Hello-I will be going to Italy (my dream vacation!) for the first time this summer. I would like some hotel recommendations for Rome & Venice-a hotel centrally located to everything, clean but doesn't have to be 5 star!, maybe with a good view-something memorable! Thanks!

Have used these over the years and been satisified with staff, service and etc.,
and would return.
HOTEL SATURNIA, Calle Larga 22 Marzo,2348 is a 4 star 95 room hotel\
located about two blocks west of the Pza S.Marco..
HOTEL DE LA VILLE, via Sistina, 69 is a 4 star with 189 rooms located just down from the top of the Spanish Steps..

Richard of LaGrange Park, Il..

What about something very central with a view of the Pantheon?

http://www.albergodelsenato.it/home.html

(I understand, though, that some of the rooms are not very large, and you do have to ask for a room with a view of the Pantheon.)

Venice

Locando Orseolo

Book now!!!! Don't wait. It is probably too late already! Go do it!!!

I stayed at the Hotel Antica Venezia in Venice
It wasn't a super special, but it was steps away from San Marco, and the breakfast was pretty good. Bathrooms were private but not in the room. The hotel I satyed at in Rome was nice, and right by the Vatican, but nowhere near anything else. I wouldn't recommend it.

You should look at venere.com they have maps that show you where the hotels are located in relation to major tourist spots. VERY helpful

Have a GREAT time!

Pensione La Calcina a 3-star in Venice with some view rooms over the Guidecca shipping canal, but it is very popular and has been mostly booked from the reports of recent posters here.
www.lacalcina.com

thanks so much for your replies! i will look into your suggestions--any others would be appreciated as well!

We were quite satisfied with Hotel Wildner in Venice. The view from the front rooms is super. No elevator, so upper floors can be a climb, but rooms were clean and seemed like they had been renovated not long ago. Easy to find, and close to San Marco. I would second venere.com as a good site to find a range of hotels with maps to give a feel for location.

Check out www.tripadvisor.com for both cities. Excellent resource.