Hotels in Rome and Florence?

[jackboy48]

I'm planning a post-Easter trip to Italy and have been looking for moderately priced hotels in Rome and Florence. I've been using Booking.com to sort through all the choices and feel that I should be able to find good hotels for about $200/night. I haven't been to Italy for over 25 years, and now that I'm older, I feel the need for more creature comforts and less hassle. I was going to book through Virgin Tours as they seem to be able to link well with planes and rail, but when I do a Trip-Adviser or Booking.com check, it seems that I'm often looking at places that have seen better days. I'll be staying about a week in each city. I'm more interested in finding good restaurants than escorts, but I'm open to suggestions.

[robberbaron4u]

. . ."but the boys in Rome are more beautiful.' RB

[gallahadesquire]

I'm planning a post-Easter trip to Italy and have been looking for moderately priced hotels in Rome and Florence. I've been using Booking.com to sort through all the choices and feel that I should be able to find good hotels for about $200/night. I haven't been to Italy for over 25 years, and now that I'm older, I feel the need for more creature comforts and less hassle. I was going to book through Virgin Tours as they seem to be able to link well with planes and rail, but when I do a Trip-Adviser or Booking.com check, it seems that I'm often looking at places that have seen better days. I'll be staying about a week in each city. I'm more interested in finding good restaurants than escorts, but I'm open to suggestions.

 

Wazzat,150 euros / night? I'm sure you can do better. I remember a fantastic pensione in Fierenze that was liike $80 a night. Damned if I could find it now.

 

I second your vote of "creature comforts and less hassle". My second time in Fierenze was over by the Train Station, which turned out to be tremendously useful: Lots of cabs and what-not; located conveniently (Florence is NOT a big city). Think about that, especially if you are going city-to-city by treno.

[Epigonos]

Can't help you much on Rome. I have never found a hotel there I really like but then I'm not a great fan of Rome.

 

Florence is a completely different matter. I love Florence and absolutely love the Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci (http://www.beaccitornabuoni.com). The located is perfect on the main shopping street within walking distance of ALL major sites. If you like sleek modern hotels it might not be right for you. This hotel has something of the feeling of "Room with a View". If you decide you like the place give them a call and see what kind of deal they will make you. I always seem to get a better deal talking with them rather than booking on the internet.

[ericwinters]

I was at this place few years ago, great rooms with excellent view and they had a great breakfast! It is right along the river and a half block from the muesuem.

http://www.hoteldegliorafi.it/english/gallery.html#

[RockHard]

Arrivederci!

 

I know both cities very well, and for post-Easter this year, I'm sure all the best places (at discount prices) are already reserved.

 

There are very few good hotel rooms in the $200 price range. Frequent travelers reserve by room number and snatch them up quickly. Beyond that, $200 (156€) won't go very far these days. I can't tolerate small bedrooms with tiny bathrooms. If you want decent space, comfort, nice decor, convenience and a great location, you'll need to spend a little more. In this price range, for a 7-night visit, I would consider renting an apartment. But, again, the best apartments (in central locations) rent far in advance.

 

For around $300 a night, I could recommend the Hermitage Hotel in Florence. A lot of travelers don't know about it because it's quite hidden, and they service a loyal clientele. The location is amazing, between the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi, and the owner is an antique collector with great taste. Every room is decorated differently. Their rooftop breakfast room is fabulous and many rooms come with a large Jacuzzi bathtub, which is heaven for relaxation. It's a short walk to the gay club, Tabasco.

 

One of my favorite places in Rome is Casa Manni but it books up quickly and it's out of your price range. If I were you, I would check out Navona Garden Suites. The location is superb. Their rooms are unusually large and beautifully maintained. It's quiet. And you have the added luxury of all day access to their interior garden patio. I prefer more luxury but, for the money, this place is impressive.

 

Good luck.

[justaguy]

For that price range, Rome is going to be the tough one. I usually stay at the Universo : http://www.hoteluniversorome.com/en/index.php It's comparable to a decent Best Western in the States and is very close to the train and metro. It's not great, but livable (I stay for 5-7 days at a time with no problem). The breakfast is very nice, so I always eat well before heading out into the city. Be sure to get the Roma pass--it's the easiest way to get around.

