Nancy

I think that hotel is near the train station, and it too, is not that close to the activity in Rome. Why not stay closer to, say, the Spanish Steps, or Via Condotti? There are plenty of four star hotels close in to the sights, your child will be pretty tired walking just to get into the center of things. And you will want to walk around after dinner, without taking taxis, etc.

kindly, susan

Carol, Even when working thru a travel agent, you could still check a map and see the location of the various hotels they are suggesting to you in relation to the center of town, monuments, sights you are interested in, etc.<BR><BR>Agents often recommend hotels that they get good commissions from, not necessarily the best or in prime locations, or ones that they themselves have ever stayed at (ask your agent when they were in Europe last).<BR><BR>I guess this advice is more for another trip because it seems like you've got things worked out for this time.

Eye Spy

I second Rex's earlier suggestion to compare prices on www.venere.com. In checking all the major search engines, some minor ones and Venere, Venere is by far the most consistent in listing the best prices. The Grand Hotel is lovely. Great choice for your first trip to Florence and within walking distance to everything. It's a 5 star and I've stayed there on two occasions, my second stay even better than the first. It shares Piazza d'Ognissanti with the Excelsior -- some of the rooms have great frescoes. All are decorated in typical Florentine style. The lobby is magnificent. Take the train as much as you can, preferably the Pendolino to Florence and Venice (the fast train).

When can

Eye Spy, give us some hint who you are? does it start with the letter &quot;E&quot;.<BR><BR>Uncle Sam has been outed recently, you know.<BR>

Pam

Definitely if you are staying Rome, Florence and Venice do not rent a car..it will only make you crazy. The trains from Rome to Florence and Florence to Venice are pretty fast and a nice way to travel with this tip...pack small suitcases and as few of them as possible. The place for your suitcases on the trains is in relatively small compartments (if you are lucky over your seat). You must rely on your own muscle and the kindness of strangers in dealing with your bags. Also..when you arrive in Venice you will be lugging your suitcases on the vaporetti which can be done but is much easier the smaller the bags. Check out La Calchina in Venice. It's a small pensione ideally located far (or a bit removed) from the maddening crowdand somewhat less in $ than the Accademia. It will perhaps be quieter as well. It is situated on ca canal just not the Grand One.

Pam

Definitely if you are staying Rome, Florence and Venice do not rent a car..it will only make you crazy. The trains from Rome to Florence and Florence to Venice are pretty fast and a nice way to travel with this tip...pack small suitcases and as few of them as possible. The place for your suitcases on the trains is in relatively small compartments (if you are lucky over your seat). You must rely on your own muscle and the kindness of strangers in dealing with your bags. Also..when you arrive in Venice you will be lugging your suitcases on the vaporetti which can be done but is much easier the smaller the bags. Check out La Calchina in Venice. It's a small pensione ideally located far (or a bit removed) from the maddening crowdand somewhat less in $ than the Accademia. It will perhaps be quieter as well. It is situated on a canal just not the Grand One.

Marj

I agree with Susan's comments regarding travel agents. Unless the agent has been there and had similar needs as you, they are not necessarily all that well informed. You can find get excellent hotel information from here as well as guide books. You can easily book them yourself, by email, phone or fax. Look on maps to check the location in relation to the sites. In rome, I think the best location is the Navonna/Pantheon/Campo De Fiori area. Many hotels are located within a few blocks of there.

kindly, Susan again

Don't know that you're looking for a Venice hotel at this point, but wanted to agree with Pam above. Pensione La Calcina is a fabulous little hotel for Venice. Have stayed there twice. www.lacalcina.com