My wife and I are planning a 1st trip to Italy in March and I'm trying to search for the best hotel for us. We're looking for someplace semi-upscale but not too pricey in a decent location, and, please note, my wife's a stickler for cleanliness and bathrooms. We'd appreciate any comments on the hotels listed below, and other recommendations are welcome, of course.<BR><BR>Rome - Dei Consoli, Fori Imperiali Cavalieri, Mecenate Palace, Residenza Paolo IV, Tritone, and Villa San Pio<BR><BR>Venice - La Calcina, Accademia villa Maravege, Giorgione, Monaco &amp; Grand, and Monte Carlo<BR><BR>Grazie!

Hans, the only one I know for sure on your list (I tend to be a more bargain traveler, although a stickler on cleanliness) is La Calcina. It comes up often around this forum and is a wonderful spot. Gracious place, wonderful hosts and excellent locale.

I have stayed at the Accademia villa maravege also known as <BR><BR>pensioneaccademia.it<BR><BR>We enjoyed our stay here a lot.<BR><BR>Rome-I looked into the Villa San Pio but thought it was too far outside the city center.

Hans, from that list, I would pick the San Pio and the Pension Accademia.<BR>In Rome I would add the Cesari and in Venice the Violino d' Oro. Good luck !

Hans, if your wife has a bathroom phobia be sure and get upscale, most of the budget hotels have clean bathrooms but they have tiny, tiny showers or no shower and only a tub. She probably wouldnt want to use a tub where someone else bathed. Some of the drains back up too so be careful.

WE STAYED AT THE MONTE CARLO IN VENICE LAST YEAR AND GOING AGAIN IN JULY 2003. Big room, good A/C and a nice US type bathroom with tub and shower. Enjoy!!<BR>

In Venice , the Splendid Suisse is between the Rialto Bridge &amp; San Marco...excellent hotel .<BR><BR>In Rome , try either Hotel Mascagni or Hotel Genio...both are excellent !

We loved the Villa San Pio, as has everyone who has stayed there on our recommendation. No problems with cleanliness, but it is about a 20-minute walk to the Forum.

I second the recommendation for the Mascagni in Rome. This is a 4-star hotel that feels like a 5-star. You might also look at the Hotel Dei Mellini. Very nice, great staff, good location.<BR><BR>In Venice, I have to agree with Lottie, who <BR>advised that you go upscale. Try the Colombina or the Locanda Vivaldi. the Monaco and Grand Canal underwent a complete redo between Jan-March 2002, and it should be fantastic. I'll be the bathrooms will please your sensitive wife.

I stayed at the Monte Carlo in Venice in late September. The room was very large (there were three of us) and nicely decorated. The bathroom was also very nice and modern (although there was no shower door or curtain, so the floor got pretty wet until we got the hang of it!) If you want to be near San Marco, the location is great.