BrookLodge & Wells Spa: Relaxing stay at the BrookLodge

I don't trust reviews that say a place was perfect. I don't believe there is such a place, so I will get my gripes out of the way. The bed in our River Mews room was a bit on the small side. Also, I think that at the moment, there would be no harm in warning guests that there is a big construction job going on right besides the River Mews rooms.

We were told this is going to be a new Functions area. As it turned out, it didn't bother us all that much, but it doesn't do much for your arrival when you are greeted with the sight of a huge crane overhanging your destination!

That out of the way, I have to say that the service at BrookLodge was first class. Every person we dealt with was friendly and efficient.

We were not happy with our table in the Strawberry Tree, so they offered us a number of alternatives with a minimum of fuss. The food was lovely, although I would prefer to have the option of a la carte as opposed to the set five course dinner.

The breakfast was exceptionally good. I asked for something that was not on the menu and my request did not raise an eyebrow. The fresh treakle bread was so good we enquired about it and the manageress of the restaurant came up with a loaf for us to take away!

All in all, the folks in BrookLodge are doing a great job in providing a real getaway in the countryside only an hours drive from Dublin. They deserve to be commended for this.

Albergo Del Duca: A great little hotel

We are just back from a short stay in Como where we celebrated our Coral Anniversary. We spotted the great reviews of the Albergo Del Duca on Tripadvisor and decided to go for it. No regrets. A charming little hotel, lovely room overlooking the quiet and atmospheric piazza, great restaurant downstairs with pizzas which are exceptionally good and a very good wine list. The staff were all helpful and very welcoming.

Como is a great small city with a beautiful Duomo and intriguing medieval streets to explore, and lots of classy shops. From the hotel it is a short walk to the lakeside where we got the boat for a day trip to Bellagio, one of Italy's most beautiful towns.

Highly recommended.

Fabulous Ferrara

The Locanda Borgonuovo is a wonderful place to stay in a very beautiful city. The family running the guest house are charming and very helpful. The personal touch includes the best Italian coffee with freshly made cake to wake up to, and very informed suggestions as to where to explore and where to dine. The location could not be better, just around the corner from the fabulous Piazza Cattedrale. Spotlessly clean, classy place to stay in a city which is perfect for relaxing, wandering around the Renaissance streets and gardens, and very accessible, being on the main train line from Venice to Florence. Not at all touristy, and a short hop from Ravenna and Bologna.

What more can I say?