I will be in Milan in late October on business - would like to visit either Lake Como or Venice from there for a weekend. Any advice? I am looking for a romantic getaway with least trouble and best food! Thanks in advance!

DEBRA,Do Lake Como--it is so close and <BR>romantic. Am not sure what will be open <BR>that late, but you want to stay at the <BR>best location which is Bellagio. I would <BR>suggest either the Belvedere or Du Lac as good value choices---both about $130. <BR>The Villa Serbelloni is more than twice <BR>that and is over-rated. Another good <BR>option is the Grand Hotel Tremezzo on the west shore opposite Bellagio--a nice <BR>Victorian 4 star at about $180.

Thanks Bob <BR> <BR>Price is not an issue, I'm lucky to say....so given that would your advice change?

Well, that is a good question. I have had 3 clients comment on the rude attitude of the staff at the Serbelloni, <BR>but it is the location to kill for. <BR>It may not be open that late--do a search under that name and you will find their web site---even the navigation on the site is pretentious. <BR>But, once in your life---go for it.

All <BR> <BR>I think (based partially on the notes at this site)...Lake Como it is! Villa d'Este or Serbollini? Location advantages of each vs. the hotel amenities? <BR> <BR>Thanks for the help

Debra: <BR>Visited all the hotels in question within the last couple weeks. Tremezzo has a great view but is a little stark, lacking some of the character/atmosphere of the Villa d'E and Serbelloni. Not much in the way of grounds. It sits right on the road rimming the lake. <BR>Serbelloni has the best location view-wise. It has a very nice pool overlooking the lake. Bob's comments about negative reports seem valid. Just recently the American Express travel magazine has had a handful of complaints about Serbelloni, requesting that it be removed from AmEx's special package program. <BR>I've never heard or read a negative comment about Villa d'Este (except regarding the price), so we stayed there this month. Couldn't have been more pleased, except that the 'season' is winding down, and it's getting quiet. Very warm, friendly staff. Beautiful gardens/grounds. Very nice inclusive breakfast on the terrace. You can guess my bias for Lake Como. Eat at Bilacus in Bellagio. The ferries across the lake are cheap, frequent, convenient. Free parking near docks. Have a great time!

Thanks to all.....Im booked for Villa d'Este and will use all of the good restaurant advice!

Debra- <BR>I may be a little late with this comment, as it appears that your mind is made up, but here goes! <BR>For my money, this one's a no-brainer. Venice is unique in all the world, and won't stay the way it is forever (they say it's sinking). <BR>Como, with its natural beauty, is not unique (I can think of many towns/lakes similarly situated), and will probably look the way it does for the rest of your life. Set that one aside for later. <BR>It doesn't get any more romantic than Venice.