Hotels are a small part of a trip. How about a car and driver? No luggage to hassle. Pick-up at the airport. No trains or planes...Delivery to the restaurant or opera! Europeans of some means usually drive themselves where ever.

Not too sure what it is about Bastille day in Paris, but if that's what he wants.... if anyone has suggestions, I'm open to trying to convince him to spend it elsewhere!!!
As far as hotels being a small part, it is and I have it all figured out, thanks to all for your input.
A car and driver sounds like a nice idea but not necessary. We will have a car in France but not in Italy.

If you want romantic in Venice, I'd vote for Ca Maria Adele!

I do want romantic!! I'm booking Ca Maria Adele for Rome, La Minerve in Venice and Crillon le Brave just outside of Avignon.
That should fill the romance quota!

oops. I reversed those. but you know what I meant! Kids talking to me and doing this at the same time...multi tasking on a weekend!!