Previously posted here re: search for hotel for special 25th anniversary trip in October. Have searched all threads - would love to book at Serbelonni in Bellagio or Villa D'este - but out of price range. Considering Du Lac (was just told by my travel agent they have a 5 night minimum! in October) or Belvedere (which seems to be highly praised on this site - but frankly on their web site the rooms appear downright dreary). I guess I'm looking for a romantic setting at a $250 - $300 price range. Does anyone have any other suggestions from personal experience?? they will be much appreciated (p.s. do you call when you attempt to book these rooms on your own - or do it online??) Thanx!!!!!

Italy site. ooops.

My wife and I stayed at the Belvedere in Bellagio last October and enjoyed it very much. We stayed in one of the Deluxe rooms with a balcony overlooking the lake and found it to be very relaxing and romantic. We stayed there the last 3 nights of a 10 day trip and it was the best part of our vacation. (the other nights were in Rome-Hotel Santa Chiara and a residenzia on Lake Garda)<BR><BR><BR>

Search this forum for "Menaggio" for info on the Grand Hotel Menaggio and the Grand Hotel Victoria Menaggio.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Dear "J",<BR><BR>Just back from the Belvedere in Bellagio and we were disappointed with the rooms.<BR>In fact, I think they look better "on line" than "in person". We had a deluxe room, lakeview with terrace--so,it was not at the "bottom end" of their price range. The furnishings were assorted--one of this and one of that.<BR>The bathroom was done in dated, dark brown tile --very depressing.<BR><BR>We had wished that the room was as fresh and well-cared for as the common areas, which were very inviting.<BR><BR>Another problem we had was that our walk out terrace was shared with three other rooms, and gave no privacy unless you closed the shutters over the french doors leading to the terrace---this made the room dreary and dark.<BR><BR>If we were to stay there again, I would only consider a room with a balcony--no grassy terrace.<BR><BR>The views from the terrace, pool area and restaurants were gorgeous. You do need to know that the hotel is an 8 to 10 minute walk uphill from the center of Bellagio---which is a good way to walk off calories after dinner, but can get "old" after a stay of several days.<BR><BR>We would not consider the Belvedere's rooms to be romantic---although the views from the hotel get a 5 star rating.<BR><BR>The problem with the Du Lac was its "lack" of a pool area---Unfortunately, we did not see the rooms.<BR><BR>I personally book by phone and confirm by either e-mail or fax ---just my personal preference.<BR><BR>Romantic hotels we stayed at on this trip included Le Cannero in Cannero Riviera (Lago Maggiore); Hotel Royal in Stresa (Lago Maggiore);and Hotel Bella Vista in Vico Morcote (Lago Lugano).<BR><BR>The Le Cannero would be our top choice as a hotel for a return journey to the Lake District. It is priced well under your budgeted dollars.<BR> (http://www.hotelcannero.com)<BR><BR>Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary!<BR><BR>

First of all, I'd look for a new travel agent. I booked Du Lac directly via their website. We are staying three nights the last week of August -- the absolute height of season. Nothing was said about a minimum, so it's hard to believe they'd have one in October.<BR><BR>By the way, according to their website, Du Lac is adding a "sporting club" which apparently includes a pool as of this summer.<BR><BR>Wow! After reading the comments above about the Belvedere, I'm glad we didn't book there. In the past, everything about it seemed to be raves, but frankly I care as much about the room as I do the view (perhaps even more!)

Though we have stayed at several Italian Lakes, Como is the best if you have to select just one. We've stayed at Grand Hotel Mennagio most frequently but have also stayed at Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio and have checked out the Florence in Bellagio and the Du Lac in Varenna. Actually, I'd opt for the in the order I've listed them and believe that all would be well within your price range. I'd e-mail if possible fax if not and call if you don't seem to be getting a response.

We stayed at the Grand Tremezzo in Tremezzo which is directly across the lake from Bellagio (next to Villa Carlotta). It's a beautiful hotel and is not as expensive as Serbelonni. This should be in your price range. Highly recommend a lake view room.

Thank you all for your advice. Patrick I sure am finding a new travel agent - me! (with the help of this board!). I'm leaning toward Hotel Tremezzo - the rooms look beautiful, aand I had hoped to stay in or near Bellagio. ANyone else out there with any comments about this hotel - service, food, etc? again - many thanks.

5 years ago we took a trip to Europe. Shipped a brand new Harley Davidson over to Antwerp and then started out. Spent our aniversary and my birthday at Villa d'Este. The Leading Hotels had a special with their "Leading Affordables". 4 nights including breakfasts and dinners which was less than your quote.