Does anybody know anything about this Hotel ? I called Italy and spoke to an agent at a different Hotel and he said if he was celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary he would definetly stay here ? Went to the web site looks good, but what about night life ? My wife and I are very young at heart and love to have a good time bouncing around. Everybody recomends Varenna for its charm and tranquility. Which sounds great, but if you want to go out for a pop or two it is my understanding that there is not much to do there at night ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also should I break the trip up with 3 days in Milan 1st ? Then go to Lake Como for 6 days and use 1 hotel as my base ? or stay for 3 there and stay somewhere else for 3 more days ? Please advise thanks..
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Manny, It's difficult to know what to suggest for other people, but in the same situation I might consider something along these lines..... > Flight to Milan - go straight to Varenna, spend 3 or 4 nights there (it's a great place to get over jet lag) > Train to Milan, spend 3 or 4 nights there; tour sights of Milan including the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele or other sights; the La Rinascente department store is also in that area, with LOTS of pricey merchandise if you're interested in doing a bit of shopping. While in Milan, you could take day trips to other cities (I suggested Verona your other Thread). You could also consider Stresa, where you could tour the beautiful Borromeo Islands (Isola Bella is the largest and most interesting). You could also take day trips to Lugano or Locarno (Switzerland), if that interests you. Both are only an hour or so from Milano and both are beautiful. In addition, both have Casinos (which would offer some degree of "night life"). Good luck with your planning!
Posted by
Peterborough, ON, Canada
1568 posts
Hi Manny, We didn't stay at the Hotel Florence but we had dinner at their lakeside restaurant and it was fabulous. We also went into the lobby and it certainly looked nice. Their clientele looked pretty upscale too. We stayed at the Hotel Bellagio and while not the most elegant, it suited us. As far as timing, I'd say three nights would be enough in the area. Ken's advice to combine with Milan is good, as is his advice to go to Stresa for a day trip (don't sleep there). In the evening, after lingering over dinner, we mainly strolled the town. Can't really comment on what some would term night life as we don't look for that. Enjoy
Andrea
Posted by
Land of La
8693 posts
I'm going to remark on having 7 days in Italy and having a memorable 30th anniversary. Lake Como is quite lovely and very relaxing. Besides the Last Supper and shopping Milan would not be an Italian city I would spend than more a half a day exploring. Personally, if I were in that end of "the boot" I would spend at least 3 days in Venice. Nothing like it on the planet. Something to think about.
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2091 posts
I agree with Claudia; I'd try to spend time in Venice and a very short time in Milan especially if you're in Italy for an Anniversary!
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
Manny , I agree with Claudia. Venice is magnificent and three days there will only leave you wanting more . We recently returned from Italy and Switzerland and Venice for four days was our penultimate stop before crossing the border north to Switzerland . We took the train to Stresa ( Lago Maggiore ) via Milan for several days befor heading to the Berner Oberland . As Ken says , the Borromeo Islands are lovely . We also found Stresa to be extremely charming . The promenade along the lake with its beautiful landscaping and gardens was a real treat !
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
1914 posts
Yes, Venice! That is a great place to celebrate your 30th. Much more going on than in Varenna. We loved Varenna, but it is very small, you can count the streets on one hand. It would be really nice to do both!