Italy 2009

Best and worst accommodations:

Best: Boutique Hotel Villa Margherita,Levanto
Why: Very friendly staff, lovely grounds and outlook. Room was part of the 'new wing' and was very comfortable with a large bathroom. Overall we were very happy with our stay

Ray Bansemer in Wongaling Beach, Australia 07/03/2009

Worst: Hotel Genevra in Naples
Why: Let me count the ways -- all of them begin with "dreadful."

Deborah in North Port, FL USA 06/27/2009

Best: Villa Steno in Monterosso
Why: Lovely views, very clean, wonderful staff. We also really liked the Torre Guelfa in Florence. Nice rooms, helpful staff and great location.

Mary in Tucson, AZ USA 06/22/2009

Best: Oceania Hotel in Rome
Why: What a great hotel to stay at!! The staff is so amazing and the coffee is the best in Italy. The rooms are so clean and so big, and what can we say about airconditioning in June in Rome? We stayed a fabulous 6 days and will go back in a minute. Thanks for the tip!!

Barbara Piper in Kelowna , BC Canada 06/18/2009

Best: Hotel Siettmo Cielo in Sorrento
Why: Awesome views, quiet, not crowded, good breakfast, peaceful

Kristi Flax in Rose Hill, KS USA 06/17/2009

Best: Valentina in Orvieto
Why: Everyone in my group agreed that the apartment from Valentina in Orvieto was their favourite place of the trip to stay. Breakfast was not included but the apartment had loads of character, plenty of room, a washing machine, and a great location. We made our own breakfasts in the kitchen. I wish we would have stayed here for a week and made it our home base for exploring the region.

Hotel Sonya in Rome was situated conveniently and had the best breakfasts of anywhere we stayed. The accommodations were very nice as well.

Rick wasn’t kidding about Ulisse Deluxe Hostel in Sorrento. It was the most modern place we stayed and had the second best breakfasts we had. The only thing they didn’t have that Hotel Sonya did was hard-boiled eggs.

Manual’s Guest House in Monterosso was great for it’s view and it’s potential for relaxation. We would like to come back here and stay for a week doing nothing but relax, read books and drink his beer and wine. After visiting all the other towns in the Cinque Terre via the hike I am glad we stayed in Monterosso. Manual is the Italian “Old Man and the Sea” except he paints instead of writes. Breakfasts were not included but at the bottom of the hill you can get what you want.

If I needed only one reason to recommend Hotel al Fagiano in Padua that reason would be Alfred. He is sooo helpful that he practically knocks you down with his eagerness to provide information. I really enjoyed talking with him and watching him operate like a well-oiled machine. He knew what people wanted without them having to ask and his fingers danced over the keys of his computer keyboard when he was typing, and he did all this at the same time. We liked the wonderful rooms as well. The hotel reminded me of an M.C. Escher print of stairs going in all impossible directions.

Anna Marie of Katti House in Florence takes very good care of her properties and her guests. I was looking out our window at the street below when I noticed across the street other people doing the same, I felt like a local. The location was great too.

We stayed at Pensione Guerrato in Venice. The first thing we noticed when we arrived was the gentleman behind the desk was the boat driver in Rick’s video of Venice. His name is Peter and he is quite a character. I actually was able to spend some time talking with his partner and brother-in-law Robert about travel, politics, etc. They are such nice people and I enjoy the conversation the most about these trips. They were very helpful arranging a boat taxi to the airport for me. The rooms were great and being next to the Rialto Bridge is the best location I can think of. I would definitely stay here again.

All good, nothing bad with the accommodations. Thanks again Rick and staff for the wonderful trip.

Dave Schoneweis in Tulsa, OK USA 06/16/2009

Worst: Nardizzi
Why: We stayed at Nardizzi for four nights last week and didn’t like it. Others may have reasonable experiences there, but it didn’t meet our expectations, and I wouldn’t go back. Off the bat, I’ll say that the hotel was reasonably clean, and I’m from New York, so I wasn’t surprised or put off by the small room. But the accommodations were closer to motel than hotel, and the staff attitude ranged from unhelpful to outright unfriendly.

Nardizzi was the last of three hotels we stayed in Italy, so I’m taking into account the general Italian approach to service, which doesn’t necessarily include problem solving or a sense of timeliness in answering a question (I considered that cultural difference a good part of the trip.) Still, we mostly encountered friendly Italians--people who were really nice and seemed like they wanted to make a good connection with us.

At Nardizzi, the four desk clerks we dealt with were about as personable as McDonalds cashiers and didn’t seem interested in answering questions or solving problems. If they’d been friendly, that probably would have compensated for the details I found off-putting:

• Our shower was tiny, with a sliding-door opening that a person any bigger than my boyfriend (34-inch waist) would not have fit through. Literally, anyone larger would not have fit through the shower stall door. • The shower didn’t drain. The water pressure was quite good, but if you ran it any higher than low, the shower would flood quickly. • We discovered by experience that the hot water is turned off from approximately midnight until 7:45a. • The Internet service, which is available in the busy lobby only (where smoking is permitted), was on just intermittently. When we were using it one morning, the clerk suddenly announced that it was time to clean the area, and then he shut off the connection without warning. • You have to leave your key at the desk when you leave, so you’re forced to deal with the clerks every time you go out or in.

Again, other people may have decent experiences at Nardizzi. But based on things I’d read, I was expecting to find a hotel that I’d be pleased to come back to every day, and that simply wasn’t the case.

Sarah in New York, NY USA 06/11/2009

Worst: Hotel Weber Ambassador Capri
Why: Unfortunately I ignored earlier bad reviews of this hotel and booked my room on the strength of the website. Upon arrival at the hotel, I was told I could not check in until 7:00PM. I need a nap and a shower and could not wait around for 4 hours, but they did not accomodate me. When I asked them if I could check out at 7:00PM on my last day to make up for this inconvenience they said that would simply not be possible. I also found the hotel to be dirty and the rooms smelled of mildew. Never again would I stay here.

Paul Scandroglio in Toronto, canada 06/11/2009

Best: Hotel Villa Margherita Levanto
Why: A nice hotel, good service, reasonable price. We had a great stay at Villa Margherita and we recommend this hotel to friends that visit this lovly area of Italy. We look forward to visit the hotel if we get the opportunity.

George in Levy, NY USA 06/11/2009

Worst: Villa Kinzica
Why: I had a reservation that I was unable to keep, though I would be there one day later. They claimed they had no rooms available, though online sites (expedia, venere) showed availability. They seemed to think it was better for them to charge the full price cancellation fee than to actually provide a room. The person I spoke with claimed that the manager wasn't there, but his collegue said that he was the manager. It's clear that they don't hold the truth in high esteem, as they gave me the runaround. Customer service is LAST on their list.

John B in Vienna, VA USA 06/03/2009

Best: Hotel Europa in Verona
Why: These people were nice, fully featured, affordable, flexible and a very easy transition into Italian accomodations. They let us practice our Italian without making fun.

Worst: Casa Del Pellegrino in Padua
Why: Staff was nice, helpful. Rooms were clean, cheap. Toilette down the hall was ok but OMG... The place was the noisiest most obnoxious location. People were partying outside in the streets until 3am... in front of a church no less... not to mention the bells at all hours

Duane Henderson in Chico, CA USA 05/31/2009

Best: hotel corso in Orvieto and albergho diane in Lucca
Why: Location, location, location, plus the fact that you didn't mention the Puccini adoration in Lucca, which resulted in a plendid evening concert at San Giovanni's

Worst: Rome's Hotel Picasso or Caravaggio; both you didn't recommend or even mentioned, but they were simply lousy.
Why: Too small a room, no luggage space or cabinets for clothes, bed working bathroom equipment etc.etc.

Henny van Dijk in Houston, TX USA 05/31/2009

Best: Genius Loci Inn, Bevagna
Why: Not in your book, but this is THE place. You have to put this inn in your itinerary. Beautiful and affordable renovated farmhouse in the countryside with luxurious rooms and and a wonderful pool overlooking the Umbrian grapevines, lemon and olive trees. Assisi is a short drive away. Check out their website at www.geniuslociumbria.com

Nick MA USA 05/27/2009

Best: Egi's Rooms
Why: I too stayed in the room that was given "worst" by Susan Canada 05/02/2009. It is not the room that Egi advertises on his website. However we were informed of that when inquired about reservations. We arrived on May 1st. Which is Labor day. (Note to self, do not arrive on Labor Day)The room was clean and the bathroom was nice. The room does face the main street which is very noisy. But the convenience of walking out our door and having everything within a 50 foot walk was nice. We just turned on the fan for white noise. The bed is a fold out couch. However it does not have the bar in the back like so many fold out couches do. We had many conversations with Egi and found him to be charming. My only complaint is that we were charged the same rate for the inferior room as he charges for the beautiful rooms that he advertises. However we did arrive on Labor Day. And felt lucky to have a room. I LOVED Vernazza and all of Cinque Terre. No museums or other tourist stuff. Just great hiking, great pesto and warm and generous people.

