Am planning next springs Italy trip and would like to see the Como area as that is one part of Italy we have yet to visit.

Although we usually prefer top of the line for our vacations I am somewhat put off by some of the poor reviews for Villa D'Este (stuffy, snobby, poor service) and Villa Serbelloni (run down) considering the very high tariff.

Does anyone have anything good to say (other than the gardens are gorgeous) and would the Belvedere (or a like hotel) be a better choice.

Thanks.

I can't say if the Belvedere is a better choice, but it would be a damned good one!

Check out the G.H. Tremezzo and the G. H. Menaggio--both on the west shore near ferry stops and very nice. I prefer this location with a car.

The Grand Hotel Menaggio (as opposed to the Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio) is, as Bob indicated, very well-located adjacent to the ferry dock and seems nicely appointed.

You may get a more spectacular lake view from the Belvedere in Bellagio or from the DuLac in Varenna.

In terms of the Serbelloni being "run down"..I didn't particularly get that impression when I went by it last year but then again, "run down" is a VERY subjective term as are "spectacular" and "well-located."

My impression is that some don't feel there is very good value in staying at the Serbelloni (other than snob appeal to the unsophistocated) just as I would nbot stay at the Grand Hotel Victoria again even though it is beautiful outside the most expensive room with large balcony that I had was somewhat grim inside.

Regardless, the mid-lake area is wonderful. Be aware that some of the lake hotels do not stay open year 'round.

Enjoy your trip

I stayed at the Belvedere ( which means beautiful view ) this past May and loved it. The staff was very helpful, the room was fine and the view was spectacular. It is a short walk down into town where there is a ferry and some wonderful restaurants. I liked staying in Bellagio as it was central for visiting other spots.

In addition to the Belvedere, consider the Hotel Florence in Bellagio - family-run, very friendly, lakeside (ask for room with lake view), great lunches along the water - all in all a very enjoyable experience.