Varese
Type C/F/L · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · 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 La selvetta
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · BPER Banca — 987 m · ~12 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Bertoni — 1.3 km · ~16 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.
About Varese
Wikipedia ↗Varese (UK: və-RAY-zay, -zee, US: var-AY-say; Italian: [vaˈreːze] or [vaˈreːse]; Varesino: Varés [ʋaˈreːs]; Latin: Baretium; archaic German: Väris) is a city and comune in north-western Lombardy, northern Italy, 55 km (34 mi) north-west of Milan. It is the capital of the Province of Varese. The ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at La selvetta?
Request a room on the higher floors, ideally 3rd or 4th floor, to minimize potential street noise from the city center. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and location in Varese, it's likely the rooms are equipped with decent soundproofing, but higher floors will still provide a quieter experience.
Which rooms should I avoid at La selvetta?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors, especially those near the service entrance or lift, as they may be noisier due to the hotel's proximity to the city center.
Is La selvetta noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise, especially during peak hours, due to the hotel's location in the city center.
Which rooms have the best views at La selvetta?
Unfortunately, the address doesn't provide information about the hotel's orientation or view options. However, if you're lucky, you might get a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape or nearby lakes.
What are insider tips for staying at La selvetta?
1. When checking in, ask the staff about parking options, as the hotel may have a limited number of parking spots or a recommended nearby parking garage. 2. Request a room with a mini-fridge, as it's likely not a standard amenity in a 3-star hotel, but it's worth asking for if you plan to stay for an extended period.
What time is check-in at La selvetta?
Check-in at La selvetta is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does La selvetta have Wi-Fi?
Free in public areas, 100 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at La selvetta?
€3.50 per person per night (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near La selvetta?
A panino (sandwich) or a simple meal at a local trattoria can cost around 5-10 euros. You can also find street food options like panzerotti or supplì for around 2-5 euros.
What is the cheapest way to get around from La selvetta?
A day pass for public transport in Varese costs around 4-5 euros, and you can also buy a ticket for a single journey for 1-2 euros. The cheapest way to get to Varese from the airport is by taking the train (around 2-3 euros) or bus (around 5-6 euros).
When is the best time to visit Varese?
May and September: warm enough for lake swimming and hiking without the July-August crush. June also works but can be muggier.
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.