IMO , The St George hotel is not a "luxury" hotel. The hotel is ok, the rooms stylish but small. We had supposedly upgraded to a "deluxe" room and I found it quite small. The A/C didn't work and breakfast was average. Service at front desk completly perfunctory.

Josh,

Can't you get either/ both hotels with points? We were in a cruise last year with a couple who stayed precruise at Eden and post cruise at Europa and Regina , both with points. They loved both properties, I don't think you'll regret your choice.

Eden is 25k a night, the Excelsior in Rome was 12k but it was all booked, we choose to do points and pay, we paid for the cheaper property, we chose points for the most expensive. Europa in Venice was something in the rage of 400 Euros a night + tax but 16k points, the Eden was 300 Euros a night or 25k points. If the Excelsior was available we would have done that on points as well, and took the money we would have saved and spent it on a tour/s and food etc...

I have to agree with justbronwyn. The Raphael Hotel just off Piazza Navona is ideal for luxury and convenience.
We stayed there for 10 days last spring and can still remember the delicious, plentiful breakfasts.
Walking distance to many sites, and buses close by, if needed.
Would definitely stay there again.

Last year we (first timers) stayed at the Hassler in Rome. Just amazing - service, location at the top of the Spanish Steps and a short walk to the Pincio, beautiful luxurious room which was very quiet (great bathroom), we had buffet breakfast included .. super yummy (try the capuccino) - in the loveliest location in the hotel. Afternoon drinks and snacks at the bar were very cool. Couldn't ask for nicer people. Highly recommend. Splurge.
We are going to Venice this year (September) and are trying to decide between San Clemente Palace and the Cipriani. S.C. Palace is within your (and our) budget. We like it mainly because it's on its own private island - hotel runs a shuttle boat all day and night between the main part of Venice and the island. Takes 5-10 minutes. We've heard Venice is out-of-control crowded and want to have our late nights and mornings quiet and nice. We also like to exercise and there is a walking track around the perimeter of the island (gardens, etc) and a tennis court and pool. Restaurants and bars galore. As for the Cipriani it's insanely expensive, but we can always save all the money in advance and then splurge. Go to the websites for both and you'll drool.
Have a wonderful trip.