Shannon in Freeman, MN USA 05/27/2009

Best: Hotel Olivedo
Why: We spent 6 nights in Verenna at Hotel Olivedo. Laura our hostess is very professional. The rooms were clean and charming. Despite the fact that the hotel is right next to two boat landings with many people coming and going.(Fun to watch while having a lemon soda on her patio)Nobody came in and out without her knowledge. Felt very safe. After the third day Laura became very friendly with us and gave us some complimentary drinks and internet. When we checked out our rate had been reduced for the extended stay. Her staff is exceptional. I highly recommend her ravioli. We are not the see all the museums and travel to every city type people. We call ourselves squatters. Verenna and Hotel Olivedo were the perfect place to sit, drink wine and watch the people go by. We had no troubles with being ripped off or harassed. The people of Verenna were fantastic! It was the best vacation I have ever been on and can not wait to return

Shannon in Freeman, MN USA 05/27/2009

Best:
Why: We used hotel points to stay at the Marriott Central Park Hotel in Rome. A very nice hotel with free shuttle service avery hour to center of town. In Milan we again used frequent user points to stay at the Holiday Inn Garibaldi. A nice hotel but not too centerally located. But there was a bus right out side the front door that took us into town. Using our points makes the trip more affordable. He travels for business often so we have those available to us.

Janice Humphrey in Colorado Springs, CO USA 05/26/2009

Best: HotelAntiche Mura (Sorrento)
Why: Very classy hotel, seems English friendly. Used the 15% discount w/ cash and no problems. Would come here again and would suggest this hotel to others.

Michael McGirr in Crete, IL USA 05/26/2009

Worst: Hotel Nardizzi-Americana-Rome
Why: One of the reasons I booked this hotel was because of the mention of the lift in your book, even tho the hotel was on the 5th floor. My husband has had a knee replaced and has great difficulty with stairs. We arrived at the hotel, and the lift was not working. I hiked up the 5 flights to tell them, they fixed the lift, and my husband came up. We checked in, and the nice man at the desk showed us to our room which happened to be across the bridge into the next bldg and DOWN 4 flights of stairs. NO LIFT! Every time we came and went, even to breakfast, it was either up or down 4 flights. If we had known, we would not have booked that hotel. The hotel itself was convenient, clean, nice rooms, nice breakfast, I even recommended it to my daughter who was staying in Rome a week later. They enjoyed it, but they had a room on the reception level. You need to inform your readers about this problem. We were very unhappy about this problem. I would give the hotel very good marks. The fault is with the description in the book.

Barbara Shurr in Walnut Creek, Ca USA 05/17/2009

Best: Hotel Pasquale in Monterosso al Mare
Why: AMAZING views, fabulous service. We got a glass of sciacchetra when we checked in, just like how you said in your book. Rooms very extremely clean and modern...THICK towels and good air conditioning. Huge breakfast that even included eggs made to order. Yum. Hotel also had internet and beach towel rental, which they waivved the fees. Wow. When I go back to Cinque Terre, this is where I am staying again!

Gina in Los Angeles, CA USA 05/11/2009

Best: Hotel Mignon in Sorrento
Why: Internet! Nice room. Friendly staff. Good location. They need to work on the breakfast,though.

Worst: Hotel Nerva in Rome
Why: Rude, arrogant staff oozed with nastiness. Room was a walk in closet. Shower was a phone booth. Breakfast? Dried cold toast that comes pre-toasted in a plastic bag and a tiny OJ - don't dare ask for seconds. I cancelled my reservation for my return to Rome heading homeand they charged me for the night, anyway. Bad, bad people.

Thomas Chamberlin in Salem, OR USA 05/07/2009

Best: Casa Cosmo in Venice
Why: The room was clean and modern, and although not the least expensive place we stayed in Italy, Davide and his family were helpful and kind, including selling cokes and orange juice in the lobby.

Worst: Cross Pollinate referral in Florence
Why: While we had reserved 7 months in advance and confirmed within three weeks, when we arrived at Alice Guesthouse no one was there. When someone showed up they said they had no room for us and moved us to another hotel. On the other hand, L'Altra Luna, a Cross Polinate

Lorraine New in Troy, MI USA 05/05/2009

Worst: Egi Rooms
Why: Egi promotes (often) that he is in the Rick Steves book, but he is using this "reputation" to also sell accomodations that are not part of his regular rooms and not being upfront about it. We were given a room with a hideabed and the room seemed to be someones vacated home. Personal pictures were tossed into the drawers and dusty dried out flowers were on the table. Only one bath towel was provided and it was questionable if it was clean. Perhaps his regular rooms are ok (although I've read some reviews to the contrary). I would stay away either way.

Susan Canada 05/02/2009

Best: Hotel Centrale, Florence
Why: Spacious rooms, great location, friendly, helpful staff. Good room rates.

ben caputo in arlington heights, il USA 04/30/2009

Best: Romantica Pucci
Why: Explained above. I also really liked the Conventos and seminarios we stayed in because of the great value.

Jeanette Rollinger in Visalia, CA USA 04/27/2009

Best: Camere Anna Lisa Martini
Why: It was a lovely place and the Martinis were kind and helpful. Mama Martini was very enthusiastic and fed us lots of chocolate.

Erica Blankenbehler in San Jose, CA USA 04/19/2009

Best: Loved Hotel Davanzanti in Florence, Italy
Why: The location was fabulous. The hotelier, Fabrizio was so helpful. The room was lovely and the breakfast delish. They also have a happy hour with wine a h'ors d'oerves very lovely. Would recommend this hotel to anyone traveling to Florence.

Worst: Hotel Duomo in Siena, Italy
Why: We wee hardly welcomed when we got to the hotel to check in. They could not be bothered with us. Also the room was depressing. The walls were dirty the bathroom was a stepup like on a ship. The location was good and the breakfast was good. Would not recommend this hotel. It felt like a Hotel 6 in crappy condition.

Ellen in Anaheim, ca USA 04/11/2009

Best: Residenza Il Villino in Florence
Why: Sergio was so nice and did everything to make our stay pleasant. The room was great and in a nice neighborhood away from the tourist scene. We really felt like we were in Italy.

Kyla Miller in Ruckersville, VA USA 04/11/2009

Best: Albergo Barbara, Vernazza
Why: Lovely setting, nice private, all newly renovated (though not in-room) bathroom. Beautifully cleaned and pleasantly decorated room. And, yes, the view is small but still marvelous.

We selected accommodations for 5 locations (The Beehive in Rome, Casa Rabatti in Florence, Locanda Silva in Venice, Albergo Barbara in Vernazza and Ostello la Cordato in Milan) from the cheapest section. I was a little leery of picking the low-cost places but we were completely amazed at how nice they ALL were. Clean, well-run, private, QUIET, etc. etc.

Pat Millar in Dartmouth, NS Canada 04/08/2009

Best: Hotel La Bougainville in Positano
Why: Room was lovely! The owner was very attentive and helpful.

Suzy Pare in Cleveland, OH USA 04/04/2009

Best: Palazzo Masi in Siena
Why: Great location, old restored building, excellent plumbing, modern bathroom, clean. Wonderful hostess: Daniela gave us so much help and really went above and beyond.

Janice Cain in Pleasanton, CA USA 04/02/2009

Best: Hotel Centrale in Bellagio, Italy
Why: Giacomo Berelli, the owner, was very nice and very helpful. We had a romantic room on the 3rd floor, with a wood beamed ceiling, antiques, comfortable bed and a view of the snow-capped mountains and Lake Como. Memorable!!

Gale in Melbourne Beach, FL USA 03/29/2009

Best: Hotel Accademia in Florence, Hotel Corso in Orvieto, and Hotel Opera Roma in Rome
Why: Hotel Accademia in Florence was a nice experience. Enjoyed the pink marvel floors and beautiful paintings, murals, and statues that decorate the hotel interior and the breakfast was great. Hotel Corso in Orvieto was delightful too. Close to the funicular, Duomo, and Parco delle Grotte. The hotel Sonya/Opera Roma in Rome is the finest hotel we have ever stayed in. Clean, beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms, awesome breakfast, and friendly, helpful staff. This was the second time we stayed here. The experience just gets better and better. The way they treat you at Sonya/Opera Roma just makes you want to return to Rome again and again.

Furnacefighter in Philadelphia, PA USA 03/20/2009

Best: Residenza IL Villino, Florence
Why: Fabulous location, hosts, accommodations, breakfast, totally enjoyable!! We will definitely go back!

Patti Koupal in Rapid City, SD USA 03/19/2009

Best: Marcella in Florence
Why: My parents loved their authentic Italian, affordable stay with this affable, caring woman. She had framed your page on her!

Mary Beth Morrissey in Lugano, Switzerland 03/06/2009

Best: Locanda Al Leon, Venice
Why: Great location, friendly, very helpful, good-English-speaking owners, breakfast above average: real cappucino and yogurt plus usual "continental" stuff. The owner looked up time schedules for us for the Alilaguna to the airport, recommended a good place to eat, great people!