 

You have more choices in Florence, but the smaller places tend to book up quickly. I like the Minerva http://www.grandhotelminerva.net/ It's got a great central location so that Florence is at your feet.

 

Enjoy these cities!

[Guest Merlin]

I'm planning a post-Easter trip to Italy and have been looking for moderately priced hotels in Rome and Florence. I've been using Booking.com to sort through all the choices and feel that I should be able to find good hotels for about $200/night. I haven't been to Italy for over 25 years, and now that I'm older, I feel the need for more creature comforts and less hassle. I was going to book through Virgin Tours as they seem to be able to link well with planes and rail, but when I do a Trip-Adviser or Booking.com check, it seems that I'm often looking at places that have seen better days. I'll be staying about a week in each city. I'm more interested in finding good restaurants than escorts, but I'm open to suggestions.

 

The Torino hotel is moderate, well located a block from the Termini and all the Buses. etc. plenty of good restaurants nearby and a nice patio on the roof with a view of the city. I would stay there next time. Travelocity is a good way to look for votes but then book direct. Torino did not require a deposit and was cancel able in 12hours.

[Poolboy21409]

Hotel del gli Orafi I can't believe it. This was my favorite hotel in my trip last year to Italy. As eric says, right along the Arno with a view of the Corridor (the passage way that the Medicis built to get from the Uffizi to the Pitti to avoid the street riff raff) from the Uffizzi to the Pitti Palace. My room overlooked the river and the Ponte Vecchio. If I remember correctly, the lounge was on the 6th floor and had a commanding view of the Domo and the entire "skyline" of Florence. I paid a bit more than $200 dollars but that was in 2010 but I bet you can egt it for enar that amount. Don't skimp on this one.

[Irtwo]

In Rome, I always stay at the Villa La Cupola Suite in the Westin Excelsior Hotel. At $31,000 per night it may be a little over your budget, but well worth it.

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Oi52x3AO74/Tf82yYr4zZI/AAAAAAAAAkU/MR7lAGUK_Aw/s1600/Villa-3.jpg

[Binudeguy]

We recently stayed at the hotel Veneto. It was 174Euro per nite with breakfast in room, transfer from airport to hotel, taxes and s.c.,etc. I can highly recommend it. it is centrally located but not on a busy street. Here is the contact info: Hotel Hotel Veneto

Via Piemonte 63

00187 Roma, Italy

Tel: 0039 06 48780

Fax: 0039 06 42814583

http://www.hotelveneto.com

[RockHard]

it is centrally located

 

I don't know what will please the OP but, for some travelers, especially travelers to Rome, location is everything. Whenever I read the words "centrally located," smart researchers always have to ask, "Central to what?" Anything near the Villa Borghese is not considered "central" to Rome's city center.

 

If budget is a serious priority, you may have little choice. The cheapest hotels in Rome are near Termini train station, which is huge. I don't know any Roman who enjoys this area, I've never liked it, so I would not stay in this neighborhood.

 

Trastevere is on the Vatican side of the Tiber and has been a "hot" neighborhood for years. It's certainly worth exploring. But, IMO, it's overflowing with college kids from all over the world, and you have to cross the Tiber River to get to it. It's fun to visit, but I don't find it very convenient. I hear you can find some cheaper hotels there.

 

Piazza di Spagna/Piazza del Popolo are high rent, on the north-east border of Rome's high-fashion district. If you like shopping for luxury goods, this is the best area to base yourself. There are some beautiful boutique hotels in this area, I have a few favorites, but they're all very expensive. The downside: this neighborhood lacks good (authentic) food choices because it caters to heavy tourism.

 

The Via Veneto/Barberini area is just OK. I would never stay there because it lacks energy and feels stale, unless Hard Rock Cafe is a destination for you. Plus, there's too much truck traffic, since Via Veneto exits through Porta Pinciana, the ancient city wall.

 

My favorite neighborhoods are located in Old Rome, which is the most "central" location in Rome. You can walk 2 miles in any direction and relive some fascinating ancient history. Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona, and Piazza della Rotunda are where you'll find the beautiful Roman men. The area around the Trevi Fountain starts to get a little out-of-the-way but, IMO, it's also not a bad base.

