We will be in Rome Mid May and wondering if I need to be looking at rooms with AC? Could we get by with just a ceiling fan?
Barring a heat wave you'll be fine. See the FAQs here on how to get weather info based on the last 10 years of data.
AC does more than cool you down in high heat. It allows you to close the windows to keep out noise, cigarette smoke and insects AND not suffocate from heat exhaustion - all at the same time.
Not saying they are not here but ceiling fans are not a common thing. Haven't had a room or been in a house yet with them.