We are traveling to this area for the first time with two children. Any comments on the Grand Hotel the Brunelleschi or thePlaza Lucchesi in Florence? Need help in Rome also. Any suggestions about Eden, Forum, or?Thanks

Just returned from Rome where we stayed at the Albergo Sole al Pantheon - small (29 rooms, I think), very central (on the Piazza della Rotonda across from the Pantheon), very comfortable - within easy walking distance of Campo di Fiori, Piazza Navonna, Trevi Fountain, the Tiber, the Colosseum - and less expensive than the Eden.

In Rome, the Hotel Eden is expensive, but the restaurant is possibly the best in Rome, both for the view of the city at night and the food (and its presentation). We stayed around the corner at the Sofitel Via Veneto Hotel at maybe $150 per night (with air conditioning)...fine.

My husband and I stayed at the Plaza Lucchesi Hotel last April for business and found it an excellent hotel on the Lungnano delle Grazie which runs right along the Arno River. The hotel is situated just a couple of blocks walk from the Piazza Santa Croce. This hotel really does provide a "Room with a View" of Florence (which we had) overlooking the Arno and up to Porta San Miniato. We were VERY happy with the hotel.

Visited Firenza last year and stayed in a wonderful, old hotel conveniently in the heart of historic district named Hotel Mona Lisa. It was originally built as a palacio for the Bishop of Florence during the renaissance. Beautiful courtyard and a short walk to all of the major sights.

Hotel Brunelleschi in Florence is new, very nice hotel in the centre of Florence, but very expensive. Beside is very difficoult to reach by car. Very conventient is Plaza Lucchesi if you travel by your own car. It has good location too. Ciao