We will be visiting Italy for the first time this September. My dream trip is finally coming true. However, I must say that being so many thousands of miles away I'm concerned as to whether we've made the right hotal choices. Please.. if anyone out there has feedback I would love to hear (read) from you. This is what the itinerary looks like: <BR> <BR>Venice: Hotel Paganelli 3 nights <BR>Drive to Florence <BR>Florence: Hotel Lombardy 6 nights <BR>Drive to Amalfi (Yes..I know it's a long drive.) <BR>Amalfi: Hotel Aurora 3 nights <BR>Drive to Rome (DROP off car...refuse to drive in Rome) <BR>Rome: Too many hotel choices ...I need suggestions 3-4* for 2 nights. <BR> <BR>Can anyone help? I just want to make sure that we haven't made any major reservation blunders. I would love to hear from those that have stayed at these hotels and from those who might have any "wonderful" suggestions. <BR> <BR>Thanks for your time.

Irit, My husband & I stayed at the Paganelli in May 1994. A friend of my husband who was at the time a Science Adviser for the US Army in Italy booked this hotel for us thru the Army Office in Livorno. Located in RIVA SCHIAVONI 4182, VERY CLOSE to Piazza San Marco (2 short blocks) in front of the lagoon with five vaporetto lines making stops almost exactly in front of the hotel building (Vaporetto Ferovia & Lido and Motoscafo Ferovia & Lido are the closest boat lines from the parking lot across the main lagoon where you leave your cars). It is an old Venetian mansion with nice furniture, clean and comfortable; rooms are somewhat small, but then again so is the average room in Venice (who spend time indoors anyway?). The owner was a very kind and helpful old man. There was a restaurant next door. A fellow poster called Carol shared a while back that the Paganelli has been a hotel since the 19th Century and that the writer Henry James used to stayed there when in Venice! Have a great time in September!

Can't comment on any of your already selected hotels but would suggest the Due Torri in rome---small and good location. there was a lot of info on Rome hotesl on this forum a while back so you might do a search. <BR> <BR>Also, you didn't ask, but-----do you really want six nights in Florence? What about 3-4 nights and then head south to a smaller town in Tuscany so you get to see that beautiful area. Would also get you headed in the right direction for your Amalfi segment. In any case, I've been lucky enough to go to Italy several times---it is truly magical and you will habe a fabulous time!!

Thank you Maira. That certainly makes me feel more secure.

Thanks Maggie. You're right about the length of stay in Florence, however, given that it's our first time we thought we might at least get a "foot hold" in Florence and then drive around to different regions from there. The length of stay in Florence helped us get a discounted rate. We'll be paying 170,000 LIT per night. You might be right though, perhaps we'll look into staying in Tuscany once we get there. Thanks again.

In Rome I would recommend the Internazionale...It's location is perfect at the top of the Spanish Steps, next to the Hassler and De la Ville..but not nearly as expensive

Hello from Spore, Irit. WOw! U are going to all my favourite places... We stayed at Hotel Lombardy, Firenze for our h/moon in Spring this year. Not a spectacular hotel though BUT the location was simply great [ near to the stazione & major sites ], reasonably priced, clean rooms - Im quite particular abt the state of the rooms & the best part is that the staff are very helpful. Thus, I believe U may not have chosen a wrong one... I also agree with Maggie that U cd probably do 3-4 nights in Firnze & then hit off to Tuscany... U will be amazed with the truly quaint towns. well, of course, if U love shopping, then 6 nights in Firenze wd definitly be okay... <BR>As for Rrromantic Venise [one of our favourite places in Italy ], we stayed at Hotel Florida that was situated VERY near to the stazione.. However, room & staff was not that great as compared with Lombardy's. All the abovementioned hotels are reated 2 stars only. <BR>In Roma, then again, we chose a 3star hotel i.e. Canada Hotel. Not bad however it is located near the stazione so walking to some major sites may dazzled U. <BR> <BR> howver be careful of pickpockets & teenaged gyspies. If U ever see a group of gyp lofing around waiting to attack U , hey - SHOUT & SHOVE em away.... But, pickpockets aside, U WILL DEFINITELY .ENJOY ITALY - We LOVE ITALY....

Thank you Laiyee. It's nice to hear from someone who's stayed at the Lombardy. I chose it primarily (as you said) for its location and the fact that I was able to "see" the owners picture on their website. It feels like a real family run type of place. That's what attracted me too. And ofcourse, the price is right. Thanks again.