Worst: Albergo Sileo, rome
Why: We had no hot water in the shower! When no hot water came, I noticed the hot water tank high on the wall was unplugged. We were leaving for home early that morning, so no time to let it warm up. Travelled for 24 hours without a shower, but washed hair in sink as there was hot water there. Also, the water came out around the shower fittings, very little out of the spray head and the drain screen was missing. They generously (we thought) said since we were leaving so early, they would provide breakfast in the room. For 5 euros, we got warm apricot juice, packaged croissant and toast and jam. No coffee!

Marianne LeSage in Spokane, WA USA 02/12/2009

Best: Villa Margherita B&B Levanto/Cinque Terra
Why: Lovely grounds clean spacious room with a very excellent breakfast. Pleasant friendly family run B&B,an easy walk to town and train to the Cinque Terra. We were very happy with this B&B

HarLyn and Jerry Mlynek in Colorado Springs, Co USA 02/09/2009

Best: Hotel Casci in Florence
Why: Wonderful people as our hosts. Great location. Family room was very nice. Breakfast was great. Very reasonable. Recommend it. Thanks Rick.

Worst: Hotel Valley in Milan
Why: I still cannot believe this is in Ricks book. Maybe it was the room we had. Absolute worst hotel in 10 years of going with the family to Europe always listening to Rick. So 1 out of 100 is not bad Rick, but you might want to look into this.

Pat Oliver in Palos Park, IL USA 01/28/2009

Best: Residenza il Villino, Florence
Why: It was exactly as described in the guidebook; friendly and offers the feeling of staying in a Florentine villa, in town. It is quiet, very clean and comfortable and Sergio and his family are extremely helpful and friendly. It is a block from the Accademia, two from the Duomo and a short walk to the Uffizi and grand sights. I could not recommend this one more. Also well priced with the Rick Steves/cash discount.

Worst: Ca" San Trovaso, Venice
Why: The staff was not rude but definitely not friendly. Our bed was only a box spring without a mattress. Breakfast is a spartan croissant, bun and cup of tea or coffee. Since they deliver it to your room you are on their schedule and, for us, it did not fit our schedule. The room was clean.

Scott in Wainess, CA USA 01/21/2009

Best: Katti House
Why: Because of a transit strike, we were waylaid overnight in Florence. We checked the 2009 guidebook (and I am VERY glad to have picked up the newest addition) and found the new listing for Katti House. The rooms were lovely, and the price was great. The hospitality I experienced there from Maria and Francesco was what sold the place for me... and we stayed 4 nights instead of one. Maria was right there to offer suggestions for good restaurants, umbrellas when it rained,and breakfast in the room. They clearly love what they do, and it shows: the accommodations were clean and beautiful, and the hospitality was excellent. Maria was very patient with my limited Italian, and always took the time to chat with me warmly as we came and went.

The location was very good - a short walk to the train station, major sites, and markets. There is a laundromat and internet cafe right across the street.

Maria and Francesco made an unexpected part of part of our trip the best part of the trip. I can't thank them enough.

Michelle in Minneapolis, MN USA 01/12/2009

Best: Antonio and Ingrid Fenelli Camere - Vernazza
Why: Clean - Crisp, comfortable, spotless room. The location was perfect for our coastal hike. The accomodations were simply a room, with a full bath. No food or beverage services available. But you will not find cleanliness topped by any other accommodations.

Colleen and Tony in Cleveland, OH USA 01/04/2009

Best: Edi's in Riomaggiore followed by Hotel La Villeggiatura in Venice
Why: Edi provided the most fantastic room, virtually new, balcony overlooking the town and mountain, a/c that actually worked and the least expensive in our 10 day trip (100 Euro/nt) and Edi was quite helpful. We had to reduce our planned 2 day to one due to a planned train strike. I expected to pay for both days but without asking he only charged us for one. The Hotel La Villeggiatura in Venice (www.lavilleggiatura.it) is not in any tourbook but owner Francesca Adilardi and staff were some of the most helpful and friendly we encountered in Italy. Very nice accommodations and good value at 150 Euro in early July 2008.

Gary Reichanadter in Mooresville, In USA 01/01/2009

Worst: Civita
Why: This past summer (June 2008) my husband and I took our second trip to Italy with another couple. This time we were gone for one month. Our last two nghts were to be spent in Civita at Franco's three-room inn, based on your recommendations. It turned out to be our very worst experience on the entire trip. We had two of the three rooms, and we were the only guests. Franco wasn't there. It was extremely hot on our rooms...so hot that we had to sleep naked with the windows wide open. The fan that was provided didn't work. The rooms were so small that we had to walk sideways while passing the end of the bed. There was mold and slime in the shower and on the shower curtain. The dinner was ok, but they were out of most everything on the menu. In the morning, the young woman in charge of the place was still sleeping when it was time for breakfast. Soon she was up and put down cheap plactic wrapped store bought toast. My friend opened hers, and it was moldy! That was it except for packaged juice and terrible coffee!!!! It was then that we made a quick decision to leave...right then....not knowing where we would spend our last night. We figured anything was better than this place. We gathered our things and checked out. We think Civita is a very charming place to visit for a few hours, but Franco's inn is definitely not the place to stay.

Shari Klarich in Saint George, UT USA 12/31/2008

Best: Casa Cosmo: Venice; Hotel Nardizzi: Rome
Why: Casa Cosmo: Nice room, friendly staff, great location close to St Marks and Rialto Bridge on quiet side street. Hotel Nardizzi: Great location close to subway and train station. Helpful staff. Nice room.

Kathy in Hainesport, NJ USA 12/30/2008

Worst: The Best Hotel, Milan, Italy
Why: Made reservation over one month in advance for our Oct. 29, 2008 stay. Arrived at 2:00 PM -- didn't get into our room until 6:30 PM. We requested non-smoking but our room smelled strongly of smoke. Bed sagged terribly, one window shutter didn't close so we were exposed to the people walking by (we were on the ground floor, floors were dirty. Surely there is something better that is affordable and within walking distance from the train station!

J & M in Durango, CO USA 12/08/2008

Best: Edi's in Riomaggiore - Oct. '08
Why: Newly remodeled unit inside and out, Clean w/ clotheslines outside the windows.

Worst: Best Hotel in Milan - late Sept. '08
Why: At our first stop after nearly 24 hrs of travel, we were told our credit card "rang up negative", but they had located a room nearby. They showed us a sheet w/ our name and 6 other parties they were relocating for the same reason. We had made our reservation 7 months before and confirmed it by email the week before! They also spoke of a "big fashion show" and admitted they had overbooked. So why the phony credit story? We had no problems w/ our card the whole trip! They tried to smooth things by offering us drinks before driving us to the other place - we refused. The place they took us to was not RS caliber and very cramped.

George Waldref in Spokane, WA USA 12/07/2008

Best: Residenza il Villino (Florence)
Why: Everything about this place was better than anticipated - Qb apartment was spacious, very clean, beautifully decorated, new bathroom - family very friendly - breakfasts good - central location - truly a first class place - would recommend to anyone.

Worst: Nicolina (Vernazza) - booked for 3 nights
Why: Wanted to charge 140Euros for Qb (listed in your book at 130)- room was OK, bathroom very substandard (toilet kept running, we had to get a ladder to climb up to release ball many times), no shower curtain (was one there that was waiting to be installed)and tub was the size of a large sink so water went everywhere - sink tap didn't shut off - overall bathroom was very grotty - plaster falling into tub. Extra blankets were dirty and just piled in the cupboard. Would never recommend this place to anyone!!! Loved Vernazza so moved after our 3 nights to an apt in Trattoria Gianni for and additional 2 nights and that was only 150Euros for a 1 bedroom apt and it had been totally redecorated and was beautiful - these additional 2 nights in Vernazza more than made up for the first 3 at Nicolina.

Carolyn Seager in Toronto, On Canada 12/02/2008

Best: Orange House, Varenna
Why: The location is great - just a block from Lake Como. The owner and his wife are very gracious and helpful. The accomodations are very comfortable and cozy and the breakfast was great. It is a condo with a room with separate bathroom downstairs and a larger room with separate bath upstairs. You share a living room with TV. Very nice.

Sue Day in Foster City, CA United States 11/28/2008

Best: Casa Santo Nome di Gesu - Florence
Why: Peaceful, beautiful garden, very friendly, good location.

Marilyn Smith in Seattle, WA USA 11/17/2008

Best: Elios Hotel in Sorrento
Why: Gianna (Joana?)and her mom were excellent, clean rooms and clean bathrooms and beautiful view from the room. Very reasonable prices. I have to say all the accomodations were excellent, just the basics very clean and cozy. We were backpacking,we didn't care about luxury, but a clean and comfortable place to sleep and shower.

