I have heard lots of people say that the rooms at Villa Serbelloni are not that nice and that the service is terrible. I am considering that location or Villa D'Este as a 3 night stay for my husband and myself in September. I want an unbelievable experience at either hotel and if they are both priced at about the same amount, which would you choose? I realize the view at Bellagio is better, as well as the boat service, but we will have a car and want the best without worrying about bad service and questionable rooms for that amount of money. I have never heard anyone complain of Villa D' Este. Your thoughts please!

I have stayed at the Villa D'este and been in the lobby and other public areas of the Serbelloni. The Serbelloni is a good hotel, but I would not really put it in quite the same class, and I would be surprised that they would have similar room prices. The Villa D'este is more luxurious in terms of furnishings and ambience, has better grounds with lots of large trees and extensive gardens and walking paths, a great spa, a fabulous pool that literally floats on the lake, and they have integrated modern bits like their outdoor grill, health club and Japanese restaurants into the older hotel very well. I don't get the same feeling at the Serbelloni. I also don't agree that the view is better from the Serbilloni. You can of course walk into Bellagio to eat and shop, something you can't do at the Villa d'Este Boat service from Bellagio may be better, buy you can walk about 10 minutes into Cernobbio from the Villa d'Este and get the ferry to Como or to points north. A lot of people don't even eave the grounds of the Villa D'Este, and when you see it you will understand why. Also, if you have a car you can easily drive into Como or get around other parts of the lake, although the boats are more fun and faster. You can also hire a boat and driver or just a boat.

As for an "unbelievable" experience, in the three days we were there, an Arab sheik arrived by helicopter with his bodyguards, and Bruce Springsteen and his entourage were there, sitting around the pool, taking boat rids and just acting like regular guests. I am not much of a celebrity stalker, but that was pretty much an unbelievable experience to me. . .

Let me offer a third option--the G.H.Tremezzo on the west shore next door to Villa Carlotta. Much easier with a car, and a much better location than Villa d'Este--and the ferry dock is very close. Check it out.

Weedso-Hi and planning a trip to Italy and possibly Bellagio and not so sure about the Villa Serbelloni and the rooms they have to offer. Website only offers pics of the suites. If money was no object, I'd definately go for the Villa D Este. It's a top rated hotel in Travel & Leisure and Conde Naste Traveler. Villa Serbelloni is much more affordable.... Would love to hear about your stay when you come back.... Have Fun...

We staued at Villa Serbelloni 2 years ago and will be going back this October for 3 nights. We liked the hotel very much and had absolutely no complaints. Our room overlooked the lake and was quite large - granted the furniture was a little outdated but that didn't bother us as it was clean and provided many amenities. Breakfast was extremely nice although we never ate dinner in the hotel. We especially liked the large drawing room on the main floor where a small orchestra played each night. On our way home from dinner each night, we would stop in this gorgeous room, order and drink and listen to the beautiful music. We found the staff to be very accommodating. Although Villa Serbelloni is expensive (we are paying 300 Euro this year) I am sure it is considerably less than Villa d"este. The location is great -step out the front gates and you are right at the edge of the town with all of its stores and restaurants.

Thanks for all of the great and informative information! I will definitely stick with my plans to stay at Villa D'Este and now I feel more confident in that decision. I really want this to be an unbeliveable trip and Villa D' Este is sure to please! I will happily post a report upon my return!

i've stayed at both, serbelloni doesn't come close to villa d' este!

Weedso-Have a great time and I'm sure Villa D Este will be a fantastic place to stay...

You've already made your decision, I know, but for the sake of others I'll put in my two cents. I stayed at Serbelloni 4 nights last summer on my honeymoon. I would say that the grounds and ambience are amazing/magical. However, our room was nothing special and, in fact, quite worn looking. Simply, the rooms need refurbishing. Also, because we booked with AmEx platinum, we were entitled to a free upgrade if one was available. Well, there was nothing available and the staff didn't seem to go out of their way to make it up to us. I thought it was less than nice, especially since we were on our honeymoon. If I had the money, I'd go with Villa D'este. But make sure to spend a long evening eating/walking the grounds of Serbelloni. Everything but the rooms are just wonderful.

I can't say that they don't have shabby rooms at the Serbelloni, but I have never seen them. Maybe they are in the addition or whatever that "newer" part is called. I've always stayed in the original villa section and the rooms have been wonderful. I have looked into practically every room on the 2nd and 3rd floors over time and not a dud in the bunch.

I'm really rather fond of this hotel so just want to put in a peep of defense. I'd agree with those who say that if the price differential and location doesn't matter, go with Villa d'este.

Well since I don't have big bucks to spend, and really, really want to stay in Bellagio, I'm going to stay at at Villa Serbellon, try to get a "lake" view room, and just enjoy the grounds and scenery..... How bad could the rooms be....

I'm planning a trip for this coming May. For those of you who stayed there, did you find the best rate by booking with the hotel directly or by using one of the online booking agencies, i.e. Travelocity. Thanks.