Hotel Cesari in Rome, Locanda San Barnaba in Venice; opinions please?
 

Has anyone out there stayed lately at the Hotel Cesari in Rome or the Locanda San Barnaba in Venice? I would appreciate hearing your opinion. <BR>Also, I would love to know of a wonderful hotel to stay in as a base from which to visit the Lucca-Sienna area, and also one between Venice and Milan before taking a 2pm plane out of Milan. <BR>Thank you. <BR>Judy <BR>

Cesari is nice and in a great central location at a good price!

I agree that Cesari is thumbs up - - and if you are foolish enough to take a car into Rome (like me), the nearest parking garage is quite close - - between the Trevi fountain and the hotel - - less than 200 yards (pretty good by Rome standards!) <BR> <BR>And you CAN drive a car right up to the front door for unloading purposes, even though you might never guess it, given the location. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

Judy, Hotel Cesari is fine and a great location but don't think it is a romantic, quaint hotel. The room we had was large (A) but the decor I would rate as C. Location was A for everything but St. Peters and Sistine Chapel. Pantheon was almost next door and Trevi Fountain a block away. Coliseum, ancient room, and Spanish Steps were a few blocks away but walkable.

Thank you, friends, for reasssuring me about Hotel Cesari. Even if it lacks in ambience, judging by the response I have gotten to my emails the staff is very friendly and helpful and that, together with its great location, and now your recommendations, satisfies me. And no, I am not driving a car into Rome. I am such a coward about driving that we will not have a car until we leave Florence even though I otherwise would drive out to Hadrian's villa when we leave Rome (I read there are buses there, though). I admire your courage. <BR>The only other hotel which appeals to me, though it costs more, is Albergo del Sole which, according to Karen Brown's book, looks out on the Pantheon. Wow. <BR>Fodor recommends this hotel as well as the Cesari. Couldn't find Cesari in the other guide books I've looked at, though, so I am especially grateful for this first-hand information. <BR>Thanks again, <BR>Judy <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Judy-- Don't feel bad about not looking out at the Pantheon. The piazza is a major late night hangout for twentysomethings and teens in Rome. So it's really noisy!!