 

Florence is a much smaller town and, once you walk it, you realize just how tiny it is. There are some streets near the train station that are quite residential, with great artisan shops worth exploring (via Guelfa). There are plenty of lower priced hotels near the train station, and some of them aren't bad.

 

I have my favorite hotels in Florence, too, but they are spread out. I really enjoy experiencing many neighborhoods, and I'm know for switching hotels halfway through a trip. If I were planning a trip for family and friends, I would recommend a base near Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio. The area is so rich with so many delights, it's hard to beat this experience for a one-week stay.

 

I'm more interested in finding good restaurants

 

This will require some savvy research, depending on your attitude towards authentic Italian cucina. The restaurant scene in Italy has changed dramatically since the switch to the Euro, and Italians want to keep their favorite places a secret. Heavy tourism can be the kiss of death for a blossoming new restaurant. Good luck with the research.

[cany10011]

Have really enjoyed reading this thread as it brings back happy memories from trips to italy. I've only visited venice once and stayed at the palazzo priuli and in florence, the gallery art hotel (a ferragamo inspired property)...really nice.

[ragazzolupo]

I was looking at my new favorite hotel in the centro storcio (Old Historic Rome) the Albergo Cesari, but it is not available the week immediately following Easter. The next week and the one following the rooms are some of the larger and more expensive ones. Last October I paid just over $150 per night on the weekend. Yes, the room was small, but beautiful, yes the bath was small, but it all worked fine. And my "Roman Boy" was able to figure out everything so that he could stay the night and we could breakfast together on the stunning terrace at the top of the hotel.

 

For me the Albergo Cesari could not be located better; and it was in the same spot when it opened in 1787.

 

Overview

Location.

Welcoming guests since 1787 and refurbished in 2002, the hotel Albergo Cesari is located on a quiet street, 300 metres from the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. It is next door to the Piazza di Pietra (a Temple built to honor (gay) Emperor Hadrian> It is just around the corner from the Piazza della Collona and the Palazzo Chigi. It is steps from the Corso (probably the best shopping street in Rome). The desk staff is mostly from Puglia and my roman friend and I had just arrived from Puglia. We were chatting about all things Pugliese.

 

Hotel Features.

The hotel occupies a historic building overlooking the former Stock Exchange, with four floors accessible by lift from the reception. Guests can relax in one of the two lounges, both with armchairs. One has Turkish rugs and a computer station with high-speed Internet access while the other has satellite television. Breakfast is served each morning in the rooftop terrace and includes yogurt, cereals, toast, boiled eggs, parmesan cheese, salami, cakes, juices, coffee and espresso. The rooftop terrace offers views of the city and transforms into a trendy bar at night. The hotel concierge can provide advice on sights and attractions in the vicinity, book tickets for shows and recommend restaurants.

 

Guestrooms.

The 47 guestrooms feature shuttered windows, decorative prints, wooden parquet floors, Turkish rugs and a mix of traditional and modern furnishings with a gold and green colour scheme. All include televisions, high-speed wired and wireless Internet access, minibars, and tiled bathrooms with tubs or showers, hair dryers, heated towel rails and complimentary toiletries.

 

http://www.hotels.com/hotel/details.html?hotelId=119225&destinationId=712491&searchViewType=LIST&validate=true&previousDateful=true&destination=Albergo+Cesari+Hotel%2C+Rome%2C+Italy&arrivalDate=04%2F23%2F12&departureDate=04%2F30%2F12&roomno=1&rooms%5B0%5D.numberOfAdults=2&children%5B0%5D=0

 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.romeartlover.it/Vasi24f1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.romeartlover.it/Vasi24.html&usg=__TY3FWok5YRH-d-5hl-O7UWlsTEc=&h=490&w=730&sz=83&hl=en&start=2&zoom=1&tbnid=MNiI3vlk7E-sLM:&tbnh=95&tbnw=141&ei=YF4MT_PjFcb40gHphc3-BQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpiazza%2Bdi%2Bpietra%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26gbv%3D2%26rlz%3D1W1DMUS_en%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1

 

 

