Grand Hotel Trieste and Victoria, Abano Terme

I have been going to this beautiful hotel for the past 5 or 6 years.The antique furniture around the hotel lends an air of luxury...and whenever I return I am always delightfully welcomed back. I suffer from arthritis so I benefit from the various treatments available ie daily massage.The many swimming pools are set in wonderfully green and relaxing settings...the thermal pools are blissfully warm....sipping an afternoon cocktail in the afternoon feels almost decadent... Everyone is so friendly and helpful...I have now taught my lovely chief barman,Luca,how to make hot chocolate the way I love it...there are gala nights;live music;soirees with free cocktails; dances;a few excursions and recently they have been showing a weekly film.... Every year I attend the opera in Verona (all details such as transport,seating etc is arranged by the hotel)...mostly I am a pauper in the marble seats with the rest of the Italians(absolutely magical!!) but once down below....seated with the monied velvet gentry...both wonderful experiences.... Last year I went on an excursion to a working Abbey...it was fascinating...Close by is Padau, a beautiful town that has weekly markets,which are fun... and you can visit nearby romantic Venice by train. It is always the most wonderful 10 days of my year from the moment I arrive to when I leave....although leaving is a bit of a wrench!... So in conclusion the only thing I dislike is leaving but by then I'm starting to miss the family.....