Like alot of us who visit this site - I always check for recommendations and have never been disappointed. We were in Italy for 15 days - I can recommend the following hotels:
Milan - Hotel Ariosto (great breakfast included) - 2 metro stops from the train station or about a 10-15 minute walk. It is a 4 star but in a great neighbourhood walking distance to all the sites, the Last Supper is only a couple of blocks away. Far enough away from all the tourist traps. We ate in the area - all local places - it was great.
Venice - Hotel Al Piave - in Rick's books. Again - great location, good breakfast - great staff.
Florence - First of Florence Hotel, more like private apartment rentals. Great for familys as they had laundry and kitchens. Amazing location - the 'David' 2 blocks one way - the Duomo 2 blocks the other way. Walked everywhere. Very close to the train station, 5-10 minute walk.
Rome - Hotel Adler - another Rick pick. Again great staff, good breakfast, reasonably priced. 5-10 minute walk from the train station. You can walk to Trevi fountain and the Spanich Steps - actually everywhere but take the metro to the Vatican City, the metro is just around the corner.
All 4 were very clean and comfortable. Safe areas. I would not hesitate to go back to any of them.
What a wonderful time we had... Were lucky and had a day with Ron in Rome. Took the train to Como Lago - wonderful day trip from Milan. I envy all who are planning your trips now! Enjoy-
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
6 posts
Hi, Thank you for the tips. I will save them in my Italy folder. Milan, especially, is hard to figure out. Any input on Lake Como? Regards, Sonya
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, BC, Canada
84 posts
Yes - Lake Como was just a quick train ride away. We did not go up to the other popular towns, but stayed here for the day. The train station is right across the road from the lake. We walked all around - so amazing. It was Carnavale time - so the town was busy. Lot's of parades and music. We wandered the streets had lunch - wandered some more then caught the train back. If I remember correctly it was only a few euros round trip. Be sure to get the round trip ticket. Then had dinner at this great Pizza place a few blocks from the hotel - they served only pizza. Small place all locals and they did an amazing take out business.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
6 posts
Dear Stella,
So, are you talking about Como the town? Was the pizza place in Como? Could you pinpoint it from the ferry landing? Wondering, as I will be in Bellagio for a couple weeks in April (after a week in Venice) and I have no munch stops in Como. They have a Saturday market that is interesting. Again, thanks
Sonya
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, BC, Canada
84 posts
Hi Sandra - No sorry, the Pizza Parlor was in Milan. We did have lunch at Lake Como though - nothing to exciting - as it was a location right across from the water, where there are a ton of places to eat. I would recommend leaving that area and walking in a few blocks, try and eat more with the locals.