Rome in October... any suggestions?

[lucky in love]

Change of plans... we are putting off the trip to Greece until next spring (when a wonderful couple we know can go with us - she has family there, speaks the language, etc).

So now we're thinking Italy instead. I'd like to visit Rome and one other city (probably Florence). Any ideas on a decent hotel in Rome that won't break the bank? Or a good travel website with reliable hotel reviews?

Thanks!

[Kristie]

I always like tripadvisor for reviews...the people on there seem to do a pretty good job of reviewing and posting photos.

[Rebes]

Hi Kristie-
Two years ago we went to Rome in the beginning of November. It was a great time to go, and the weather was beautiful We stayed at a hotel off the beaten path, but walking distance to the Vatican called (a very strange name) Franklin Feel the Sound .
It was cheaper beacause it wasn't in a touristy area, but we needed to walk back and forth to the Vatican because our friend was getting married there. The rooms were small, but modern and very clean, and it had free breakfast. They had CD collections in the lobby to take up to your room (hence the name). If you need any more ideas, I can contact my friend who lived there for 6 years.
Rome is beautiful, and a great time of year to go!

[Rebes]

Sorry, I just realized I directed the post to Kristie. I saw that Lucky in Love asked for the info..it is getting to be too late for me and it is only 7:30!

[sfblue]

I have been to Italy twice (2003 and 2006) and enjoyed it very much.

1st time, it was Sept 2003. I took a train from Nice, France to Florence. I stayed at Sheraton when in Florence due to the fact I have some free nights. But I think it would be much better staying at a smaller place. When in Florence, try to visit Chanti. Of course, musuems. And there is very nice flower market along the river as well. I spent 3 days in Florence.

I then took a train from Florence to Rome. I remember passing by Tuscany and was telling myself that I would be back. In Rome I stayed in a small apartment kind of place (I will do some search to see if I can find the name) very close to Spanish step. I stayed 3 days and did all tourist thing. Then flew to Prague.

I like Florence better than Roma.

2nd time, It was July 2006. I was in Roma for business, so was in a nice hotel. Then I took 10 days off. I took a train again to Siena. If you have time, I highly recommend Siena. You can also take a day trip to Tuscany from Siena which I enjoyed very much as I love wine. When I arrived in Siena, it happens to be its Palio (horse race) event. It was unbelieveable watching the race with more than 100K people. If you saw the movie "Tuscany Sun", I think there were scene of Palio and flag throwing. From Siena, I took a train again to Bonaga. It was a Ok place (food captain of Italy). Then I went to Venice. I enjoyed Venice, but was too touristy for me. I donot know how many dates you have. If you press on time and enjoy more country/scenaries/wine country, I would suggest that you spend more time in Florence and visit Tuscany.

One good tour book is a green covered Michelin Guide Italy. I normally use Lonely planet guide, but I found that Michelin Guide is better for major cities.

[lucky in love]

Thanks, ladies! I can't wait to get started with my research!

[Soccer Mom]

My son and I went to Rome and Florence in Feb. of this year. We stayed at the Sheraton in Rome and Jolly Hotel in Florence. I was very pleased with both of them. I cannot tell you about cost though because my expenses were paid for. (work related)
We took a train to Vinci which was our favorite part of the trip. It was quiet there away from tourists. We visited the Da Vinci Museum there and the Da Vinci home. Had the most wonderful dinner at a little restaurant there.
In Rome we did all the tourist stuff and hit the Vatican.
Florence there was an awesome open market that we went too. We did more touristy stuff here too but hit some not so popular spots like the Wax Museum (which if I would have know my son was going to get a course in sex ed. I would have skipped, LOL!)
No matter what you do it will be great. There is a lot to offer there for tourist. People were a lot friendlier than everyone told me they would be. They even catered to my Special needs son and took pictures with him all the time at the hotels.