I'm taking my wife to Rome in 3/02 for her 1/2 century b-day and have tentative reservations for the Marriott. Two questions:1) Is this hotel worth the money and is the location good for site-seeing, restruants, shops (it's near the Villa Venetio? (2) Does anyone have experience with the Ludovisi Palace, is it as nice as the pictures on their web page, and is it's location better for site-seeing, etc. than the Marriott? I guess a third question is: Does anyone have a better suggestion? For example the Pantheon Hotel has caught my eye as well.<BR>Thank you very much,<BR>Geoff R.<BR><BR><BR>

We visited Rome last March for our 30th anniversary...so I think we're in the same age range.<BR><BR>Our personal opinion on where to stay is in the heart of the old city. We wanted the charm of old Rome and found it by just walking out our hotel and meandering around in the evenings. There are wonders around every corner.<BR><BR>We stayed in two small hotels near the Pantheon and loved the location. If I had the choice, I'd go for a hotel in that location.<BR><BR>Have fun. If you have any questions, just write.

What is the name of the Marriot hotel? I didn't know there was a Marriot in Rome! We stayed at the Intercontinental, at the top of the Spanish steps and loved it. However, it's my understanding that is undergoing renovations , so there might be construction work going on.

Carol = We are in that anniversary range too, and will be in Rome in August. Could you post the names of your hotels and any comments? (Or e-mail.) Thanks!

If we are talking about The Flora Marriott located on Via Veneto than yes it is a lovely hotel but there are much better choices. We stayed their 2 years ago hoping to use Marriott points but instead were guaranteed a room upgrade. It turned out to be a good deal. The hotel is lovely but for the price you can do much better and be in a more central location. We walked everywhere but found it quite draining.(We're in our late 30's) We will be in Rome again this summer and, after much research, have chosen to stay at the albergo del senato (albergodelsenato.com)with a room overlooking the Pantheon. Have a look.

Christine,<BR>Thank you. We are healthy 50 year olds(hard to believe). I appreciate your response. I'll watch this for the next day or so and, unless someone disagrees, we will book elsewhere(ex.Pantheon).