I'm planning a trip to Italy for my parents, who are in their early 60s and generally very active. I want them to stay someplace that is really luxurious in each of these 3 cities, in a great, non-sketchy neighborhood, and within walking distance to the "center" of things. I'm not that concerned with cost (this is an anniversary trip) but not looking for something ridiculously expensive, either. Any ideas?

Not sure what "ridiculously expensive" means to you, but the Hotel di Russie, near the Spanish Steps in Rome is memorable. A totally enclosed courtyard backing up to the Pincio Hill and dining under the umbrellas with a string orchestra. I think the tarriff is in the 500 euro per night range. I'm sure they have a website.

Not be rude or unhelpful, but you could easily find hotels meeting those requirements by clicking on "Hotels" or "Destinations" on the top.

It's hard to know a stranger's idea of what is "really luxurious" and not "ridiculously expensive"... it helps if you post an actual price.

That said, Penione La Calcina is a wonderful 3-star in a great location in Venice www.lacalcina.com

I took my mom and aunt, early 60s, on their first Italy trip a couple of years ago. The Del Senato (3 star? 4 star?) in Rome is great if you can get a Pantheon view. And "the ladies" were also quite happy at La Calcina in Venice even though it was well below their budget!

I tried to save them a few bucks in Florence and...oops, my mistake.

Now that I've re-read your post, I have to say the hotels I mentioned are not "really luxurious." Very nice and well-located, but "luxurious"--hmm, they probably don't qualify.

Look at the Hotel Raphael. It is "really luxurious" and has the best possible location - right off Piazza Navona. I'm not sure what "ridiculously expensive" means in dollar/euro amounts. The doubles here are €960 a night and the suites are €1700 a night. It's a little more if you get the breakfasts.

http://www.raphaelhotel.com/eng.html

Hi sa123 ~

For Florence, we stayed at Palazzo Niccolini. It dates back to the 14th century and was beautiful and very unique. It's structure once housed the workshop of Donatello. Wonderful location.

In Venice, for location and personal attention Locanda Orseolo cannot be beat, they will be honored guests.

If you would like more info feel frre to click onto my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34758287

What a lovely one you are planning this for your parents.

Cin, cin, Tiff

I loved the Alessandra in Florence. www.hotelalessandra.com We stayed in the yellow room shown on the website, and the window opened up for a wonderful view of the Arno. About a 2 minute walk to the Ponte Vecchio, 5 minutes to Piazza della Signoria, 10-15 to the Duomo. Very quiet side street, given where it is located. And the bathroom was absolutely MASSIVE, about the size of my living room at home (you haven't been there, but you get the point). Wonderful owners, very helpful and responsive.