Mabel Luna in GLENDALE, CA USA 11/11/2008

Worst: Nicolina in Cinque Terra
Why: The room was decent size however the bathroom was nearly impossible to use. I would not go back there.

Sarah Ludos in Joliet, IL USA 11/03/2008

Best: Dipendenza Hotel Smeraldo
Why: Great hotel value in Rome. Desk staff was not very warm, but it was a great value in a very expensive city.

Hugh Pratt in Tacoma, WA USA 10/31/2008

Best: Il Borgo Apartments, Bellagio
Why: Rooms were the best we've seen in Italy: clean, elegantly furnished, well-equipped, and and centrally located. Flavio was very hospitable and made arrangements to send us some shopping merchandise we accidentally left behind.

Worst: Edi's Rooms, Riomaggiore
Why: Our room was located at the top of 4 long flights of very steep and narrow stairs. The sink was stopped up and the floor was dirty - strewn with dust, dirt, and hair. I would recommend that you advise potential travelers that they may need to climb lots of stairs with their luggage and that they should not expect any help from the proprietors.

Chris Peter in El Cajon, CA USA 10/26/2008

Best: Albergo Santa Chiara, Rome; Ulisse Deluxe Hostel, Sorrento; Villa Cipressi, Varenna
Why: We stayed at your recommended hotel, Albergo Santa Chiara, and LOVED it: breakfast was phenomenal, the room was gorgeous, and most importantly the location is superb; Ulisse Deluxe Hostel lived up to your reviews and we really appreciated the savings.

Karen & Jon Roses in Boston, MA USA 10/25/2008

Best: ALLOGGI BARBARIA - Venice - Italy
Why: Thanks for the recommendation. We had a really great experience at Alloggi Barbaria in Venice. A great location off the beaten path but still close the vaparretto, Fausto and Giorgio were great hosts. They treated my two young sons like family and made us feel at home. The rooms were spacious and with enough room for our family. We'll definitely be coming back.

Bill in San Francisco, CA USA 10/23/2008

Best: Villa Margherita B&B , Levanto near Cinque Terre
Why: Booked this after reading reviews and the hotel definately reflects those reviews . Great size room, very clean and a sea view balcony. Also great grounds around the B&B. An uphill walk to get home from the city centre but nowhere near as bad as many other hotels in Cinque Terre.

Levanto was also a great base to explore the region. We found the restaurants and bars were some of the best in the region to enjoy a lovely relaxing evening after a day of walking and sightseeing.

Paul Everett in Buffalo, NY USA 10/21/2008

Best: Il Borgo Apartments/Belliago
Why: We loved staying in Belliago, we had a lovely 2 story apartment, and Flavio was an excellent host.He was most helpful with recommendations, and even instructed us on how to use the expresso maker in the apartment.

Cheryl in Vacaville, CA USA 10/20/2008

Best: Bellevue House, Florence; Malpensa Hotel, Malpensa
Why: Both were excellent, exactly as described, Malpensa provided a courtesy car to and from airport and had a connection with restaurant that provided a car also.

Kathy in Chandler, TX USA 10/18/2008

Best: Hotel Centrale in Florence
Why: The staff was incredible! They were prepared to assist and the accommodations were excellent. We felt pampered without paying the high price!

Worst: Morpheus B&B- Rome
Why: While one of the hosts was helpful the other two were not. One did not and would not try to communicate in English to help us (we found many more like this in Rome than any other city.)

Rory Scanlon in American Fork, UT USA 10/18/2008

Best: Hotel Wolf-Castelrotto
Why: Very large room including comfortable chairs and desk. Lots of space. Spotlessly clean. Great breakfast. Super location. Onsite washing machine was nice plus.

Worst: Hotel Sabotino-Milan
Why: Room was dirty, smelly & depressing. Shared bath unuseable, no hot water, shower moldy, toilet seat broken. There was only one balcony table for the rooms not opening onto the balcony. And for this we had to pay at checkin before seeing the room!

Cherie in Seattle, WA USA 10/11/2008

Best: Hotel Eremo Gaudio in Varenna
Why: We got three of the new rooms on the bottom level and they had nice large balcony's. The staff is very helpful.

cindy in fox island, wa USA 10/10/2008

Best: Eremo Gaudio ,Varenna Italy
Why: It has to offer the best views in the Lake Como area because it straddles the mountainside. It takes two funiculars and an elevator to reach top rooms. Every room has a great view. Everything appears new. It deserves more praise.

Worst: Mar Mar , Riomaggiore Italy
Why: Our apartment was shabby, paint peeling, second rate furniture and the kitchen utensiles were offputting.

Peter Pantarotto in Chicago, Il USA 10/09/2008

Best: Ada Hotel (Milan)
Why: Via Sammartini 15. Smart, clean, well run 18 room hotel on the second floor across the street from the train station. Has a coffee bar. Curfew is 11:30. It was a wonderful find (the TI recommended it) after an awful experience with Hotel Sabatino

Worst: Hotel Sabatino (Milan)
Why: New owners as of Aug, 2008. No toilet seat or toilet paper in the only bathroom for 15 rooms. One small light bulb in bath, shower leaked all over the floor. Sleeping room had 1 small bulb in ceiling, the lights over the mirror did not work and the water in the sink could not be shut off. Really disgusting place.

Roger P in Chicago, Il USA 10/05/2008

Best: Romantica Pucci in Bagnoregio
Why: Pucci welcomed us with a smile and cookies and for breakfast, a true Italian feast! Also helped with dinner reservations and was willing to drive us to the restaurant. Made our stay so very enjoyable.

Kathy in Auburn, MI USA 09/26/2008

Best: Hotel Nardizzi Americana-Rome
Why: Great location that's close to metro yet within walking distance for most sights, friendly and helpful staff, very safe neighborhood.

Kathy in Auburn, MI USA 09/25/2008

Best: Albergo Canon hotel in Sienna
Why: We just totally loved this tiny little Spartan hotel room. The service was gracious and kindly, the room was very clean a nd the location was incredible. We went to the rehearsals of the Palio (unbelievably fun) and this was just feet from the Arena. Your book listed it as a little noisy, but to us it was part of the enchanting charm of the place. We could hear the various citizens singing, reveling, rejoicing in the Palio and surrounding events, and it was delightful. Thank you Thank you!

Laurie Ballam in Logan,, UT USA 09/15/2008

Best: Tavolozza Residence, Positano, Italy
Why: Positano: I stayed at the Tavolozza Residence in Positano for 4nights--a VERY good recommendation of Rick's! The hosts (Celeste and her daughters Francesca and Paula) were very kind and hospitable, the rooms were spotless and comfy and well air-conditioned. They also prepared breakfast on demand. The view from the terrace was spectacular and the rooms were free from traffic noise cause they were downhill from the street. The price was reasonable too (EUR 87 with Rick's book). I would definitely recommend this place to everyone.

Ben in Mountain View, CA USA 09/09/2008

Best: Hotel il Bargellino
Why: I loved one accommodation recommended by your book in Florence, Hotel il Bargellino. The hostel owned by the Bostonian women and her Italian husband. Very nice terrace and very nice conversation. We traveled in late April and early May of 2007 and I believe we missed you (Rick Steves) by a couple of weeks. We were sorry to hear that but still had a wonderful time.

Nikki Campagna in Tampa, FL USA 09/05/2008

Best: Hotel Seggio (Vieste) - Hotel Desiree (Sorrento)
Why: Both hotels had lots of "character" and very comfortable and clean rooms. However, the incredibly friendly and helpful staff at both locations made for a great stay!

Ken in Vernon, Canada 08/26/2008

Best: Hotel Mediterraneo, Santa Margherita
Why: Pia and her family treated us like family during our 4 day stay in charming Santa Margherita. The rooms are very spacious, good value and the park like location is wonderful: just a short walk or bus to Portofino and short train ride to the Cinque Terre. We definitely will return...

Judy in The Villages, FL USA 08/20/2008

Best: Hotel Annabella in Florence
Why: Friendly staff, nice breakfast, walk to train station, very clean

C. Sprague in Lawrenceburg, In USA 08/18/2008

Best: www.cross-pollinate.com
Why: We used this website that Rick recommends in the book for accomodations in Rome & Venice. We will be using it again. Very nice places, namely Anna Rosa's B&B near Termini in Rome, and Ca' Riccio in the Canneriggio in Venice.

Worst: Tre Donzzele in Sienna
Why: I dont want to speak bad of them. They were very nice people, the place was very clean. But the rooms were very institutional.

Ray Bartley in Saint Helens, OR USA 08/16/2008

Best: Il Borgo Apartments/Flavio
Why: We had a great time staying in the Il Borgo apartments in Bellagio. Everything was clean, Flavio was easy-going and helpful, and we loved it! We also stayed at Hotel Santa Lucia in Venice, Edi's Rooms in Riomaggiore and Hotel Maxim in Florence which were all wonderful. We stayed in Hotel Scott House in Rome which was not in your book, but was a good deal (80 euros a night for a double), was clean, close to the train station and had a friendly staff. At Hotel Maxim, they overbooked so they upgraded us to their nicer sister hotel called Hotel Axial which was very nice.

