DaphneH

We got FF miles to fly to Rome 2/19/08 and will have two weeks before flying home. This is a first trip for my "hates to Fly" 74 year old husband and I haven't been to Italy since the 60's. We have points for hotels and I want comfort for our arrival and departure. On arrival, I thought we'd head into Rome and we have points for Hilton, Marriott or Best Western. Any feedback for any of those in Rome? For departure, we'd like to stay near the airport. Any feedback for Hilton Garden Inn vs. Marriott Courtyard, vs Best Western I Triangoli. I might also use hotel points in Florence, but the only option is the Metropole Hilton out of town or the Best Western Hotels Premier Hotel or Hotel Capitol. We are country folk and don't intend to spend time in Rome. We will head for Florence and then will play the rest of the trip by ear. Best way and easiest, least stressful way to get to Florence??? Thanks for any input you can give me.

ellenem

It's very easy to take the train between Rome and Florence--virtually hourly departures, about 1.5 hours.

Sorry I can't help with those hotel choices. Have you checked at Tripadvisor.com?

zoecat

Hi Daphne,

I have no specific comments on your hotel choices, but you might want to check the reviews on the hotels you mention at tripadvisor.com.

I feel the train from Rome to Florence and then a taxi to your hotel would be pretty quick and easy. There are several trains every day.

enjoy your trip!

elaine

The Hilton in Rome, at least the one I know about, is near the Vatican. Not that central, but certainly a manageable location as long as walking isn't a problem.
It is said to be very nice, but as suggested already, check out the trip advisor reviews, or click at the top of this screen for Fodors reviews and guest comments.

Jean

I don't know how the hotel points work, but do you first need to check availability for points award stays? If so, I'd start there and then check reviews.

DaphneH

I just have been checking TripAdvisor. The site is a little overwhelming, but it sounds like the best choice at the airport is the Hilton. Some people have had trouble with the shuttles from the others. I checked with my points programs and the various choices are available at this time ( I don't know if that will change by tomorrow, but probably.) I'm leaning towards the Marriott Grand Hotel Flora in Rome because it is closer in than the Hotel Cavalieri, but the Cavalieri really sounds wonderfully posh. Does anyone have thoughts about the Grand Hotel Flora? Thanks again for the feedback.

LJ

The Airport Hilton is fine, pricey for what you get but if you have very early morning flight, its fine. The breakfast buffet is superb, but is not included.

The Marriott Grand Flora has the better location of the two (versus the Hotel Cavalieri)by far for your needs. I know exactly where it is and you will do fine as far as neighbourhood is concerned. Just be a little cautious: it gets fine reviews on Trip Advisor for those who are paying real money (as well it should; the prices are frightening for a chain hotel, but its the neighbourhood!)

However, there is a different tale told by those who paid with points. Be prepared for an indifferent room in an otherwise fine hotel.

SusanP

The Hilton in Rome is definitely too far out to be walking anywhere. It's really not even that close to the Vatican.

DaphneH

The comment about the Grand Hotel Flora regarding using points appears to be accurate. When I made the reservation, I requested twin beds and no smoking which were supposed to be available. I just got my email confirmation and it says that only a double bed (too small for my fidgety husband & I to sleep well after a long flight) was available and there were no no smoking rooms at that location. I have contacted Marriott. If that is accurate, I'll have to change my plans.

I'm going to post a separte question about Florence. I want to know if anyone has rented an apartment for three weeks and if so, do they have any to recommend?

Thanks for the help so far.