We will be going to Rome, Florence and Venice. This will be our first time, can't wait!<BR><BR>Florence : anyone stayed at Hotel Della Signoria (booked through Smallandeleganthotel.com, fantastic service!)<BR>Venice: can't decide between Montecarlo and Bisanzio. How far is the public boat dock from the Montecarlo (walking)? Also, easiest way(stress-free) way to get there from train station?<BR><BR>Thank you for everyone's comments!

Josie -<BR>We stayed at hotel Bisanzio this time last year and really enjoyed it. It's an easy walk to St. Marks. The vaporetto stop is right there and is a good one as it is the last or second last on the route so we always got a good spot to sit. There are no canal views as the hotel is set back but the rooms look out into a central courtyard that is quaint and sunny. The dining room is big with lots of choices for breakfast. The staff was great and always ready for a laugh.<BR>You'll have a blast wherever you go.<BR>If traveling in Rome in the summer - book an air-conditioned room or weep that you didn't .Eat lots of gelato. Rice pudding gelato is to die for.<BR>Take vaporetto #1 and ride it for the entire route at sunset. Camera, then, is a must. <BR>Char

We will be staying at the Monte Carlo the end of May. when are you going?

My husband and I just returned from our first trip to Italy and while in Venice stayed at the Hotel Montecarlo. I would definitely recommend this hotel. While it is a three star and the rooms aren't huge - we found the service to be better than that of the four stars we atayed at in Florence and Rome. The room was nicely decorated, the bed was comfortable and the bathroom was newly done and beautiful. The breakfast room was very nice and the breakfast was excellent. We found the front desk staff to be very friendly and helpful. <BR><BR>The only drawback is that you do have to walk across one bridge and through Piazza San Marco to get to the hotel - but it is no more than five minutes from the Vaporetto stop. It is an easy Vaporetto ride from the train station - approximately 15-20 minutes total and lots to see on the way. Just go to the Vaporetto stop in front of the Termini (train station) and tell them you want to take it to San Marco - they will tell you the number of the Vaporetto you want, they come frequently and I think it was only 3 Euros or so. To avoid too many bridges get off at the stop just before the one in front of the Hotel Danieli. <BR><BR>Enjoy!

Kelly-- did you come from the airport to the Monte Carlo ? we are-- so if you could give me more specific directions I would appreciate it. also was the area quiet at night and what did the breakfast consist of.? Any specific room to ask for that is better or quieter than others? thanks for the info

Harriette, Yes we did arrive at the airport in Venice. We took a water taxi to the hotel as this was included in the price of our booking (we booked air, trains and hotels through Italiatours - we were travelling independently though, not on a tour). I was really pleased to see that this was the mode of transfer included in our booking - as it is definitely the best way to go. I understand it is quite expensive however (maybe 80 Euros?) We did see people at the airport joining up with others to share a water taxi. If you don't take a private water taxi I don't know how you get there - there may be water buses, which would be much cheaper. We did meet some people who took a cab on land to a destination closer to their hotel and then took a water taxi - but they regretted doing it this way and said they would be taking a water taxi all the way to airport on their way out.<BR><BR>As for the hotel - we had a 2nd floor room over looking the street (Spechierri) but we did not find it too noisy. It is a bustling little street, but there is no vehicular traffic so the only sounds are voices, we don't have trouble sleeping and I think we even kept the window open a few nights. The most noise was in the morning when the hotel cleaning staff started very early!<BR><BR>Breakfast was great - coffee made to order and a buffet consisting of sweet pastries, bread for toasting, butter, jams, crusty rolls, ham, cheese, cereal, milk, yogurt, fruit juices. It was busy while we were there but we always got a seat - you might do well to ask at the desk when the less busy times are to come down in the morning.<BR><BR>Have a great time!<BR> <BR><BR>