Hi. Has anyone stayed here? We wanted a location near San G from which to visit Siena, San G and a little bit of Chianti region and this looked good. Other hotels we have contacted for Florence, Rome, Lake area and Sorrento respond asap. We cannot get any reply from Pescille. Is this typical? Is there a better alternative? Thank you. Sally

Sally, hotel Pescille, at Pescille, an hamlet of San Gimignano, is a good hotel, a sweet atmosphere quite typical of Tuscanian country side.<BR>San Gimignano, anyhow, offers, after my opinion, other better solutions.<BR>After my opinion, better alternative are five and are:<BR>La Collegiata, four stars: in a wide and magnific park with big trees. Great wine bar and coffee bar. <BR>Leon Bianco, three stars: rooms are very elegant, every touch is very charming. <BR>Relais Santa Chiara, four stars.<BR>The location is unforgettable. Rooms are silent and there is a swimming pool, too.<BR>Villa Belvedere, three stars.<BR>Into an ancient palace, only 12 rooms, very comfortable, a nice garden with solarium.<BR>Have a nice trip.<BR>Ciao.<BR><BR>

Vincenzo, <BR>Thank you. I will check out your suggestions. I have another question as you seem very knowledgeable. If you know the Lake region, can you advise how long it takes to drive by car from Bellagio to Malpensa airport. If we are stay in Bellagio, is it difficult with cars to leave the area and catch a 9:00 am Monday morning flight? Would it be a shorter drive and logistically better to leave from Como. Thank you for your help. Sally

Sally,<BR>to leave from Bellagio to reach Malpensa in time for flight at 9.00 depends from your will to awake early in the morning.<BR>In other words: the itinerary is Bellagio - Como - Malpensa.<BR>Bellagio - Como is 30 km; so, 45 minutes, including a break for a coffee at Bar Tre Rose at Nesso: don't miss it, a good coffee!<BR>From Como to Malpensa, another 1 hour.<BR>You must arrive at Malpensa at 8.00 for your check-in.<BR>It means leave from Bellagio to 6.30 ( without coffee stop !).<BR>If season is summer it's a good solution; otherwise your danger is fog.<BR>So, other solution, to leave from Como, means to awake thirty minutes later but change hotel for only one night.<BR>Feel free e-mail me if you want a road map including Bellagio and Malpensa.<BR>Ciao.<BR>

Sally, Go to www.tuscany.net and look at Villa Belvedere near Colle. Better overall location for your plans. While there, also look at Castel Bigozzi. The Pescille is a great price but may be full for your dates. However, if you want a real rustic farm house B&B then look at Casanova Pescille---about $80 and close to the hotel. We stayed there in 1996. It will take you probably 2 hours to get the car ferry and drive from Bellagio to Malpensa. Good luck !

Vicenzo,<BR>Thanks a lot. The coffee tip is a good one. Do you know the Hotel Florence in Bellagio? Is it worth the extra hour of driving time to stay in Bellagio versus Como or an alternative? Wonderful help. We may get Michelin maps- good choice? Sally<BR>

Sally, I know very well Hotel Firenze in Bellagio because I stayed there three years ago.<BR>I remember it has a beautiful hall with a big fire-place in stone and beams on sight, and comfortable rooms.<BR>If your season is summer, no problem to leave early in the morning from Bellagio to reach Malpensa at 8.00.<BR>About map, I mean I send you, if you will, like attachment by e-mail.<BR>Ciao.<BR>

Hello Bob, I will explore your suggestions. Is it the Villa Belvedore Campoli- have seen that one before. One thought we had was to enjoy the area around San G for 3 nites and then move to the Hotel Bevedere outside Florence for a better vantage point to explore the city and surroundings. <BR>Re the car ferry from Bellagio, does this run at all hours? Sounds as tho we must start at 4 or 5 to provide for contingencies. Thank you, Bob. This is so helpful. Sally

Bob, a million thanks. What a great site and your ideas are all perfect- now we have a difficult choice!!! I found the Villa Belvedere this time. Vicenzo, glad you like the Hotel Firenze. Sally