Karen and Andy Ramroth in San Carlos, CA USA 08/15/2008

Best: Hotel Montreal
Why: A nice place run by nice people. The price was right (95 euro a night), and the room included breakfast. The hotel is three blocks away from the Termini, which we used for all our transportation. I also enjoyed the Santa Maria Maggiore church which is right down the street, and the internet places close by. Also, great security. Finally, they ordered a delightful van for us to return to the airport. I would definitely return to this hotel and would recommend it to my friends.

Bess E. in Santa Rosa, CA USA 08/12/2008

Best: Alma Domus in Siena and Suor Oblate in Florence
Why: Both were clean, friendly and air-conditioned!

Alma Domus has a fantastic view of the Duomo, and the location is great - close to the bus station, but an easy walk to the rest of the town.

Suor Oblate in Florence was a quiet oasis in the middle of a crowded, hot city. The garden in the back is lovely, and the whole place has a peaceful ambience. You say this in the guidebook, but it's true, they really don't speak any English. But I speak French so it was fine. And they were helpful - reserving a taxi to take me to the airport at 5am the next day. However, when I asked them to make reservations for the museums they said they don't do that. But I called on my own and it was easy. I'd stay there again.

Suzanne in St. Paul, MN USA 08/12/2008

Best: Eremo Gaudio, Varenna and Frances Lodge, Siena
Why: Truly unusual locations with breathtaking views and friendly owners. We would have loved to stay in both locations much longer!

Ann Doty in Juneau, AK USA 08/11/2008

Best: Meuble il riccio, montepalluciano
Why: so charming, clean and well located. It is right in the main square and the owner was genuine and helpful!

Worst: hotel santa marta
Why: disgusting, broken air conditioning, dirty...I cannot say how much we hated this hotel.

anat cole in toronto, on canada 08/11/2008

Best: Hotel Elios in Sorrento; Daria Bianchi in Vernazza; Valentina B&B in Orvieto
Why: Hotel Elios-Most affordable for family of 4--fantastic view of the Med and Bay of Naples(sits among the most expensive hotels on the Via Capo in Sorrento--but cheap!)Gianna and family are wonderful hosts--made us feel a part of the family! A large kitchen and Refrigerator is made available for all guests. Usually bought our food, wine, cheese from the markets, ate on the deck overlooking the med and Vesuvius! Quiet at night.

Lynn in Colbert, WA USA 08/10/2008

Best: Bolzano Youth Hostel- Italy
Why: You wrote it correctly. It was a slick, new, right out of an IKEA bedroom catelog. This was my 18 year olds first time in a hostel. She was impressed. The location is great, close to town and the train station, breakfast included. We told everyone we met to go to Bolzano and stay there! Oh and go hiking in the Dolomites.

Worst: Hotel Sabotino- Milan
Why: I didn't like being quoted a certain type of bed and cost on the phone; then when we arrived it was a different room and more than what your book quoted. New owners.

Natalie Winslow in Monroe, WA USA 08/05/2008

Best: Hotel VIlla Margherita B&B
Why: This is a charming place with nice helpful people. They provided free unlimited use of their computer for emailing and backing up photos to DVD etc and their breakfasts are very good too. They have a private parking and walking to the town though a little hazardous due to the narrow roads is an easy. The room we had (upper lawn suit) was roomy and comfortable with a big bathroom.

Robert Fisher in Auckland, Au New Zealand 07/30/2008

Best: Orvieto Hotel Corso
Why: It was cute, hospitable and located perfectly to see the town’s sights. While they no longer have WiFi available because of new Italian legal requirements connected with sharing computers, they did give us the promised 10% discount with your book.

Also, Orange House in Varenna also has WiFi now. We had a very pleasant stay there as well.

Worst: Sorrento Palazzo Starace,
Why: They suggested we use trains from Salerno instead of taking the SITA bus, and their route would have been a nightmare, had we taken their advice. Their rooms open out over the town’s main passeggiata street, which was very noisy both late into the night and early in the morning if you needed to open the balcony doors for air (which we did!) to sleep comfortably.

Mary Jo & Patrick in Portland, OR USA 07/29/2008

Best: Hotel Campiello
Why: Charming hotel with a fabulous location so very close to St. Mark's Square. Friendly front desk staff, comfortable accommodations and especially nice was the free internet/computer in the lobby. Bad: my room had a musty smell. I thought maybe it was just the nature of being in Venice, but other friends in the same hotel didn't have that problem.

Kiera R in Redondo Beach, CA USA 07/29/2008

Best: Reply to a previous fake review abaout Hotel Villa Margherita
Why: Good morning my name is Federico Campodonico and I own and run Hotel Villa Margherita and Levanto Rentals hereby I enclose copy of the reservation that this client made with us any other comments is not worthy:

Excellent. We will take it!!!!! We will get there on Tuesday night June 24th and check out on Thursday June 26th. It will be easy to take the train from there to Nice? We are meeting a family in Nice on Thursday. Thank you so much. We are looking forward to it!!!! Let me know what you need from me in terms of a credit card etc. Grazie!!!! Joan Muller Carlson Fairfax, CA -----Original Message----- From: Villa Margherita Levanto [mailto:villamargheritabythesea@hotmail.com] Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 11:25 PM To: joancarlson@comcast.net Subject: RE: Richiesta da Villa Margherita Buongiorno, we still have the availability of a 3 bedroom apartment located 150 meters from the beachn for the days requested. You can see photos and description of the apartment at www.levanto.net, the Admiral apartment. Daily rate is in June 180 Euro and include all the necessary for the apartment,final cleaning fees. I look forward to hearing from you. Grazie Federico Campodonico Villa Margherita by the sea Hotel B&B-Levanto Rentals Via Trento e Trieste 31,19015 Levanto (SP) Italy www.villamargherita.net www.levanto.net Tel 0187807212 As this clients posted another comment on tripadvisor with a completely different version( I replied also there) we have contacted a lawyer in California in order to protect our Hotel and our good reputation.

Federico Campodonico in Levanto, Italy 07/29/2008

Worst: Villa Margherita, Levanto, Italy
Why: Beware, the B&B deceptively leases out apartments throughout the city, without properly informing guests that they are not on the main property. The owners are incredibly rude and obnoxious. The breakfast is pre-packaged goods and terrible cappucino...needless to say, for Italy this was incredibly disappointing. Overall, staying here was the only disappointing part of our trip and it was incredibly so.

Daniel Carlson in Fairfax, CA USA 07/28/2008

Best: Hotel Santa Caterina in Siena
Why: Besides being in a wonderful setting and location with one of the best breakfasts in Italy, proprietress Lorenza went above and beyond the call in accommodating us on short notice (we stayed longer than originally booked)and assisting in finding our next place to stay on a busy weekend. Besides she was charming and friendly no matter how busy she was. Could not recommend this hotel more highly.

Judy Swan Becker in Aptos, CA USA 07/23/2008

Best: Eremo Gaudio in Verena
Why: Absolutely outstanding. What a view! And the open air restaurant on top gives more stunning views. Absolutely charming.

Gordon Cochrane in Crete, IL USA 07/23/2008

Best: Hotel Oceania, Via Firenze, Rome
Why: The staff was amazingly accommodating. The hotel is run by a husband and wife team who were friendly, welcoming, and extremely helpful. The rooms were impecably clean and comfortable. When I return to Rome, I will be sure to revisit the same hotel.

Emily in Fairfax, VA USA 07/22/2008

Best: Albergo Bernini in Siena- Great views, nice people. L'erba Presa, Levanto- Great hosts, relaxing location
Why: Albergo Bernini was in a perfect location for embracing and enjoying the perfect (late) Italian evening. With revelers coming home into the wee hours, it's not for those who hate city commotion after hours- but I, for one, love the late night loud Italians!

L'Erba Presa- a great locations, especially if you are willing to bike (an easy ride) into town (bikes free). It's away from a town, so it feels like a retreat and the hosts are warm and friendly without being intrusive. We enjoyed all the rural and farm aspects, including the many dogs and cats.

Lindsey in Oakland, CA USA 07/18/2008

Best: RESIDENZA IL VILLINO Florence
Why: The owner (Sergio) was the most gracious and helpful person we met during our 2 week vacation in Italy. He helped us with museum tickets, restaruant recommendations, parking, etc. The room was large, clean, and with a view of the Duomo. It also had a small fridge, which most places did not have. It was centrally located which made getting around by foot easy. We will definitely go back to Florence and highly recommend this hotel.

Renee in San Diego, CA USA 07/14/2008

Best: Hotel Campiello Apartment in Venice/Maitani in Orvieto
Why: Campiello - Roomy, quiet, luxurious for the money, real AC and great location! Staff great. Highly recommend. Maitani - just wonderful! elegant, serene, heart of Orvieto

Worst: Hotel Settimo Cielo
Why: We loved Sorrento but our rooms on the same floor as reception were too hot. Staff couldn't remedy so I bought a fan to make it bearable. The roofs to this floor/wing are flat and exposed to sun making the rooms impossible to get cool in the summer. Views are incredible and staff nice but will try Hotel Minerva next time (they were booked).

