One night stand with Bergamo
We stole this trip, ridiculously cheap flights with Ryanair and a shoppers deal at the Best Western hotel in the centre of Bergamo coupled with the purchase of a few cigarettes (me and Alex both smoke and we only buy cigarettes for our own consumption) made this trip virtually cost free taking into account the saving on the cigs.
Leaving our home in Yorkshire at 12 noon on Saturday 15th December 2007 we headed for John Lennon airport in Liverpool. A late afternoon flight had us landing in Bergamo at around 6.30pm. Tickets for the bus into Bergamo were purchased at the information centre at the airport and before we knew it we were at the superb Best Western hotel right in the centre of Bergamo's lower city, the new town.
The flight bags were dumped unceremoniously in the room and we headed for the funicular railway to take us up to the "Citta Alta" Bergamo's old town sat high above the new town.
We were amazed by the Citta Alta, a labarinth of narrow streets, architecture preserved, superb lighting to compliment the fine stone structures and as it was December a few glints of tinsel to add to the effect. We were pleasantly surprised to find numerous bars and restaurants which ouzed character and charm, we purchased our first drink of the night in the Irish bar and to our suprise we were served with a complimetary platter of cheese, bread, salad and Parma ham, "fantastic, this will save buying a meal" I thought to myself. And it did, every bar we visited served us a platter of tit bits to the point when we had eaten like kings for the night.
The next morning was simple, check out of the hotel (it was still dark, we didn't see Bergamo in daylight, however I feel we saw it at its best, at night) and take a cab back to the airport, a short distance from the city centre.
We arrived back at Liverpool just before noon on Sunday the 15th December and drove the 75 miles home, "we had been to Italy for a night out".
I spent an one night in this hotel in Dec 2008 and was very impressed indeed, the rooms are well appointed and some have large balconies adorned with plants and garden furniture, try and request a room with a balcony, the are worth it. It is also worth mentioning that I got a shoppers rate due to the Xmas period, always check the special rates that Best Western offer, you could save a lot of money.
It is difficult to find any fault at all with this fine establishment, all areas and rooms are tastefully decorated, the reception area is a delight, marble statue's, fine art, a grand piano and one of the warmest, cosiest fireplaces I have ever seen.
The location of the hotel is perfect, a short walk from the railway station and only a 6 or 7 minute walk to the funiculare railway which delivers you to the Citta Alta (Bregamo's old town)
"This hotel will compliment your visit to Bergamo"
