Westin Excelsior, Rome

In November, I had the chance to visit the Westin Excelsior in Rome, which enjoys a wonderful location on Via Veneto.

This hotel is perfect for guests looking for the Westin style of hotels. (Those looking to go a step up from Westin while staying in the Starwood family of hotels might consider the St Regis.)

This hotel reminds me very much of the Westin Europa and Regina in Venice. The public areas here in Rome are more palatial, larger, grander, but the style is similar.

Guest rooms offer one of two very different styles of decor, the Empire style or the Biedermeier style. The Empire style corresponds with the style of the Napoleonic era (1804 - 1815), and is evidenced in elaborate opulence and references to Rome's grandeur. The contrasting Biedermeier style is decor from the years afterward, 1815 - 1848, which is simpler with less ornamentation and with lighter colored woods. It almost has an Art Deco feel, although the Art Deco period would not arrive for about another 60 years (beginning in 1900 or 1920, according to varying opinions).

The hotel recently earned a place on the Conde Nast Gold List.

Contact Ellen, a Virtuoso travel advisor, for more details:
ellencraig@sterlingtvl.com

Elegant Apartment, Bellagio

In October, I visited beautiful Lake Como, at the foot of the Alps. I arrived via train from Venice. It is wonderful that you can take the train easily from Venice to Como - no change of trains necessary!

The lake: the most pleasant way of getting from place to place (which is also the most convenient) is by boat, either the bartello (regular boat) or the alscafo (the fast boat.) I crossed regularly form Tremezzo to Bellagio on the alscafo in 10 minutes or less. Service is frequent, which makes getting around very easy.



While visiting the charming town of Bellagio, I had the opportunity to visit a lovely 4 bedroom apartment right in the center of town. The location is absolutely divine, you can not be more centrally located than this! The apartment is on the top floor (4th) of a building, so it has great views of Lake Como and also of the Serbelloni gardens on the hill, belonging to the Rockefeller Institute. (Not to be confused with Villa Serbelloni, a hotel on the lakefront.) The Serbelloni gardens may only be visited by private guide and appointment.

The apartment has a decor that is traditional northern Italian style - many antiques and many historical features such as stained glass interior doors. The several balconies offer delightful ways to absorb the lake town lifestyle and take in great views



On the first floor of the building is a bustling cafe, perfect for those wishing for a hot caffe' latte in the morning, or merely a place to sit and people watch.

Stays are generally Saturday to Saturday, but if your international flight arrives midweek, you might consider staying at the lovely Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace just across the lake (a Virtuoso hotel) for a few days until the villa is available on Saturday. See my separate post on the Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace here.

A villa option just a few minutes from the center of Bellagio might be another option. Click here.

Contact Ellen, a travel consultant, for more details:
ellencraig@sterlingtvl.com

Villa above Bellagio and Lake Como

In October, I had the chance to visit a lovely, brand-new villa near Bellagio. The 4 bedroom villa has fabulous views of Lake Como.

The villa was just completed this autumn, and is decorated in a fresh, charming Italian country style. There is a lovely kitchen (sometimes hard to find in Italy) and dining area, but most guests will choose to dine al fresco on the terrace with fantastic views of the lake and of the town of Bellagio.




The villa feels spacious and full of natural light. This would be the perfect spot for a family or several couples. Events and activities can be arranged as well.


There is also a swimming pool with plenty of lounge chairs, and a full workout room with sauna.

For a larger villa with a spectacular setting directly on the lake, click here.

Stays are generally Saturday to Saturday, but if your international flight arrives midweek, you might consider staying at the lovely Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace just across the lake (a Virtuoso hotel) for a few days until the villa is available on Saturday. See my separate post on the Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace here.

Contact Ellen, a travel advisor, for more details:
ellencraig@sterlingtvl.com