Tony Caruso in Alpharetta , GA USA 07/12/2008

Best: Hotel Desiree, Sorrento
Why: The hotel was run by very pleasant people. Very helpful with travel to the various sights. Always available.

Bonnie Cardow in Shalimar, FL USA 07/09/2008

Worst: The Best Hotel, Milan, Italy and Hotel Oceania, Rome, Italy
Why: We used Rick's recommendations on all five of our trips to Europe and had good luck with most of them. However, The Best Hotel on Via Benedetto Marcello, 83, was terrible. Our room (#200 or 202 I think) was very small, very noisy, and absolutely filthy. The walls of the subway were cleaner. I have never seen dirtier walls in a hotel. The room was hot/stuffy and the crooked overhead fan with a bare light bulb made a grinding noise when it was on. There was no way we could sleep in that room. We didn't even feel safe in our room. We went out at 11pm and found another hotel, then retrieved our luggage and moved to a very nice, clean, quite hotel down the street called Hotel Bristol. The woman at the front desk of The Best Hotel charged us for the room even though we told her we didn't feel safe and the room was very dirty. That was putting it politely, the room was filthy. They were not full, some guy walked in while we were at the desk and asked for a room and she told him she had available rooms. Please take this hotel out of your guidebook so nobody else will get stuck in such a dump. Some of the other rooms might have been cleaner and in better shape, but ours was disgusting. We were there in May, 2008.

We have stayed at the Oceania in Rome twice. The first time in 2002 we were in a newly renovated room and it was very nice. Last time (2007) we were put in one of the old rooms, #7 I think. It was very small and though the bathroom looked fairly clean, the rugs and furniture were very old, stained and just plain dirty. We thought the price was outrageous for such a small, grungy and noisy room. One of the newly renovated rooms might be worth that kind of money, but the old room we were in was not worth it. We would never stay there again because of that, even though the location was very good. Readers should be cautioned in the guidebook regarding the old and new rooms. I would suggest they reserve a new room or go elsewhere. Thanks.

Aleta Wieneke in Salem, OR USA 07/06/2008

Best: Jolly Villa Carpegna
Why: Excellent location, very clean and cheap. Great breakfast.

Worst: Gulliver's House
Why: Simon was very rude and sarchastic. I don't know how they brag in their webpage about making lots of friends among guests.

Daniel in Calexico, Ca USA 07/04/2008

Best: Vernazza Rooms (Daria Bianchi)
Why: Though the room we stayed in was not (Daria told us) one of the ones listed in the 2008 guide book, she provided us with a lovely ensuite room for 90 euro. It was above the train station, but unaffected by noise. The room looked new, and had a great view and a balcony with electric awning as wellas a really nice, quiet fan (but no TV or aircon). Daria and her daughter run the place...up about 100 stairs, but a great room.

Worst: Albergo Barbara (Vernazza)
Why: I thought I'd take a chance there might have been a cancellation at this place for our 2 nights in Vernazza, as their website suggests. When I rang the bell, the response over the intercom (nobody came down) was a very rude "no rooms." When I asked if she could recommend someone, she said "Ask around" and clicked off. I was shocked that Rick's book would recommend a place with such a rude staff.

Sandy in San Bruno, CA USA 07/02/2008

Best: La Tavolozza in Positano and Hotel Giardino in Rome
Why: The location of La Tavolozza was terrific - walking distance to everything (beach, bus, shops, restaurants...) Our private terrace was heaven - beautiful views, great place to relax. Celeste and Francesca couldn't have been more pleasant and helpful. Hotel Giardino in Rome - small room but great location by ancient Rome and warm and pleasant service by Giovanni, Carla, and Kate. We will go back to both and recommend to anyone looking for authentic Italian hotels.

Jeanne and Kelli in Silver Spring, MD USA 06/30/2008

Best: Hotel al Leon in Venice and Arena Guest House in Rome
Why: Hotel al Leon in Venice was great because it was close enough to the vaporetto stop and Piazza San Marco but far enough from the madness. Also, the bathroom here was reasonable compared to the ones I had in Florence and Siena. Arena Guest House was great because it was nice to walk down the street every morning to start your day and see the great Colosseum. Having online access in your room was a great perk. The bathroom here was also reasonable as well.

Anthony in Irvine, CA USA 06/28/2008

Best: Hotel Oceania-Rome
Why: They were wonderfully attentive, it's nice to have the "free" internet access, it was clean, and there is a singing instructor teaching opera below the hotel and in the afternoon the opera sung would permeate outside our inside window. Delightful.

Worst: London Hotel - Milan
Why: It's a one star not a two star. It was a dump. A shower inside the room, that was pathetic, and we were charged 172 euros!

Ana Miner in Novato, CA USA 06/26/2008

Best: Hotel Antiche Mura in Sorrento
Why: Location, rooms, staff, view, breakfast. All were spectacular and memorable.

Cyndi in Watertown, MA USA 06/26/2008

Worst: Edi's in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
Why: We stayed at 12 C. Colombo, in two very modern, newly rennovated rooms. The rooms were real designer specials, with rounded stairs to the bathrooms that were beautiful, but actually pretty hazardous. The physical rooms were great, though. The problem was that Edi's wouldn't honor the price quoted in the guidebook. The lady said that the promised prices didn't apply since Rick Steves didn't know about these rooms. I'm not sure how I was supposed to know which rooms were included in the promise. The charge for the rooms was 100 euro each. We stayed three nights, making our combined increase 240 euro! I was naive enough to think that I could just produce the book and get the price. I now know better than to expect american business practices. In fairness, she had quoted me the 100 euro rate by email. I thoght the adjustment would be made at checkout.

Andrew Crowley in Woodlyn, PA USA 06/23/2008

Best: Bellevue House, Florence
Why: Antonio took care of our Uffizi Museum reservations by email for us when I made booked hotel reservations, so we did not have to pay online reservation charges. Further, he made several long distance calls at his own expense to help locate our lost luggage. Without his help, I don't think we would have had luggage for our entire trip to Italy! What a gracious host and gentleman! We also liked his restaurant recommendations for dinner in Florence. Bellevue House is also only several blockas away from the train station.

Kris in Fargo, ND USA 06/23/2008

Best: hotel albergo marina in monterosso, hotel olivedo in varenna and alloggi barbaria in venice
Why: staff in moterosso were very freindly and helpfull the rooftop breakfast was unique and the food was by far the best, Hotel Olivedo was located at the water front with spectacular views of other lake communities, Laura was a great host and made us feel very welcome, Fausto in Venice found us wandering lost and knows Venice like the back of his hand, he also gave us tips for not getting over charged by the gondoliers as this seems like a problem for tourists.

Worst: Hotel Santa Prassede, rome
Why: was not as advertised, frt desk staff looked like hoods and room supplied was not even in hotel but in a building down the street with doors that were not secure

Mark Hurworth in Courtenay, BC Canada 06/23/2008

Best: Hotel Olivedo Varenna
Why: We found Laura to be delightful. True she does run a tight ship but her help has been with her for 22 and 15 years. What does that say about their boss. She was so very helpful and full of great information. Her food was excellent. We were lucky to be able to stay in the Villa. What a delight. She even helped us make a reservation in Castelrooto. She smiled everytime we encountered her. We thought she was great and will most certainally stay with her again. Great location. Right on the water.

Michael de la Pena in Shingle Springs, CA USA 06/22/2008

Best: Hotel Punta Mesco Monterosso
Why: We found Diego to answer our e-mail immediately. He had a graet sence of humor. Manual was so helpful making dinner reservations for us. The rooms were very clean. The breakfast was great. It was in a great location. It was a very short walk to the water. We were very excited to have Rick Steves staying at the hotel at the same time. He was so nice to come and talk with us at breakast.

Michael de la Pena in Shingle Springs, Ca USA 06/22/2008

Best: Hotel Santa Lucia in Venice
Why: We had to catch a 5:45 am train so being 5 minutes walk from the station was perfect. The hotel was delightful, especially the breakfast in the outside terrace. The rooms were clean and adequate and economical

Peter & Maureen in Ridgeland, MS USA 06/21/2008

Best: Hotel Mignon in Sorrento
Why: Bright, comfortable rooms, good breakfast, friendly staff and economical

Worst: Hotel Galileo in Florence
Why: Poorly lit, cramped room, 20 euro more than rate mentioned in book

Peter & Maureen in Ridgeland, MS United States 06/21/2008

Best: Hotel Il Nido
Why: The room was comfortable, the staff pleasant and helpful, the food delicious. The view was beautiful and a great quiet, place to come home to after sightseeing. The price was reasonable.

