Travel Agent - January 21, 2008 - (Page 19) LEFT: Grand deluxe room in Il Palazzetto, which has a prime location in the Eternal City RIGHT: An opulent room at Spoleto’s Villa Milani BOTTOM: Off Ischia, Albergo Il Monastero tops a former monastery occupying its own small island mile offshore, reached by a narrow causeway. There are 22 simple and comfortable rooms, some with terraces. After 7:30 p.m., the Aragonese is closed to tourists and hotel guests are given their own key to the castle. Within the cavernous stone battlements, a modern elevator whisks guests up to an amazing sunset view from the hotel terrace. Contact: ilmonastero@castelloaragonese.it, telephone 011-39-081-992-435, fax 011-39081-991-849. Palazzo at Hotel Cipriani, Venice Why? This restored 15th-century palace, on the grounds of the luxurious Cipriani, fulfills every Cinderella dream. After all, Casanova was known to bring his ladies here for romantic trysts. The Palazzo Vendramin (www.hotel cipriani.com) has three doubles with whirlpool baths, six suites and two junior suites, all with butler service. Our choice is Suite 76, which faces a postcard view of Venice. We like being on Guidecca Island, which is quieter than the St. Mark’s area yet only five minutes away by boat. Contact: info@hotelcipriani.it, telephone 01139-041-520-7744, fax 011-39-041-520-3930. Il Palazzetto, Rome Why? It’s right on the Spanish Steps and has only four rooms; in such a huge city, it’s nice to have a more intimate place to stay. Il Palazzetto (www.ilpalazzettoroma.com)—owned by the nearby five-star Hassler hotel—is the headquarters of the International Academy of Wine (www.wineacademyroma.com), where we love the vertical wine tastings followed by sumptuous wine dinners. Both hotels are at the top of Via Condotti, Rome’s best shopping street. Contact: booking@hotelhassler.it or res palaz@hotelhassler.it, telephone 011-39-06699-34-428, fax 011-39-06-699-41-607. tower bedroom has a 360-degree view. Otherwise, ask for a bedroom with private terrace. The best way to start a day of sightseeing is to eat breakfast outside, overlooking Spoleto and the magnificent Rocca fortress; we have at least two cornetti (similar to croissants) and cappuccinos apiece, since we always walk it off in these Umbrian hill towns. Contact: info@villamilani.com, telephone 011-39-0743-225056, fax 011-39-0743-49824. plane. The terrace is a hopping place for breakfast before hitting the fashion shows. Contact: milano@bulgarihotels.com, telephone 011-39-02-805-8051, fax 011-39-02805-805222. Villa d’Este, Lake Como Why? Because we didn’t ever want to leave. Set within a private, gated 25-acre park facing what may be the most beautiful lake in the world, the deluxe Villa d’Este (www.villadeste.it) is just about perfect. The rooms are beautifully done, as befits the former residence of a cardinal, and the “beauty farm” (as some Europeans call a spa) is one of the most relaxing in the world: deep green, with subtle lighting and whispered conversation. We swear we weren’t looking for George Clooney, but they say he comes for dinner once in a while. Contact: reservations@villadeste.it, telephone CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 January 21, 2008 TravelAgent | 19 Bulgari Hotel, Milan Why? Because the giant bathtub, with scented Bulgari amenities and cushy towels, awaits a sore body after a day of shopping. The bathroom runs down the entire side of the room, and there’s a huge glassed-in shower, with showerheads coming from every direction. The bedrooms in this five-star hotel (www.bulgari hotels.com) offer all kinds of great extras, like iPod docks and fabulous boxed lunches for the Villa Milani, Spoleto Why? It’s a gorgeous and elegant residenza d’epoca—the official Italian designation for a historic house—on 20 acres of hills and woodlands above Spoleto, in central Italy. Milani’s (www.villamilani.com) public rooms are simply lovely, filled with original furnishings, and the http://www.hotelcipriani.com http://www.hotelcipriani.com http://www.ilpalazzettoroma.com http://www.wineacademyroma.com http://www.villadeste.it http://www.bulgarihotels.com http://www.villamilani.com http://www.bulgarihotels.com
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