Lake Iseo, Lombardy
Rates starting at 240 euro including tax and service.

L'Abereta is near Lake Iseo in the Franciacorta area, a stunning 19th century villa run by the Moretti family, who own two local vineyards producing exceptional wines. The attention to detail here is incredible. Frescoes in many areas give warmth and interest. Furnishings are a blend of contemporary pieces as well as antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The main villa has a beautiful indoor pool with waterfall, Jacuzzi and a glass wall that opens during warm weather.

There is a large, state-of-the-art spa with huge fitness center, an indoor swimming pool with whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, and every manner of health and beauty treatment featuring the products of Dr. Henri Chenot.

Anti-aging therapies as well as regenerating body and face massages are also available.

Other diversions include tennis, billiards and a very tempting gift shop.

The hotel's famous restaurant, Gualtiero Marchesi, open six days per week, boasts two prestigious Michelin stars**. Hotel guests are advised to book a dinner reservation at the time their room is reserved because the restaurant is often sold out weeks in advance. Complimentary tours and wine tasting at two local vineyards, Contadi Castaldi and Bellavista, can be arranged. Airport Malpensa, 90 minutes away.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Rates from 229 Euro including breakfast, tax and service

Facing directly on Lake Como, this resort hotel offers an array of facilities at a reasonable price. The building, a 19th century Liberty style palazzo just across Lake Como from Bellagio, a short drive from the ferry at Cadenabbia which crosses the lake continuously, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is also a neighbor of the popular Villa Carlotta with its museum and gardens.

Facilities include two large heated swimming pools, a new spectacular floating swimming pool on the lake, fitness and wellness centers, tennis court, sauna, gym, and billiards. An added service is free parking for guests. The jogging trail goes through the hotel's beautiful park and is quite suitable for the seriously fit!

Restaurants include the Regina, or main dining room, the Contessa, the a la carte grill restaurant, and the Terrazza, the terrace restaurant facing the lake that has outdoor seating during warm weather months.

The hotel’s wine bar, Escale, is a very attractive with a large terrace facing the lake and has a selection of over 300 Italian and French wines. The hotel is only 75 km from Malpensa Airport, about 45 minutes by car, making it a great place to start or end a trip.

Hotel Albergo Terminus
Rates starting from 160 euro per night including Tax, service and breakfast

Located in the center of Como across the street from the lake, this Liberty style hotel has been created in an historic building that was completely renovated. There is a very attractive lobby area and breakfast room as well as the wonderful Bar delle Terme and restaurant, overseen by the incomparable Maurizio.

During warm weather, lunch and dinner can be served on the hotel's sunlit terrace overlooking the lake. The fully equipped rooms are very well appointed with upholstered walls and white tile bathrooms.

Everything is well thought out with the guest's comfort in mind and there are connecting rooms for families. Suite 300 is a spacious one-bedroom suite with separate sitting room and large private terrace with a view of Lake Como.

There is even one unique accommodation at the top of the hotel - reached by a spiral staircase - that is perfect for honeymooners. It has a view of Lake Como from the bed and even has its own private terrace facing the lake.

The staff is superb, starting with check-in where Cristina and her staff take great pride in looking after their guests. Guest parking is available in the garage or in front of the hotel.

Como is the silk capital of Italy, and one can visit a silk factory, a silk factory outlet, or one of the many silk shops in Como. This hotel is a perfect place for a last night before driving to Malpensa Airport which is about 45 minutes by car from Como. Hotel is open year round.