Hotels are booked, I'm so excited!
 

Hello all,

I just booked my final hotel of my trip in June...I had previously booked places for 4 nights in Florence, 4 nights in Positano, and now 4 nights in Rome. I was debating between the Ponte Sisto and Albergo del Senato, figuring prices and going back and forth. I emailed del Senato, asking about availabilities and descriptions, and was given specifics on the rooms as well as 100 Euros off (total) the rates they were showing online. I was putty in their hands, and went with the Junior Suite. I am excited and relieved to have that part done!
Now, it's just waiting to find good airfare. I'm flying out of Iowa, so there are a couple stops involved and some extra expense, but still prices are around $1300-$1400. I'm hopeful to find something, closer to our departure, that is around $1000...if anyone has any experience or advice about the waiting game, I'm all ears! But mostly, I'm just so happy that I wanted to share!

The Del Senato is a great location. I always search flights on itasoftware. You don't have to register, just click guest. You can't purchase from them, but when I see what I want, then I go to the airline website and book. Are you flying in and out of Rome?

Thanks for the tip on itasoftware...it looks useful.

I can fly in and of Rome, but was thinking about flying into Florence and out of Rome.

Am I right in that you're a big bourban fan? We have a lovely rye made here in Iowa, called Templeton, that makes a pretty tasty sazerac, among other things. But nothing tops a bourbon and soda (for me)!

My SN is for my state (KY) and the bourbon part is because one of my ancestors (Elijah Craig) supposedly invented bourbon although it's much debated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourbon_whiskey

I'm a big fan of Italy. :)

Our family stayed at the Del Sonato in the Suite a few years ago and we absolutely loved it! The balcony has views of the Pantheon, you can almost reach out and touch it, there is also a nice rooftop bar. There are many nice restaurants and shopping in the area. Very nice choice! I am going back with my 16 yr old daughter this June and although we would love to stay there again, we are choosing less expensive options so that we can stay for three weeks. Have a great trip!

There is a very good restaurant near del Senato. It's called Armando al Pantheon. When you leave the front door of your hotel, just keep walking, past the Pantheon on your left, to the newspaper kiosk you see. The restaurant is right there. You should make a reservation if you want to have dinner there.

It's worth it not just because the owners care and it's good Roman cuisine. They also have on there menu dishes made from the ancient Roman recipes of Apicius -- and they can be delicious.

Also, you will surely stumble across the elephant and obelisk not far from the hotel. Look inside the church there too. It's unique.

Flying into Florence might work.