We recently completed a two week swing through Italy with stops in Rome, Florence, Vernazza and Venice. Using Rick's travel guide made it easy to find great hotels and restaurants but also poor experiences.
Rome-Hotels Oceania was a great find. The hotel is within walking distance of the Termini Station, the metro and bus stops. Great location for getting around Rome. The room was clean and the breakfast more than adequate. The staff was knowledgable and very helpful anytime we had questions or needed direction. The only problem we encountered was great difficulty with their WiFi and, specifically, lack of concern for our frustration - especially when they were so helpful in every other way. However, would definitely recommend this establishment.
Florence-La Residenza del Proconsolo B&B has everything. Best of all was the location next to the Duomo. This B&B is also an easy walk from the train station and centrally located to provide easy access to all the major sites and good restaurants. The staff was knowledgeable and helpful. Great WiFi and breakfast which was served in the room. The room was clean, spacious and had a historic feel to it. Would recommend without reservations.
Vernazza-Tonino Basso was very modern and clean. Conveniently located just up the hill from the train station at the quiet end of town. The rooms were clean and easily accessed by an elevator. The staff was anxious to please and helpful whenever asked. The amenities were second to none right down to providing slippers to ease the chill of the cement floor. Best of all was the modern shower which provided plenty of room and great water pressure.
Venice-Abergo Doni has a great location. Unfortunately, this is where my compliments stop. I cannot recommend this hotel. I would strongly suggest the hotel be removed from the recommended list of Venetian Hotels in Rick Steve's guide book. I don't know the quality of the other rooms but we were provided a barely adequate room on the ground floor next to the kitchen. The room was also used as storage for two large locked storage cabinets. Being on the ground floor in Venice the room had an atmosphere of dampness and mildew. The towels were coarse and rough. Breakfast adequate. I was surprised the staff was not knowledgeable about online reservations. In fact, I showed them how to access the reservation system for St. Mark's after reading the Rick Steve's explanation. Unfortunately, this hotel is not of the same quality and standard as compared to other hotels given a similar recommendation in Rick Steve's books.