Jolien Mierke in Alexandria, VA USA 06/21/2008

Best: Hotel Oceania, Rome
Why: Accomodations were comfortable and clean. Breakfast was always good. Beds were comfortable. Great Hotel

Chet Brewer in Severna Park, MD USA 06/16/2008

Worst: Hotel Fontana, Venice
Why: We booked a room in Hotel Fontana and were put in the recently renovated annex which was across the street from the hotel. Sounded good from Chicago so we went with it. What the annex turned out to be is part of a building that has about 15 foot ceilings. They created 6 rooms in this space by making tiny rooms with <7 foot ceilings and unbelievably tiny bathrooms. Half size shower/tubs with no curtain so everything had to be moved to avoid getting wet. The ultimate measure of its tiny size is the fact that even the toilet paper was stuck in the tiny vanity, not on a holder by the toilet since there was no room. We have been in many European hotel rooms that are small, but this place is a joke. We would recommend removing this hotel from the list.

Jim in Chicago, IL USA 06/16/2008

Best: Villa Margherita Hotel near 5 Terre
Why: This was the hight point of our vacation. The room was wonderful as was the view from our balcony. The staff was courteous and attentive and the breakfast just marvelous. Restaurants are a short walk away but well worth it. The railway station is also within walking distance and the trains allows easy access to the Cinque Terra I will definetly be back.

James Antonelli in Santa Monica, CA USA 06/15/2008

Best: Genius Loci, Bevagna, Umbria
Why: My husband and I stayed at the Genius Loci Inn for two nights of our 16-night stay in Italy. It turned out to be one of our favorite memories. The Tacconi Family, who own and operate the inn, was delightful to deal with from the moment I began my online reservation. I had many questions as we had never been to Italy before. All of my questions (even the silly ones) were answered promptly. Mary Tacconi left California 40 years ago to study art in Italy and met her husband, Maurizio. She decided to make Italy her home. It is clear that they have poured their hearts into the restoration of this old farmhouse. It has all the modern amenities one needs, yet it maintains the charm and character of a beautiful country estate. While the pictures on the website are impressive, no photograph can capture the beauty of the inn and the Umbrian landscape. Mary and Maurizio's son, Michael (who is fluent in both Italian, and, thankfully for us, English), runs the inn with warmth and professionalism. Overlooking the vineyards and olive trees is a pool which we had all to ourselves while we were there. The rooms are beautifully furnished and overlook the mountainous landscapes in the distance. What a sunrise we saw from our window! Breakfast was fresh and delicious and eaten out on the patio of the inn. Mary even picked up freshly baked Umbrian bread for us to enjoy. Montefalco and Assisi are a short drive away, and definitely worth the trip. The town of Bevagna is so charming with its cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and exquisite restaurants. The Tacconi family made our stay at their inn unforgettable. We have fond memories of them and Genius Loci. Our only regret is that we didn't stay longer.

Andrea in Fall River, MA USA 06/14/2008

Best: Il Bargellino, Florence
Why: Nice quiet little hotel; best were the proprietors, Carmel and Pino. Super helpful, made museum reservations for me before our arrival, friendly.

lisa forrest in kalamazoo, mi USA 06/13/2008

Best: Il Vilino, Florence
Why: My wife and I traveled all over Italy in a two-week span with the help of Rick and our favorite hotel was the Il Vilino in Florence. The rooms are large and very clean with beautiful stained glass windows. You are on a quiet street but stll close enough to the center of Florence. You even have free 24-hour internet access! But what made our stay most enjoyable at the Il Vilino is the amazing staff. Sergio and Elisabetta (the owner's) always greet you with a smile and treat you like part of there family. Roberto, the night manager was a wealth of knowledge about Florence (he is very passionate about his city) and very helpful. I needed a Vodafone store to add minutes to my cell phone for a SIM card that I purchased in Italy to make local calls. I asked Roberto if he knew where the closest store was. He did not know, but as my wife and I were unwinding in our beautiful room, Roberto had gone on line and found the closest Vodafone store and printed out directions for us! When we came down that evening from our room, he had the map waiting for us. The big name brand hotels could learn a thing or two about customer service from the Il Vilino Staff.

Jason and Maria Kuch in Austin, TX USA 06/12/2008

Best: Hotel Villa Rita, Paestum
Why: Staff were amazingly helpful: took my husband to the post office & found a shop with a suitable envelope to mail a CD, gave us a late checkout so we could go to the beach, let us check email on their office computer, even took us to the train station! Hotel meals were also good and very inexpensive - 10 euros for sandwich lunch for 2, 15 euros each for dinner. The best breakfast, however, was definitely Romantica Pucci in Bagnoreggio - never had we seen such a feast! Pucci helped us with directions and advice, also let us make sandwiches from the breakfast buffet.

Alcalay in Platteville, WI USA 06/11/2008

Best: Hotel Grand Italia in Padua.`
Why: Close to train station; nice room; exceptional breakfast. Not a nice neighborhood, but it is easy to jump on the tram in front of the hotel for the ten minute ride into town.

Worst: Hotel Piacenza, Milan
Why: This was an o.k. hotel. But the guidebook is way wide of the mark in describing the rooms as "bright and cheery." They are cramped (knees under the wash basin to sit on the toilet) but clean. Management is indeed nice.

Alfonso Damico in Iowa City, IA USA 06/10/2008

Worst: Milan- Hotel Santa Marta
Why: We stayed at this hotel on Friday, June 6 for only one night…thank God. We were traveling in Italy from May 24-June 7 when Jill’s review was posted on 05/31/2008, otherwise we never would have stayed at this dump. (Scroll down to read her review) Our room, as well as the reception and breakfast area, was groddy, it was grungy, it was dirty, it was disgusting, it was smelly and a total pit. The overhead light in our bathroom didn’t work and one of the nightstand lamps didn’t work either. We told the receptionist and she said there was nothing she could do about it other than to have us switch rooms! You could tell that all the other rooms in this dump were going to be just as bad and it was too much of a hassle at that point for us to re-pack and haul our suitcases to another room. When we went back to the room we discovered the mold, rust and other grunge on the toilet, which sounded like a meat grinder when flushed. The faucet in the bathroom sink could not be turned on without it spraying water straight out at you thus we were forced to reduce the water flow to almost a trickle when using. And, the showerhead squirted water out over the top of the shower stall. The other couple that we were traveling with encountered similar problems with their room.

Now here’s the thing… these weren’t problems that just suddenly appeared the day we checked in. The owner and/or hotel manager is absolutely aware of the condition of the rooms and yet they still rent them out. It’s appalling that they are scamming tourist in this way. We paid the €140 Rick Steve’s cash discount rate. I think our rate was less than Jill’s because we were using the 2007 guide when we booked. They did want the payment up front but since they couldn’t give us change we told them they would have to wait until the morning when we would have the exact amount. I am thoroughly disappointed and baffled that the guide made this recommendation. We’ve used Rick’s guides and accommodation recommendations for years and have never encountered anything like this. The entire place and staff creeped me out. Rick, you need to personally visit this dump and I guarantee you’ll remove it from your guide in a New York minute!

Valerie Doane in Clifton Park, NY USA 06/10/2008

Best: Giardina Segreta, Pienza
Why: Perfect location for exploring Tuscany; pleasant staff, spacious, meticulously clean self-catering apartment to share. Great price for the area - as two couples sharing, we spent less for three nights here than one night in separate doubles in modest hotel in Florence. They even gave us 2 bottles of local wine as a going-away present!

Richard Harned in Kenmore, NY USA 06/10/2008

Best: Milan: Hotel Grand Duca di York
Why: location, newly furbished rooms, friendly staff

W. Wong in San Francisco, CA USA 06/08/2008

Best: Hotel Alessandra in Florence
Why: Nice hotel, very friendly and helpful staff that truly made us feel at home in Florence.

Worst: None
Why: none

Russ Lorber in Westminster, MD USA 06/07/2008

Best: Bellevue House Florence and Hotel Olivedo Varenna
Why: Antonio at Bellevue was so gracious and helpful. Laura's dinners and breakfasts combined with an outstanding room with balcony overlooking Lake Como, contrary to what some have said, we thought Laura was fine, we enjoyed her tight ship and fun talking with her in our broken italian!

Ron and Linda Schroeder in Portland, OR USA 06/06/2008

Best: Elisabetta's Villino Azzurro - Vernazza
Why: I hope RS updates his information on Elisabetta's Villino Azzurro. It is an injustice to fellow travelers to refer to Elisabetta's as "ramshackle rooms" and "let me know if it's not reliable". We just returned from staying in the 2 uppermost rooms and I can't imagine staying anywhere else when in the CT. The rooftop terrace has the most unbelieveable views which I think everyone is being cheated of, if they go to a place without it. Elisabetta explained the problem she had last year when her mother had a medical emergency. She is trying very hard to please and show that she IS reliable but that period of time was something beyond her control. Her rooms are small but very clean, accommodating, and comfortable. Please update your book with all pleasing recommendations of her place so that many of your readers can be as thrilled with their selection of Elisabetta's as I was.

