Marjean

This is my first posting so be kind but honest. My husband (in our lates 60s) and I are going on a trip to Italy with a friend in her late 30s who has never been so we want to make it special. We have Marriott and Starwood points to use and are thinking of staying at the Grand Hotel Flora in Rome (Marriott) Hotel Gritti Palace in Venice and the Westin Excelsior in Florence and want 3 people in one room. Has anyone stayed or visited these hotel? What do you think? Obviously we wouldn't pay cash for these hotels because they are very pricey..Since we can use points..well you know...Or since you are all so knowledgeable...do you say forget the points and go somewhere else?

I will be asking other questions regarding trains and things to see later.

Thank you for your help..

rex

This only has a little bit to do with travel, and is much more about the etiquette of having this conversation, with the younger friend. You don't say how many nights is the trip altogether, but assuming that it's more than five, and less than thirty... it's not so "special" that none of three of you can escpae each other... for all the things you do in a hotel room (mostly bathing, dressing, sleeping).

This "free" opportunity is unfortunately too good to be true. Presumably, it's too expensive to buy a separate room for her (from your pocket, or from hers). One way or another, she needs to pay something, or you need to pay something, to come up with some separation, for at least some portion of the trip.

Best wishes,

Rex

book6783

My brother and I are sharing triple rooms throughout out trip to Italy. We get along very well together and hope to feel the same after the trip
We are also using Starwood points. These are all first class hotels. You can't pass up the opportunity to save a bundle of money. We plan to stay at the Westin Excelsior in Florence too. From the photos and being that it is a Westin, it should be very nice.

Enjoy your trip.

Shalott

Two family members quite used to each other's personal foibles are different imo from one couple + one friend, however dear and close the friend.
I'd give the friend an extra special trip and find some way to have her have her own bedroom. Perhaps at least a 2br suite?

JandaO

this may help

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=34739858

have a fun trip

Marjean

Thank you for your thoughts. I forgot to mention that this young friend has travelled with us extensively through Australia (twice) always in the same room and on a cruise through France, England and Ireland. So we know what we are getting and so far it has worked well. Our itinerary includes. 3 days in Rome and then taking a cruise on Oceania for 10 days through Italy, Croatia and Greece and ending up in Venice where we will stay 3 days; take a train to Florence stay two days and then on to Rome where we will fly home. Any other thoughts? You are so knowledgeable. I wish I had known about this site years ago.

victoria_reynolds

Well, if you are confident that the 3 in a room bit won't detract from the trip, these hotels are probably better than most to accommodate you. Frankly, if the points mean you get to stay completely free, it seems pretty straight forward unless you have some more compelling use for the points. And many European style hotels would not easily fit three adults. I'd go for it.