first time italy travelers
 

Dear fellow fodorites, <BR>My husband and I will be traveling to Italy for two weeks. We are interested in the following hotels: Venice-Hotel American, Florence -Loggiato dei serviti, Rome-Brittania Hotel, San Gimignano-La Cisterna, Assisi-Umbra or Hotel dei Priori. Can anyone help with personal experience regarding these hotels? We would greatly appreciate real opinions. Ciao, Sally

I stayed at the Dei Priori in Assisi four years ago. I enjoyed it. It wasn't particularly luxurious, but it was clean and comfortable. Breakfast was good (blood orange juice!). I would stay there again. The last time I visited Assisi was two years ago, just after the earthquake. It was closed when I walked by, but so was about 90% of the town, due to the earthquake recovery efforts. Hope that helps. <BR> <BR>I haven't stayed at the Hotel American in Venice, but I have walked by it. All I can say about it (besides having a peculiar name) is that it is in a location that I personally prefer--in Dorsoduro not too far from the Accademia. This is a quieter part of Venice, away from the tourist stampedes, yet still not very far from San Marco. <BR> <BR>Those are my real opinions! have a good trip.

Sally, <BR> <BR>I stopped into the American Hotel in Venice last year - because it looked so pretty. I didn't personally see the rooms, but I got a brochure - it looked lovely and the location is off the beaten path in a very inateresting part of Venice. I have recommended it to friends... <BR> <BR>Ihave also considered Loggiato dei serviti in Florence - have not stayed there but stopped in to see it. The lobby looks very nice - though a bit stark. The reviews on this hotel have been positive. I have opted for the Monna Lisa, the Hermitage or the Lungarno... <BR> <BR>Have also visited La Cisterna in San Gimignano and have heard good things about it. It's right in the central plaza of the town - which is highly touristy. Some people may not like that... <BR> <BR>And I have considered the Hotel Umbra on a visit to Assisi - but didn't get there. <BR> <BR>That is not a lot of Direct experience - but it's the best I can do... <BR> <BR>Hope it helps...

La Cisterna has incredible views from the balcony/terrace. The rooms were comfortable but the panorama was extraordinary. The Mr. Ripley film features La Cisterna as the hotel the ladies are kept in.

Well, not quite. Mr. Ripley was not in <BR>San Gimignano---that is the wrong movie. <BR>Try " Tea with Mussolini" and the hotel is also featured in " Where Angels Fear <BR>to Tread" Right place---wrong movie. <BR>By the way, I prefer the Antico Pozzo as <BR>a good 3 star in S. G. but La Cisterna <BR>is not bad and has great food.

Sally, <BR>I don't have personal experience with the Hotel American, but 5 years ago a friend stayed there and found it quite dreary. Another friend stayed at the Locanda Montin (also 5 yrs. ago) and found it charming - rather artsy ambience and his room looked into an inner courtyard. The Locanda Montin is a well-regarded restaurant with a few rooms upstairs. However, you should ask whether they have any rooms with private bath (his didn't). <BR> <BR>Other hotels in that price range which have been recommended by this forum are: <BR>Agli Alboretti (Dorsoduro) <BR>Pensione Seguso (Dorsoduro) <BR>Albergo al Gambero (Rialto) <BR>You can do a search under those names for first-hand experiences. <BR> <BR>We are trying our luck with La Calcina in May. IMO, the location is the best in Venice (Dorsoduro), and their rates are reasonable. Sorry I can't help with any other locations. <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful trip!

Thank you all for your messages. This web site has not been working for me until today and I was excited to see replies posted. I just watched Tea with Mussolini and thoroughly enjoyed the scenes of Florence and Sam Gimignano. I can't wait to see Italy for myself! You all make it sound so interesting and supply great information. Thanks again, Sally