I know it's a subjective question, but...
we'd like a fairly nice (certainly not "luxury" but not "plain") hotel in Rome and Venice. We do have RS books but I'd love YOUR personal recommendations. Anything under $200/night and close to everything.
Also, timing of reservation: We'll be there in early July. Should we make our hotel reservations now? Do we just secure it with a credit card number like in the US, or do they actually charge the room rate in advance?
Thanks for your help!
In Rome stay at Nicolas Inn www.nicolasinn.com and Venice Locanda Orseolo www.locandaorseolo.com. Locanda Orseolo may be a slightly higher than your budget but Venice is expensive, adjust accordingly.
Once you find a hotel you like I would reserve now as long as the cancellation policy is clearly defined. If you book direct you shouldn't have to pay anything upfront. Some booking agencies take payment or a deposit immediately.
Maria, you may want to consider Pensione La Calcina in the Dorsoduro area. It has a beautiful outdoor dining area over the Guidecca canal. You can reserve the roof top area for an intimate experience (it's free for the asking). Buy wine/cheese, etc (from Bila grocery store near by).
In Venice you'll love Locanda al Leon, near St. Mark's, about e125 nightly. Beautiful but small rooms, GREAT location, good breakfast, and nice people. We've been there twice this year, and consider it a home away from home.
My new wife and I just returned from our honeymoon in Italy. When in Rome, we HIGHLY recommend the Suite Dreams hotel (http://www.suitedreams.it/eng/hotel.htm). It is on the second floor of a building just off of Via Nazionale, near the train station. While the walk is a little longer than other locations, the ambiance and friendly nature of the hotel more than makes up for this. Also, as the hotel has only been open since earlier this year, the rooms are modern and extremely large. The people on Trip Advisor love it also. Stay there, trust me, you'll thank me.
You use the card to secure the room. When you check in, ask if they give a discount for cash. I got between 5% and 10% everywhere (except the youth hostel).
In Rome, try Hotel Smeraldo, and in Venice, try Ca Angeli.
Congratulations! We just returned from our honeymoon in Italy too!
We stayed at Barocco Hotel in Rome, and it was great- right on Piazza Barberini. There is a metro stop there, and it was close enough to walk to everything. Our room was amazing- we had a fabulous patio overlooking the piazza and fountain.
We stayed at the Hotel Bauer Il Pallazzo in Venice. It was probably the nicest hotel we stayed at in all of Italy (and we didn't stay anywhere bad). The staff went above and beyond to satisfy (even bringing up 2 bottles of champagne to celebrate our wedding). It was expensive, (as PP said) but everything in Venice was expensive. The location is great- really close to St. Mark's Square.
We paid in advance- we got better deals that way, and many hotels wanted to do it that way. However the hotel in Rome, we just paid at the end of the stay (just like in US typically).
Hi Maria,
I just carefully researched rooms in Venice for an upcoming trip. I chose the well regarded (by Rick and many others) Locanda Art Deco, www.locandaartdeco.com .
I liked the pictures and sound of the two "honeymoon doubles" on the third floor. The hotel is well situated in San Marco, though not too close to that busy square. I looked for July and these rooms are offered at 105 and 115 euros. Other options including suites are a little more. The secure site asked for a credit card and we were e-mailed our confirmation instantly. With their 3 day cancellation there's no risk if you change your mind. Congratulations
