Hotel Recommendations for Rome and Venice
 

The wife and I are headed for Dubrovnik for a week, and then flying over to Italy. We already have accommodations for Croatia and Florence, but still need recommendations for 3 nights in Rome, and 2 nights in Venice.

Can anyone speak from experience?

I haven't been to Venice since 2005, but my gf at the time booked us at a b&b off on one of the side islands with a beach (Lido I think?). It was fantastic actually. There was a small family restaurant right next door with fantastic food, and it was fun to take the water taxis around. Enjoyed Venice way more than I thought I would.

Tons of options for Rome. These days I typically stay at SPG properties wherever I go unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise, for the points.

Hey Jarrod, Tina and I went for 3 week to Italy a few months ago. In Venice, we stayed at The Hotel Riviera on the island of Lido. Its just across the water from the Grand Canal entry point. A quick 5 minute water taxi, and your in San Marcos Square. For the money, (or saving of money) Lido wasan easy choice. Plus only about a third as crowded.
In Rome, we stayed at the Nord Nuova Roma. Its pretty centrally located, and you can walk to anyplace from there. Coliseum is about a 20 minute walk, Pantheon, Trevi fountain, and the Vatican can all be walked to, or take the On/Off Red Bus. Let me know if you want any info on Florence or any other side trip towns (Pisa, Oriento, etc)

For Rome, try Hotel Diocleziano. The wife ad I stayed there for four nights a few years back. As far as things to do. See below. Tripadvisor was helpful.

Restaurants
Babbos - great place and vibe. Ended up eating there twice.

Things to see for History Buffs:

Pompeii - we took the high-speed train to Naomes. I am a big history buff and thoroughly enjoyed the ruins / Vesuvius area.

Pantheon

Vatican

Numerous other sites.

For Florence - check out Angie's wine tours. Great experience.

Just got back from Italy, spent time in Bellagio (Lake como), Stressa (Lake Arona) and Feltre. Took our bikes and climbed some mountains, first ride was 140k & 4,000 mtrs of climbing! So I can't help you with Venice or Rome but prepare to have a great time Italy Rules.

Just go easy on the bread and pasta, I needed a 12 pound **** by the time I left.

One more from Stressa. Was so Snowy we couldn't get to the ski field, had to turn back with 4k to go.

In Venice, the Romeo Hotel is amazing. Near the ports which some don't like, my wife and I loved it bc you can walk across the street to the ferries that take you to all the islands which are amazing. Go to the blue grotto in Capri, just make sure its open before you go. I would really recommend the Romeo. Also has a roof top pool and bar and sushi restaurant. Many youngish people as well and top notch service. They upgraded us to a suite after finding out it was our honeymoon.
And in Rome try the Hotel Artemide. Its super central. We walked everywhere. Very safe. Was very happy with the location. We walked a 5 hr loop and saw pretty much everything except the Vatican. We did that the next day and actually walked home after cabbing it there. It was a little far to walk home but fun and definitely doable. The rooms are not huge but clean and plenty of space. Ask for a street side on a higher floor if available and you will have the view of the main street but wont hear the cars. Also has a great rooftop terrace with a nice restaurant and bar. Hope this helps.