We are planning a trip to Italy in October. We had originally planned to spend the first two nights in Milan. However, may change that to Lake Iseo if it is not too far a drive from the airport. We'll be renting a place on Lake Garda for a week. After that we plan to spend 3 or 4 days in Cinque Terra followed by 4 or 5 days on the Amalfi Coast. There we are thinking of using Sorrento as a base. The last 3 days we will spend in Rome.
We would love any suggestions for accomodations, restaurants and special places to see in this area. We're hoping a ride on the Brenta Canal will be do-able from Lake Garda.

Hi J,

It will be easier to search for info if you spell it Cinque TerrE.

What's your hotel budget?

Thank you nit-pickers anonymous (aka Ira). It was a typo.
Budget is dependent on the amenities offered, such as balconiy, view, location, tec.

It's hardly nit-picking to point out that searching is easier if the spelling is correct. Many people spell Cinque Terre incorrectly.

"Budget is dependent on the amenities offered...." I think you have it backward. The rate is determined by the amenities offered. What amenities are you looking for, and what rate are you willing to pay?

I said it was a typo. I know how to spell Cinque Terre.
I also listed the amenities we for which we are looking. I do not see how that is backward. Let me worry about the price.
This leads me to another point. Since when did this chat room become confrontational? I haven't been here for about a year. I loved and celebrated the exchange of information and support I found here in the past. I hope to be a part of that kind of constructive and very helpful exchange in the future.

>>I also listed the amenities we for which we are looking. I do not see how that is backward. Let me worry about the price.<<

Sorry, but that is not an answer that will get you useful suggestions. In Rome, do you want the Hassler Villa Medici at about 1300 Euro per night with terrace or the Albergo del Senato at about 400 Euro or are you looking for something less expensive, in which case you may have to do without a terrace.

Hi Jane,

I really enjoyed Silver Moon and Il Mulino restaurants in Amalfi. Visit gardens in Ravello, beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast. Also, I really enjoy visiting Pompeii.

In Rome, try Pizzeria da Baffetto (try to get there when the place open bcs it is really popular and the wait can be insane) and for yummy panini and coffee try Cafe Accademia (near the Trevi Fountain)

>I also listed the amenities we for which we are looking. I do not see how that is backward. Let me worry about the price.

In which case, forget Sorrento and stay at the Palazzo Sasso in Amalfi.

Can't be beat for "balconiy, view, location, tec."

Another suggestion not too far from Milan is the "Grand Tremezzo" hotel on Lake Como. Loved it there for 10 days driving a tiny Smart car and taking the boats on the Lake. If you do stop there, our favorite restaurant in our 8 or so trips to Europe was in the hills overlooking the lake quite close by called "Al Velue". An outside terrace, beautiful view, and outstanding food.

I hope I spelled everything right since the "spelling police" are watching!!

Jane - I think you've been a little hard on the people who have tried to help you. Maybe you need a nap dear.

Let's make a deal: Nobody criticizes typos and the OP agrees to give a dollar (euro) amount she's willing to spend on a hotel.

C'mon, jane, no one's going to recommend a hotel w/o knowing what you're willing to spend.

Or else the next round of posts could kick off with: "The place you recommended is 1500 euros. What're you crazy?"

How do we know which ones are typos and which ones are just spelled wrong?

Try new kind of trip:

http://Italianpaintings.etsy.com

Why not?

This is the second post from Italian art, this is just straight advertising in my view. I didn't think Fodors allowed such blatant adverts.

Stop posting your web page Italian art, this is a travel forum not an art show.

schnauzer, as I type, this is italianart's 3rd straight same post. Straight advertising it sure seems.

Sorry, janestuart, to post and not have anything to offer to you .. well, I guess I would offer to check the web for tourist offices in your desired area and send for Free info .. that's worked well for me on an upcoming trip. And don't forget to get lots of books to read from the bookstore or library. Happy reading for the New Year.

I apologize if I was a bit testy. However, in planning this trip, I know I may have to cancel because my husband might not be able to make it. That's why the first two rather negative responses disturbed me.
I rather doubt if the people who enter the guest rooms of Hassler Villa Medici enter this chat room. However, we have stayed at del Senato twice and had the great good luck to have top floor front rooms. This was a few years ago when their prices were a little lower and the dollar was stronger. I'd like to find something less expensive. However, under the circumstances del Senato is not completely out of the question.
That being said, we are more interested in information on the other venues since we have been to Rome.
Thank you all for your help.