Has anyone got comments on the Grand Hotel Serbelloni, Bellagio (Lake Como area)?<BR><BR>Suggestions on tours, the hotel, dinner, getting around, the area?

Norman, It has the best location in Italy but pricey and a bit stuffy.

Stayed next door at the Hotel Florence, but walked through the public spaces of the Serbelloni. Very, very nice if you can afford a lakeview room. Didn't see the stuffy attitude that Bob the Navigator spoke of -- my award goes to the Hyatt Regency Kauai for stuffiness. <BR><BR>Did hear from tourists we met later that the back-facing rooms and rooms at the lowest rates are very plain and definitely not worth the money.

Had dinner there during Grand Prix time in september 2000. There were four Ferraris parked on the front circle that night - - groupies? drivers? investors?<BR><BR>The dinner was very special. Not necessarily more so than at Villa d'Este, at Cernobbio. The ferries are the chief way to get around (besides walking around Bellagio itself). We stayed at Mmenaggio, not in Bellagio, and enjoyed having a car, even though it is not necessary.<BR><BR>Be sure to try to see Villa Balbianiello whie you are at Lake Como. A fair amount of info about it here in this forum.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

to the top<BR>

See another recently topped thread about this hotel. And I mis-spelled Balbianello - - only one "i".<BR>

Norman, We stayed 5 nights at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio as part of a three week Italian Lakes trip. Here are some comments: The hotel's location is wonderful, best in Bellagio; the grounds are beautiful, walk around even if you choose not to stay there; the rooms have antique furniture but are rather smallish for the rate you are paying; if you want a lake view balcony don't get it on the third floor because there is a parapet obstructing part of the lower view. Listen to the trio playing romantic music in one of their sitting rooms at night. Don't eat dinner at the hotel - food does not match the ambience nor price, and the maitre d' expects a tip as he sits you down by telling you how difficult it was to get you a table without the view you requested, even if you made the reservation at the front desk 5 days earlier (and that's not in season!) - actually saw him pocketing tips from diners. The guys at the concierge desk couldn't have been more knowledgeable, helpful and friendlier - especially one by the name of Lucio, Luciano or Lucca - forget which. Ask them for reccommendations on restaurants - not that many in town that are extraordinary, but follow their latest advice - take the ferry to cross the lake to Varenna - eat at a restaurant overlooking the lake (don't have the name handy), or perhaps in Tremezzo. Ferries run late at night, but be sure you catch the last one. Don't miss the food and historical experience at the restaurant on Isla Comacina - must take a motorized boat to reach it (check guide books on this). I'm assuming that you will rent a car and use the car ferries to get around - I wouldn't do it any other way. In Bellagio take the Villa Serbelloni guided tour (it's above the hotel - start from the tourist office). In Varenna visit the two lovely garden villas in one day. Many other places to visit, depending on how long you plan to stay and where else you'll stay. Don't miss Villa Carlotta above Tremezzo. Go up the elevator to the top floor of the Grand Tremezzo Hotel, nurse a cold drink while you sit marveling at the view of the lake. Read every guide book you can get your hands on, and plan your trip in detail - you can always modify it as you go along. Enjoy your stay - it's one of the most romantic areas in the world!

Take Ronny's word for it. Lake Como is a beautiful place (haven't stayed at the Serbelloni myself, but I'd guess he knows whereof he speaks on that too)and especially read the Cadogan Guide on Lombardy and the Italian Lakes. Besides all the standard info, they have all the gossip. For sure do the Isola Comacina lunch thing. It is one of the more memorable meals I've ever had.