Villa D Este

October 10 2007: Beyond the amazing setting on Lake Como, the service was superb. We were there with a baby and people couldn't have been nicer. It was the fastest room service I've ever experienced. Our room was big and very comfortable - appropriately decorated in classic 19th century style, but without feeling worn. The breakfast buffet was delicious and the terrace restaurants very good, with Continental fare.

A few slight negatives were: the hotel's pasta restaurant is a bore and at $100 a plate should have a menu (we didn't stay for dinner). The local restaurant recommended by our concierge, "Il Vapore," vaporized my husband with a day of food poisoning. And lastly, we were there at the height of the season and the terrace was abuzz with Blackberries.

There is little of interest in the towns of Cernobbio and Como, and at night they are dead quiet (ie. boring). But there are some activities at the hotel (indoor and lake-floating pools, spa, tennis, playground, etc.) and the lake is beautiful - it's easy to hire a boat for the day and go exploring.

Date of stay: August 2007
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Kids)