We will be in Italy this summer - a week in Umbria for a family celebration - I have just 2 additional nights that I would love feedback on where to stay - my choices are Villa d Este, Hotel Spendido in Portofino or a hotel in Venice - we do leave for home from Milan- if you where picking your favorite which would it be?

Wow, what choices!

If I were leaving from Milan, and only had two nights, I'd be tempted to go to Como. Just simpler to get to your flight.

I've been to Lake Como (admittedly in the winter) and to Venice and Venice wins hands down. It is the most romantic city I've ever been to and I've travelled a lot. Go, you'll have a great time!

The Splendido is truly splendid but for logistic's sake, I go with Villa d'Este which is also a fantastic hotel. For Venice, I think you need more time.

Hello dawnd, you say you have two extra nights so I assume on the third day you will need to be at the airport (I will assume Malpensa). If this is correct I would stay at the Villa d'Esta as trying to get from anywhere else on the day you have to fly home could be a problem especially if you are travelling be the train. What time is your departing flight?

I don't know why my post posted,lol. Anyway, what time is your departing flight?

thank-you all for your replies - I leave on the 3rd day from Milan - at 5:30pm just to Amsterdam - where we have an overnight before flt home - the wonders of frequent flyer miles - if we forgot about which is the easiest for a moment - which place would you not pass on even the opportunity to stay for a brief visit - we are traveling with my child - who is 5 - we have been to Lake Garda before - we loved that area very much - thank you for your replies!!

The train from Venice to Milan takes 2.5 hours; add on additional time from the train station to the airport.

For just two nights you might want to go with Lake Como but other than the hotel itself (which is apparently magnificent) I would much rather stay in the mid-lake area which I think is more scenic and offers more to do.

If time were not an issue, Venice would be my choice.

But do keep in mind that the EuroStar from Venice to Milan will take 3 hours, and then you have to get to the airport.