That said, you have chosen a high point for Rome. Every devout (no so much me) Roman Catholic would really like to be in Rome for Easter. I prefer October or, second choice, May. So your chosen time is a little difficult. I agree with the other posters that you really want to know where you are staying and that it is not at the south end of the Parco della via Appia Antica. When I stay in Rome for more than 4 days I have rented an apartment --- from Rome Sweet Home http://www.romesweethome.com/apartments/rome-piazza-navona.asp I have preferred the area of the Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiori or the via Governo Vecchio. If it is (like your proposed season) a difficult time, I would suggest a phone call. They have employees who speak very good English. That will save you the time of going through apartment after apartment that is "Not Available".

 

Unless you have a “brilliant” phone plan, I also recommend buying an Italian phone (probably around €50 that you put in say €20 at a time and then use it up). Windphone has a deal that runs about €.08 per minute for Italian calls and about €.33 for US calls. Windphone offices are everywhere in major and minor Italian towns. Look for the Orange Shop.

[jackboy48]

Grazie Mille!

 

I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to give me such excellent advice. I almost went delirious from several days of playing with TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Rick Steves, Fromners, etc. Most of the hotels that were recommended, were already on my radar, and I ended up with some great deals, thanks to the staff at my local trattoria who helped with the calls. I decided to go with Ragazzolupo's idea for Hotel Albergo Cesari in Rome and RockHard's idea for Hotel Hermitage in Florence. Thanks to dealing with the hotels directly, I got a good Senior discount as well as by paying over 80 days in advance. I stayed well within my budget at USD 170 to 180 with all taxes, etc. for a single in a double room. I will have to forfeit the 1st day of each reservation if I cancel. We have some very savy travelers on this site and almost each recommendation was "spot on" for price and location. I really think this might be a great year for European travel as the tourist trade seems to have taken quite a hit. This week per TravelZoo, many European airlines were promoting almost 1/2 off prices for travel through March.

[ragazzolupo]

Dear jackboy,

 

I am so happy that you will be at the Albergo Cesari. I loved it. I only hope that you have as much fun as I did with my Roman boy. The location is spectacular, the boy is up to you.

[RockHard]

You're welcome.

 

Albergo Cesàri is on the narrow Via di Pietra, just west off the busy Via del Corso. Via di Pietra links with Via delle Muratte, walking east to Fontana di Trevi; and walking west, it links with Via dei Pastini to bring you to the Pantheon at Piazza della Rotunda. Therefore, Via di Pietra is a busy walking street, but I believe it's closed to vehicles. You may have to walk with your luggage from Via del Corso. Vaturi, the clothing store, is on the corner.

 

Albergo Cesàri is highly rated among budget travelers. I've never been inside but I've walked by a million times. I hear that many rooms are quite small, and the rooms facing the street can be noisy. People walk this street at all hours, and motorcyles may cheat and pass through, which is the Roman scene. Be sure to pack good earplugs. For this price, the location is difficult to beat. You're in walking distance to most everything.

 

L'Antico Forno Bar Trevi, on Via delle Muratte 10, on your right just before entering Piazza di Trevi, is a favorite Rome caffè among the locals. This is a hangout for those handsome carabinieri. Their espresso/cappuccino is delicious, their morning crostini is fresh, and they're one of the few coffee houses open at 6 AM on a Sunday morning. The young man who works the cash register, maybe the owner's son, is hot, hot, hot.

 

The Hotel Hermitage is located in a 13th century palazzo, just off Piazza del Pesci, which is a tiny piazza a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio. The glass doorway is on Vicolo Marzio, a narrow alley just a few steps off the piazza. I believe taxi cabs can drop you in Piazza del Pesci.

 

To get to the hotel elevator, you'll need to walk up one flight of stairs. If you need help with luggage, I would provide advance notice by email. There may be a street level intercom to announce your arrival. Their reception is located on the 5th floor.

 

Hotel Hermitage does very little promotion, which is why many people don't know of it. The New York Times sung its praises back in the late 80's, and then Karen Brown jumped on board. The place became so popular with charm seekers, no one could get in without a year in advance notice.

 

Congratulations. It looks like you're on your way to a great trip to Italy.