More newbie questions.

Not sure the details of the particular tour and what you will see already on the tour but there may be better options to stay for your extra nights than Milan.
2 extra nights in Venice, 2 nights in Florence, 2 nights in Verona, 2 nights in a town on Lake Como are just some quick thoughts.

The tour takes us to Rome, Venice, Florence, San Gimignano, Orvieto, Sienna, Murano and Burano. I chose Milan because it's a shorter train ride from Venice where the tour ends and because of the airport. I originally wanted to fly into Rome, take a train to Foggia for two night and take a day trip to my Grandparents village Rodi Garganico, but Foggia looks like a $hithole. If someone can fill me in otherwise, that's still an option. I'd honestly rather do that than spend a couple of extra days in Rome.

We stayed at Hotel Serena in Rome a few years ago, which is two blocks from Termini train station. There are a number of restaurants close by, area was safe. Rooms are clean but small, ask for one that faces the inner courtyard to avoid street noise. There's a small elevator and a decent breakfast buffet. We were able to get early check in after a mid morning arrival from Miami.

http://www.hotelserenaroma.it/en/

Thank you Katheryne!! :)

Hotel Garda in Milano is inexpensive, clean and very near the metro and central train station.

Thank you Zoe!

Liz,

If you're on a really tight budget, you could also stay in a Hostel near Roma Termini. Even though I'm an "older traveller", I sometimes do that as I can get a room for 35€ per night in a four bed dorm. Communal living is a bit of an "adjustment" but I can tolerate that for a few days.

Let me know if you want further information.

Liz,

Several random thoughts.

Almost every hotel we've used during the past 18 years has had a blow dryer in the room. The one or two that didn't had them available at the front desk. Why carry around extra weight?

Do stay in touch with the tour company. They will probably know well before March the hotel that will be used in Rome. If you can stay there you'll eliminate the hassle of changing hotels.

If you have to get a separate hotel consider Hotel Fontanella Borghese. Have stayed there many times and have always been pleased. While it is not "luxury", it's not "cheapo" either. It is very nice and the location is great. The staff is very friendly and helpful. You can walk to Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Nuvona, even Vatican city. They have a sister hotel closer to the Pantheon called Hotel Due Torri. We always send an email directly with our request for a booking and we get an answer back in 24 hours or less. Ask for a room overlooking the courtyard as rooms overlooking the side street can get noisy. The web site is www.fontanellaborghese.com.

As far as getting to your first hotel is concerned, consider a private car service. After a long flight, some jet lag, not being familiar with the area, there is nothing better than having your private driver meet you inside the terminal and whisk you to your hotel. No fending off the freelancing cabbies, waiting in the regular taxi line, or just having a "lost" feeling. It is not the cheapest way, but it is definitely the best and is one "indulgence" we allow ourselves. We can not say enough good things about Rome Cabs. It is a private car service (not a cab company) but only cost about 10 Euro more than a regular taxi. We always use them and have always been very pleased. Go to romecabs.com and see what you think. We just send an email and they answer us with a quote within 24 hours. You do have to pay in cash (Euros) at the end of the journey but not in advance.

... Milan close to the train station from Venice and also close to the airport? ....

It is one or the other. The airport is roughly an hour train ride from the Centrale train station in Milan. So pick a hotel near the train station. Some folks like to knock Milan but it is another great Italy city to visit. The Duomo is the fourth largest cathedral in Europe and well worth the visit. And the Galleria just across the plaza from the Duomo is the first enclosed shopping mall. The McDonalds inside occupies some of the most expensive real estate in Milan. La Scala, the Last Supper, etc. will easily occupy your day. We have stayed in the Hotel Berna near the train station. It was handy to the metro and the train station.