I will be taking my first trip to Italy in April with my husband. In Rome, I was looking at the hotel Dei Mellini (near the Vatican). I am looking for a 4 star hotel - any thoughts on this hotel or other recommendation? How is the location - I do not necessarily need to be near the Vatican. Also, in Florence, the hotel Plaza Lucchesi was recommended, near the Santa Croce. Any recommendations or reviews of these two hotels would be apprectiated!

FYI, the star rating in Italy is not a rating of luxury but of amenities. A crummy hotel might get four stars because it has a meeting room and an elevator, or whatever the required amenities are. Therefore, you might consider some two- or three-star options for the same amount of luxury, depending on your needs.

A better guideline: What is your budget per night?

Have you checked for reviews of these hotels at Tripadvisor.com?

Hi

Not sure that I can help you with accommodation. But here is my Florence trip report with photos and maps http://gardkarlsen.com/florence_italy_travelogue.htm and a similar trip report from Rome http://gardkarlsen.com/rome_italy.htm . Maybe you can find some useful info there to start with. Have a great trip...both are wonderful cities to visit. Get in touch if you have any questions or comments.

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

I know a 4 star hotel in Rome to suggest you: Hotel Ponte Sisto http://www.hotelpontesisto.it/
Great place to stay! Nice and clean room with a wonderful view of Rome. Good location, very central, secure and near a lot of attactions and monuments: Trastevere, Vatican, Pantheon, Navona Square, Colosseum...

I second hotel ponte sisto, great location.