My sister, mother and I are travelling together in Europe in late March early April. <BR>We will be in Florence for 2 days April 2 & 3 (the Friday & Saturday before Easter) and we will be in Venice April 4 (Easter Sunday). It is just the way the trip worked out. <BR>Can anyone comment on the following hotels: <BR>Florence - Hotel Bellettini or Hermitage Hotel <BR>Venice - Hotel Geremia <BR>Hotel and any other suggestions welcomed.... <BR>Anyone know what it is like to be in Venice on Easter Sunday??? <BR>Thanks - Amy Lubeck

Amy, <BR>An article some years ago in the travel section of the Sunday New York Times about the Hermitage Hotel prompted our stay there. I recommend it highly. It's location is ideal, on the banks of the Arno not fifty yards from the Ponte Vecchio, less than that from the Uffizi. The breakfast room has a superb view of Florence. The staff consists predominantly of delightful, multi-lingual young women who are extremely knowledgeable about the city and its goings on. By all means heed their restaurant recommendations; you'll enjoy some great meals.

Hi Amy. I have spent alot of time in both Flor and Venice. The Hermitage in Florence is great , get reservations now if you don't have them already, you may not be able to get in. I have found it books up way in advance, it is that good. If it is contact me, I know of several others that are also great. I grew up in Rome and go back to Italy often. Easter in Venice will be very, very, very crowded!! It will be full of european school kids on there Easter week break. They are very noisy. I spend one (and only one) Easter in Venice, never again. Now is you haven't been there, it is so spectactular that you may not mind that is is so crowded and noisy, but you might want to plan that day on one of the smaller islands or at least not in St. Mark's Square. One of my favorite resuarants there is Da Ivo. It is a little hard to find but oh, so worth it. Very venitian and not terribly expensive. What price range are you looking at for Vencie?? I could help you better is you could give me an idea of level of luxury or how spartan you are willing to go. I know several hotels and pensions in Venice. I am going in Feb and March of 99. I have never been to Carnival and I decided this is the year. I would be happy to help more if you would like. Just email me with any further questions. <BR>

I am also looking for a wounderful quaint holtel in Venice. My husband and I will be there the first part of May celebrating our 20th aniversary. We prefer small atmospheric places, it does not need to be spectacular. But clean with our own bath. We would like to spend under $150.00/night. Any suggestions? <BR>

Carol, I can only recommend the hotel I stayed at 3 years ago in March. Albergo Paganelli facing the lagoon, just about 2 short blocks from Piazza San Marco. At that time, it was just under $90/night. All six in our group found it very charming and comfortable and told me I made a great choice. (Phew!) Slightly creakly floors, tiny interior courtyard, sidewalk cafe out front, green awnings, yellow building, great views and great location. Found it thru Fordor's Italy!

Carol--I second the recommendation of the Paganelli. It's just a couple of doors down from the Danieli one of the fanciest hotels in Venice, on the Riva Schiavoni, so you know the location's wonderful. There's a vaporetto stop almost in front of the hotel. I stayed there on my first trip to Italy, loved it then, and cherish my memories of the place. As with many places in europe the rooms are small but very clean. A little history: it's been a hotel since the 19th century--in fact, Henry James stayed there!!!

Thanks for the help. We decided to skip Venice on this trip - because we would be hitting it on Easter. We are still going to Florence. <BR> <BR>Has anyone ever heard of or stayed at the Bellettini...we are leaning toward that hotel - sounds nice and it is about $100 cheaper than the Hermitage. <BR>-Amy

We stayed at the Hotel Ritz in Florence overlooking the Arno River. I believe it was a 3 or 4 star place and is walking distance just south from where the Hermitage would be, if memory serves me right.