JustSandra

US

WillTravel

Sandra, have you taken a look at the Hotel Berchielli in Florence? I haven't stayed there, but I walked by and thought that it was just the nicest location. It's had positive reviews here as well, and it looks like it's in your price range, and cheaper than your current choice.

http://www.berchielli.it/eng/index.htm

JustSandra

We were hoping for something with a pretty view.

kfusto

The Berchielli is great and many rooms do have a view. However, it is rare to get it at the rates you are seeking.

San Gallo Palace is my fav Florence hotel as I do not care to be in the very center. Soggiorno Antica Torre is on Piazza della Signoria and has very nice rooms in your range. Also, B&B il Due Leone.

You TA sounds like she has not spent much time in Italy!

In Rome, Hotel Daphne (either is a good choice). I like Albergo Santa Chiara though I think in July it might be hard to find that rate.

Personally, since you are so close to the time you are travelling, I would try Priceline for Rome and Venice.

JustSandra

Argh. My TA is drving me nuts. He isn't giving me any feeback on the hotels I have give hime. I have no idea if I am even booked for anything yet.

I should have listened and done this myself. But I don't want to pay the 9% honeymoon registry fee through the bigday.com either. That's what they charge you if you do your own itinerary.

Any thoughts? Advice?

Flame123

Sandra,

I have stayed at the Hotel Casci twice already, most recently about 3 months ago, and am already planning a return trip there for October this year.

I cannot say it is a particularly romantic hotel. BUT, it is spotlessly clean, it is a small family-run 25 room hotel, the family who run it are just amazing, it is in the middle of town within walking distance to just about everything (2 blocks from Duomo, one block from David), price is within your range, and I am sure they will pamper you if you tell them you are on your honeymoon. In short, highly recommended!!!

Flame123

Sorry, forgot to add that Hotel Casci is in Florence !!

JustSandra

flame 123
the reviews on trip advisor are awesome! Thanks.

basingstoke1

In Venice check the Hotel Galeria or Locanda Fiorita. Both are well located. For the Locanda, specify the main building rather than the annex. I do not believe that either is air conditioned, so the time of year would be a factor. I could be wrong about that. Also, I am not sure if the Galeria takes credit cards. Both are popular and fill up quickly. Both should be in your price range.

Tulips

Sandra, why don't you mail the hotels yourself? Much quicker than waiting for your travel agent I would think?

Artlover; thanks for that link! I've made a note of that for my next visit!

ekscrunchy

Last time I was in Florence, a few months ago, I stayed at a luxury B&B and thought it was quite "romantic." It is facing Piazza della Signoria; we paid about 250 Euro per night so if that is within your range, you might look at:

www.inpiazzadellasignoria.com

I would switch travel agents, by the way.

kristin7701

We just got back from the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente in Venice and loved it! Looks like the room rate is 140E per night during your stay. It's not near St. Mark's but after having been there, I'd rather stay in a quieter neighborhood. It's not a far walk (and we had a baby in a stroller) or vaporetto ride to get anywhere.

ekscrunchy

I am sorry..in my earlier post I recommended a place that exceeded your budget......please disregard!

tuscanlifeedit

We were very happy at the Teatro Pace 33, and we found it to be romantic. They have a room with a balcony overlooking the narrow, atmospheric street, and you should ask for that ahead of time. I find it more romantic than the San Carlo, which is also a good hotel, but bigger and a less "hidden away" feeling.

At the TP33, they will deliver your breakfast to your room, which is a nice touch for honeymooners. I think your plan to stay there is a good one.

One more suggestion for Venice if you would like it. By getting in touch with the Hotel Ala directly, and asking for their best rate for room 242 or similar, you will get a gorgeous room with a large balcony over a side canal. We stayed there on our honeymoon, and went back this last March. We got a great rate, and we were very happy.

I have recommended this room to others as the best, most romantic bargain in Florence, and I have received thank you notes for it! I have often kept this to myself, but for honeymooners, I have to share it!

I wish I could help you in Florence, but we always stay in an apartment, so I can't.

lilygirl

Hotel Casci in Florence was nice and clean, but not necessarily romantic as another poster commented. What about finding a smaller B&B that someone has recommended? We found our Florence hotel via FlorenceBy.com.

If you're still looking for Rome recommendations, try the Il Piccolo Piazza di Spagna, between the Spanish Steps and Via del Tritone. Nice hotel tucked into a building, but very quiet. Most of the rooms had nice patios with tables.

Enjoy your honeymoon.

Spygirl

JustSandra-did you not try to contact Ca Gottardi for July? I looked on their website and they have availability for your dates at 130E a night for a standard double (plus, since this is low season, I think you can get an additional discount on their superior and/or their honeymoon package). You can book directly on their website.

This is an old Venetian gondoliere family who owns the palazzo, there's a gondolier station right outside the palazzo, which you can see from some of the rooms-and if you get their special you apparently get a free gondola ride (worth around 100E just now-a gondoliere family can obviously afford to do this!) Plus, there are great little Venetian osterie and shops galore to explore just outside the palazzo.

Again, the reviews on tripadvisor should be considered-I can certainly vouch for its romantic aura, do check it out if you haven't already.

basingstoke1

Just an update - I checked and the Locanda Fiorita does have air conditioning according to its website. We very much enjoyed our stay there and it is still well within your price range. It is just off the Campo Santo Stefano near the Accademia Bridge. The Hotel Galleria does not appear to be air conditioned and does not accept credit cards. However some of its rooms have great views and it is located right on the Grand Canal at the foot of the Accademia Bridge.

JustSandra

Spygirl,
Is Ca' Gottardi far from St. Mark's. I don't mind being slightly away from the tourists, but not too far from the action.

I did contact them. I am going to go ahead and book this hotel myself since travel agent in charge of European destinations isn't getting anywhere with this hotel.