We can't decide if we should stay at the Hotel Firenze with a lake view or Belvedere hotel. The Firenze seems to have a more central location. Which would be better?

More central for what?<BR>I know nothing about the Firenze. We stayed at the Belvedere and loved. It's about a 10-15-minute walk from the dock where the ferries come in.<BR>PS: Your room at the Belevedere would have a great view of the lake.

I assume you mean Hotel Florence. It is in the middle of the action with a nice piano bar--lots of people and activity.<BR>However, I agree with Howard. The Belvedere is special and the views are worth the price.

We stayed at Hotel du Lac, almost next door to the Florence. If I were returning to Bellagio, my first choice for a hotel would be the Florence. I debated at length about the Belvedere before going and was glad we didn't. Although the views are indeed lovely if you are above the trees, I'm not one to sit in the room and look at the views, and frankly the view from the upper floors of our hotel down on the waterfront weren't really much different from up at the Belvedere. I like being close to &quot;the action&quot;. I would pop in and out of my hotel room several times in the late afternoon and evening, as well as my popping out for a stroll early in the morning along the waterfront while my partner was still sleeping along with the whole rest of the town. We went out for a stroll and cocktails, got a little chilly so back to the room for a sweater. Then to dinner, then back to the room and got more casual and took a late walk. I was glad that our hotel was right there. I thought the Florence looked more charming than the Du Lac. Be aware that there is no air-conditioning at the Florence. That is its only drawback that I'm aware of, and the reason we didn't stay there last summer.

We really loved Hotel Belvedere because it wasn't right in the thick of things. My husband took a nap one afternoon and I walked away from the center of town from the hotel and found a beautiful cemetery where I walked around for a couple of hours. <BR>I guess it's each to their own.<BR>

Another vote for the Hotel Belvedere. We stayed there on our honeymoon and absolutle LOVED it. The location was perfect for us. It is only a 5-10 minute walk into town and the view form our room was awesome. The pool was fun. There is a terrace for dinner/breakfast. It was an incredible experience and great location!

We also loved the Belvedere! What a great place to unwind.

Diane

Just returned from 4 nights at the Belvedere. We couldn't have been more pleased with our accomodations. We had a lakeview room with a balcony. I felt that the location was an advantage. It truly is only a 10 minute walk from the lakefront dock, yet you are isolated from all the noise of the central part of Bellagio (i.e. scooters, motorcyles, boat and ferry horns). Very peaceful!! We also enjoyed the pool and garden area. It was about 85 degrees F while we were there and it was so refreshing to be able to jump into the pool after our day of sightseeing!

I would not hesitate to stay there again!

Has anyone stayed at the Nuovo Metropole in Bellagio? Got a great deal on a last minute opportunity...

To Jean who posted on 6/8
Did you stay at the Metropole in Bellagio? Would love to know your impressions and recommendations.
Thanks.
Virginia

Yes I have--in 1984--and I would not do it again.

To VMJK: Well, my &quot;last minute opportunity&quot; proved too good to be true. The trip's now been put off until late October 2003. However, the Metropole website looked promising, so we're going to give it a try anyway.

We've stayed at the Florence Hotel in the past, but they are closing for the season the day before we arrive. We prefer being in the middle of town and not up on the hill at the Belvedere. So, we'll see! I'll give a report on our return.

to: JEAN
we have reservations for 4 nights at the metropole from sept. 16-20. the website says that they had a major renovation this past season. the many pictures seem to prove this. &quot;BOB THE NAVIGATOR&quot; has bad memories- but that was 20 years ago !!! any new comments, BOB ?

To VMJK: Thanks for letting me know it wasn't just my interpretation of their website and that you're also willing to give the Nuovo Metropole a try. I envy your four days in Bellagio, especially five weeks before us.

If this is your first visit, I can recommend the Bilacus Ristorante for dinner. Family-run, excellent value, very good food. Reserve a table a day or two prior. There's an outdoor terrace if the weather's nice which it probably will be.

If you can remember, please post a review of the hotel after you return. Thanks again.

to: BOB THE NAVIGATOR &amp; JEAN:
we get back to new york oct. 3. we will give you (jean) a review of the metropole. BOB: do you have any information that would explain your srong feelings ? we would really appreciate any news.

Well, I have slept since then, but I seem to recall teen age students running the halls most of the nite. Also, that was before they added NUOVO to the name. It was a dump back when, but I assume better now--and the location is hard to beat.

to: BOB THE NAVIGATOR
if you get a chance go to &quot;albergometropole.it&quot;. you will be able to see many &quot;new&quot; (?) pictures of the hotel, as well as their statement about a major renovation. i am curious to get your reaction to the pictures. is this different from your last time there?