I'm planning a multi-city tour to Italy this summer. I have booked some hotels already. Curious to know if any one has stayed in the Hotel Lord Byron in Rome? Also, are ther cab fares in Italy fair? I want to get an idea so I don't get screwed. I'll have to take a caor public tranporation if not to far) from Milan airport into the city. I'll also be in the Alfami Coast. I booked the Hotel Santa Caterina. Actually throughout Italy I want to see sights "off the beaten path" Any suggestions are welcome and I appreciate the help.<BR><BR>Thanks

Hi, I have stayed at the Lord Byron in Rome, and can tell you the rooms are tiny. It's a beautiful hotel, in a residential location (you'll take a taxi to get anywhere), and you can change the channels with your feet while lying in bed. I'd stay with an American chain to find a decent sized room. My husband and I insisted for a larger room that was about and extra yard and a half.<BR>As for the airport in Milan to the city, there is the option of the taxi that can run to about 80 Euro (75$), or the very efficient train service (Malpensa Express) that picks you up in the airport, and brings you to the center of town (about an hour). This will cost you about a quater of the taxi, and from there you can pick up a bus, tram, or taxi to your hotel. There is a information office located at the Malpensa Express station in the city when you arrive and they can help you decide.<BR>I can't help you out with Almafi, but if you make it to Santa Margarita, my favorite restaurant is Oca Bianca and in Milan it's Terza Carbonia. I love these places. Have a great trip.<BR>Melissa

I forgot to tell you about how cab fares work...<BR>When you get in a cab from the street the automatic startup fare is 3 Euro. And you can watch it grow. The driver will ask you for a supplement depending on 3 things<BR>1) how many bags you have<BR>2) if it's sunday or a holiday<BR>3) if it's after 8pm<BR>The supplement is not more than 3 Euro (usually) a ten minute ride will cost you around 8-10 Euro. Not cheap, but worth it if you are not used to public transportation. Less stress sometimes.<BR>Anyway the fare is written on the meter and should always be followed. Now with the Euro there should be no problem counting money, and be sure to do it. Most drivers are honest, but some aren't and like to play on the stupid tourist. The supplement will not be on the meter, and you can always ask for a reciept (scontrino). Ciao, Melissa

I suggest you learn how to spell it before you go there: It's Amalfi!

Thanks spelling police. I'll take your advice and cancel my three week vacation to Italy until I learn how to spell WAIT, WAIT....Amalfi

Melissa,<BR><BR>Thanks for the advice. I'm printing it as we speak.

Is there an additional charge for more passengers (4)?

I'm confused: Is ca the same person as Linda Lord?<BR>In any event, ca, if you take such strong offense to a humorous posting, I'd hate to encounter you after a more serious situation!

Used taxis in Romes several times and felt that they were incredibly well priced. For example, we rode from the Via Nazionale to the Vatican city for 5 EURO (non rush hour), same trip in rush hour (45 minutes) cost 15 EURO.

OK, let's accept that Spelling Police doesn't have a life, and move on.<BR><BR>I found the cabdrivers in Rome and elsewhere to fair and honest. Sometimes, I'd check on them by asking the hotel staff to estimate a fare from point A to point B, and usually the actual fare was right on target.<BR><BR>One thing to note in Rome: We found the subway convenient, cheap and easy to use. I'd stay away from it at rush hours, but other than that, it was OK.