MaureenB

Finally, in Rome, we stayed at the Domus Julia, just below the Barberini Palace and very near the Spanish Steps, at via Rasella 32. It's the apartment-style annex to the Hotel Julia. You are served a very nice breakfast buffet in the hotel's breakfast room, which is charming. It's on a small side street, so not loud.

My Rome trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34813272

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kwelch

We were in Rome in Sept 2005, stayed at the Hotel Parlamento a small pensione. Really enjoyed our stay, staff very helpful, great location! We had 2 rooms that opened on to the roof terrace. We would pick up some wine and cheese and meet there in the evenings. It was very reasonable in 2005. I would stay there again.

canyonjane

I realize that many recommendations have been made for hotels in Florence, but I thought I would add one more. We loved the Hotel Davanzati, which is ranked number one in Florence on www.tripadvisor.com. That ranking is what made me reserve rooms there, and I can tell you that the ranking is well deserved. The hotel is well located, well kept with amenities that include laptops with wifi provided for guests in the bedrooms at no extra charge, and the owners, who speak English fluently, are exceptionally helpful to guests making reservations, giving suggestions and problem solving on an individual basis.