scott

Spending a week in CH on business Oct. 16. Have four additional days for fun. Thinking of staying in Murren, Locarno, Lugano, or Bellagio. My wife and I are looking for a quaint romantic four days. Any suggestions on towns or hotels.

Gerry

Spent several relaxing days last year in CH -- two days in Lucerne (small and lovely tiny city), an afternoon going up to the top of the Stanserhorn ( a short train ride from Lucrene to the base -- take a tram to the top where fantastic views and good hiking paths await -- dress very warm). One day on lake Lucerne boatride and walking Lucern -- so small -- and then train through montain pass to Lugano -- on the Italian border. Fabulous and elegant ***** (quietly so) hotel is on the outskirts - lakefront -- can't recall the name but it is one of the only five star -- same name as the tiny hamlet (of expensive homes) it borders. Located a short stroll from town center. Really enjoyable stay. Trains are quick back to geneva or even tto Milan which is only an hour away.

Gerry

Spent several relaxing days last year in CH -- two days in Lucerne (small and lovely tiny city), an afternoon going up to the top of the Stanserhorn ( a short train ride from Lucrene to the base -- take a tram to the top where fantastic views and good hiking paths await -- dress very warm). One day on lake Lucerne boatride and walking Lucern -- so small -- and then train through montain pass to Lugano -- on the Italian border. Fabulous and elegant ***** (quietly so) hotel is on the outskirts - lakefront -- can't recall the name but it is one of the only five star -- same name as the tiny hamlet (of expensive homes) it borders. Located a short stroll from town center. Really enjoyable stay. Trains are quick back to geneva or even tto Milan which is only an hour away.

Gerry

Spent several relaxing days last year in CH -- two days in Lucerne (small and lovely tiny city), an afternoon going up to the top of the Stanserhorn ( a short train ride from Lucrene to the base -- take a tram to the top where fantastic views and good hiking paths await -- dress very warm). One day on lake Lucerne boatride and walking Lucern -- so small -- and then train through montain pass to Lugano -- on the Italian border. Fabulous and elegant ***** (quietly so) hotel is on the outskirts - lakefront -- can't recall the name but it is one of the only five star -- same name as the tiny hamlet (of expensive homes) it borders. Located a short stroll from town center. Really enjoyable stay. Trains are quick back to geneva or even tto Milan which is only an hour away.

lisa

Lugano is really lovely and I highly recommend it. The physical setting is absolutely beautiful. However, that said, I have to add that when I think "romance," I just don't think "Lugano." In fact, for me somehow Switzerland just came up lacking overall in the romance department. I don't know what it is -- something about how everything seems so organized and efficient and sanitized. There are all wonderful qualities, but somehow, for me, they just didn't add up to romance, even minutes from the Italian border, and even with the man who was (at the time) the love of my life. Don't get me wrong, Switzerland is gorgeous. We had a fantastic time. But there's just something about Italy that makes my heart skip a beat...

Lola

Switzerland for views, Italy for most everything, including views. "Fun" and "romance" equal Italia.

freddy T

Italy is more romantic, hands down. I agree with the earlier posts that Switzerland has some lovely views. But it is very un-romantic at the same time. We found the people to be friendly enough, but not warm. The only city we stayed in was Zurich, a nice, spotless city, but they rolled up the sidewalks at 4:00 PM and NOBODY strolled the streets in the evening...we thought there was martial law or a curfew or something. <BR> <BR>Italy, however, was much more relaxing and romantic--especially Venice and all hilltowns in Tuscany/Umbria. <BR> <BR>Don't get me wrong, I don't regret visiting Switzerland, it is beautiful. But italy is more quaint and more romantic

richard j. vicek

Good afternoon, Scott <BR>By mid-October, I would think that Murren at least be half closed down and <BR>there would be little or nothing to do <BR>in town. <BR>I also feel that way about Bellagio at <BR>this time of year. <BR>Between Lugano and Locarno, Lugano is <BR>the larger of the two and have been there twice in October/November, some <BR>of the water connected items are down <BR>for the season, but the town itself still is going strong, especially the <BR>two squares around the Rathaus, very <BR>good ristorantes and shops. Locarno <BR>on the other hand may make for a better <BR>day trip from Lugano. A very good hotel in Lugano is the Lugano Dante <BR>Have used it twice before. (www.hotel-luganodante.ch/) Is in <BR>a very good location at the bottom <BR>of the funiculare from the Bahnhof. <BR>To surf for other hotels, surf the <BR>city of Lugano, all hotel listings <BR>in (www.swisshotel.ch/ or www.hotelguide.ch/ Also both Lugano <BR>and Locarno have very little nice <BR>casinos. Richard of Hickory Hills, IL... <BR> <BR> <BR>