want to visit Lake Como or Garda in early november and am having a difficult time finding accommodations. Many places are closed. Perhaps this is not a good time of the year to visit. What do you think? Any specific recommendations would be welcomed.

dear Julie <BR>I am afraid that november is quite chilly, even rainy. Maybe you could visit the Riviera (Cannes, Nice, Monaco, Provence). Weather should be better. <BR>Have a nice holiday

Julie, I disagree with the above post. Do not put off your visit to Lake Como area in November. I have been there and yes it can rain some, but it is still very pleasant weather at that time of year. The area is stunning and a most wonderful place. The only hotel I have used there is the Barchetta Excelsion in Como, right on the lake front and on the main square overlooking the lake. It is a 4 star hotel, so not real cheap. If you stay there be sure to get a room with balcony overlooking the lake. There are also several smaller hotels in the same area, some 2 star and some 3 star, but I am not sure of their rates or availability in November. You should be able to find something. Go for it you will love the lakes.

I just came back from 4 nights in the Lake Como area, and I can tell you that the vast majority of staffs (hotels, restaurants, shops) are already in preparation to "move on" to their "winter jobs", as the region shuts down almost entirely November 1. A lot of them work in St. Moritz. The hotel we used DOES stay open year round (Grand Hotel Victoria, in Menaggio), but it is clearly the exception, and even a lot of its staff take off for the winter. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

Hi <BR> <BR>Has anyone stayed or got any info on this hotel. <BR> <BR>Thanks.