We are planning a trip to Northern Italy the end of July. I am planning on taking the Bernina Express on July 31, staying for 2 nights before returning to Italy. My travel consultant (Marjorie Shaw - Insider's Itay) recommends staying in Celerina instead of St. Moritz. I see that there are not many hotels in Celerina, but that Pontresina & Sils are also nearby. Can anyone recommend hotels in these 3 smaller towns or any others close by?

It depends on your price range.

I am quite surprised your travel agent recommends against a stay in St. Moritz itself. I admit she is not completely on the wrong way ... Celerina, Pontresina and Sils are definitely more charming.

On the other hand, especially Sils is not really convenient for the Bernina Express. 12 km distance from the railway station St. Moritz. Anyway, I LOVE the location of Sils between two lakes and the village itself, too.

The two most convenient hotels - both recommended - are situated next to the railway station in St. Moritz. You should consider to stay there, although the are not your travel agent's favourites: the 3star Waldhaus am See (www.waldhaus-am-see.ch) and the 4star Hotel La Margna (www.lamargna.ch).

In Celerina heard good things about the 3star Misani, but no personal experience.

Pontresina - a lovely family running 3star hotel is Hotel Albris (excellent food also) www.albris.ch .

Sils - my all time favourite 5star Waldhaus/Sils (www.waldhaus-sils.ch) is maybe a bit out of most people's price range. But it is worth every cent. A friend of mine stayed at the 3star Hotel Privata (www.pensiunprivata.ch) and was very satisfied.

I.

I defer to Ingo, the resident expert on anything Engadin. However, last year, at his suggestion we stayed in Zuoz at the Post Hotel and had a lovely experience. All the little towns in the Engadin are along the train line and easy to get from one to the other,with great bus connections. I think during the week we must have takent the train to St. Moritz at least 4 times, and in the other direction a couple of more times.

I can spend between $250 - 400 per night.

I forgot to add that for very short distances 5 -6 miles we usually take taxis rather than the bus - I can't see it being that much for that distance.

Ditch the, er, travel consultant, The Palace (Badrutt's) is THE only place to stay, save your money for the hotel, not some "travel consultant".