Linda Bousk in Somonauk, IL USA 06/06/2008

Worst: Hotel Enza, Florence
Why: The bathroom tile grout was blackened by mildew, as was the flimsy plastic shower curtain. When we left the maid a note in Italian about it, they did replace the shower curtain with a new and better one (no action on the grout). But the thing that got to me was that last summer's mosquitoes still lay crushed against the walls--little legs and all--and no one on the staff was motivated enough to wipe them off. Enza is a mediocre place, and I wouldn't recommned it. It doesn't come up to the standards of other Rick Steves hotels.

Susan Aldridge in Milwaukee, WI USA 06/06/2008

Best: Corte Campana B&B in Venice
Why: They were full and referred us to an apartment, which was phenonmenal, for the same price. Two bedrooms, kitchen, laundry, internet, clean......wanted to stay there forever!

terrie gordon gamble in stanford, ca USA 06/01/2008

Worst: Hotel Santa Marta in Milan
Why: The Hotel had raised its price from €140 to €210, with the cash discount, since Rick Steves' review in the 2008 book. We had reservations for 3 nights and the hotel required “payment upon arrival”. We paid for our 3 nights, over $1,000, and went to the room. It had a bad odor of a dirty dish rag, it had dingy sheets, mold in the bathroom, & garbage stacked up outside our window. The toilet made a loud screeching groan when flushed and the tank leaked. I tried spraying Frebreeze in the room without any improvement. We tried to stick it out (for 6 hours) & then a spider crawled across my foot--this was not exactly what I expected for a room that was over $300/night. I told the attendant our issues with the room & after calling her supervisor she refused to return any of our money for any of the 3 nights (over $1,000) that we had paid for. We left anyway and stayed at the sparkling clean, professional & friendly--Hotel Spadari--just a few blocks away. The cost was €2.00 less per night than at Hotel Santa Marta!

I’ve been using Steves’ guides for 18 years--& this was the first time that I felt totally scammed!

Jill Manchester in San Bruno, CA USA 05/31/2008

Best: Hotel Europa, Verona
Why: Well-maintained hotel, comfortable, friendly staff, great location, and excellent attention to detail. Good breakfast spread. Renato, our hotel manager, was amazing, a big teddy-bear.

Mark Henderson in Dana Point, CA USA 05/29/2008

Best: Corte Campana - Venice
Why: The B&B rooms were just perfect. Ricardo was waiting for us when we arrived at 7 pm. His place is spacious, comfortable and very quiet with only a 2 minute walk from San Marco square. Riccardo was terrific! He made sure everyone staying there was having a good time in Venice and gave advice on how and when to see the sights. (How to beat the crowds). We were leaving for a cruise and he took the time to take us to the water bus stop. His place is a great location if cruising and need connections to the port. Highly recommended!

Carol Voyles in Escondido, ca USA 05/27/2008

Best: Edi's in Riomaggiore- 5 terre
Why: We took the route of showing up in the morning hoping for a room. My husband and I ended up paying 50euro a night for a room that opened up to the mediterranean sea. Edi warned us that the beds were bunk beds, but we didn't care because the view was great and we needed a place to stay. It was clean and pretty comfy. We drove with a car and Edi had parking for only 10euro/night-cheap in italy-we parked in a garage at the top of the town. very safe-nothing got damaged or stolen.

abigail stehulak USA 05/27/2008

Best: Soggiorno Battistero in Florence
Why: The views of the Baptistery and Duomo from our bedroom window were spectacular, and hearing the great sound of the bells chiming every evening. But mostly the attentiveness and warmth of Kelly, which we found in no other place we stayed in Italy.

Marge Sykes in Elbridge, NY United States 05/24/2008

Best:
Why: Recently (May 10,08) stayed at the Majestic Toscanelli in Padova. It was perfect in every way EXCEPT..a few local student bars have recently opened in the neighborhood. Party nights are Wednesday and Saturday..producing a lot of noise and crowds of partying university students in the streets around the hotel. The hotel staff moved our room to the last inside quiet room at midnight.The hotel is trying unsuccessfully to correct this problem and is very frustrated as the situation is impacting their business. We are big fans of your guides and have used them successfully in Italy and Ireland.

D. Symons in State College, PA USA 05/24/2008

Best: Cross-pollinate site, Aldobrandini Hotel in Florence
Why: There was 3 of us, used www.cross-pollinate site to book an apt in Rome- with their help rented a scenic 1 bedroom apt in the nice area, great experience, good rates, saved on price and food as apt had the kitchen. The staff was wonderful, handled all communications efficiently, we are highly satisfied and will use them again. Aldobrandini hotel- great very central location, clean, reasonable rate, the owner (Ignasio) was very friendly. Very good value for the money.

Irina in Daly City, CA USA 05/20/2008

Best: Agriturismo La Crociana
Why: We loved staying at this place. To start, it was a beautiful setting. It was located just outside Montalcino at a winery. Just outside our cottage was a lawn with chairs to sit on, and the vineyards started at the edge of the grass. There was a pool for the hot days. And a great little restraunt a 1 minute walk away with outdoor seating. The family that runs the place is very friendly and helpful. To top it off, you can try all their wine and get a private tour of the winery. The Brunello was awesome! This was our favorite place in Italy. We can't wait to go back.

David in San Mateo, CA USA 05/20/2008

Best: Albergo Baretta Varenna
Why: This is a cozy little place run by a friendly family. Good value for the price and amazing lake views. Loved being in the center of action, people watching was great. A bit noisy at night on the street.

Worst: Hotel Sabotino, Milan
Why: Quirky is an understatement. This place is just plain weird. Also, the rooms are rather run-down and could use some serious renovating. The Porta Romana neighborhood is very cool, and there is a great market around the corner, but this place was rather depressing and would not recommend it to anyone because it was not even a good deal.

Kelly in Milwaukee, WI USA 05/19/2008

Best: A Casa 5 Terre, Manarola
Why: Claudio runs a great website with pictures of the rooms that he coordinates in Manarola and Riomaggiore. Manarola was a wonderful place to stay - less crowded than Vernazza. We stayed in Maria 1, with a huge terrace overlooking the sea, and a tiny kitchen with refrigerator (perfect for saving the pecorino cheese we'd bought in Tuscany!). Very affordable prices. Claudio speaks great English and is very helpful.

Susan in Boston, MA USA 05/14/2008

Best: Agriturismo Il Sasso/La Falconara - Montepulciano
Why: We planned to stay at Il Sasso, 3 km NW of Montepulciano, down the road from La Falconara. We got completely lost finding it, but finally arrived at 6 pm on a Sunday. There was no proprieter in sight, so we walked down the road to La Falconara, where we found helpful Alex, who spoke fluent English and was able to call Il Sasso's owner, who came and picked us up. Otherwise, it was a wonderful stay and very economical - 50 euros per night for a very nice double room with bath, amidst the olive groves and vineyards outside Montepulciano. No breakfast included, but it's a short drive to town, where there were ample cafes, as well as an excellent supermarket called Conad (where we assembled a fantastic picnic). Of note, La Falconara looked beautiful and Alex was so helpful. We saw him later in town taking his guests to dinner, speaking fluently in Spanish with them!

Susan in Boston, MA USA 05/14/2008

Best: Casa Delfina, Rome
Why: This lovely little convent was a wonderful retreat from the overwhelming busyness of Rome - and very affordable! One of the sisters spoke excellent English and chatted with us every morning at breakfast, and gave helpful directions to the sights. This convent is a 15-20 minute bus ride (#360 bus to Piazzale Muse) north of the heart of the city. Rooms were spotless though simple, and we awoke every morning to the nuns' singing!

Susan in Boston, MA USA 05/14/2008

Best: Ca' San Travaso, Venice
Why: The Dorsoduro neighborhood was beautiful and a welcome escape from the crowds of tourists near the Rialto Bridge or St. Marks - we felt as though we were staying in the "real Venice". The room was very nice, clean and comfortable, breakfast was included. More affordable than many options in Venice.

Worst: Hotel Cannon D'Oro, Siena
Why: Rick warned that it would be loud and it was - our room opened onto the main thoroughfare to Il Campo, thronged with college students and tourists until late at night. Also, the proprietor refused to honor the price guaranteed in Rick's book for a double room and charged us more.

Susan in Boston, MA USA 05/14/2008

Best: Hotel Centrale in Florence
Why: Very quiet room with small view of Duomo. A/C that was functioning. Excellent value and friendly staff. Elevator from ground floor to room. Great location and clean room.

Worst: Hotel Alessandra in Florence
Why: Noisy room on the street side. Bathroom with peeling ceiling. A/C that wasn't "turned on yet". Elevator accessible at first floor. Poor value but friendly staff.

Rhonda Younker in Bellevue , WA USA 05/13/2008

Worst: Hotel Adler, Rome
Why: This hotel should be removed from the guidebook. Not because the desk people had attitude although that is true. Not because we had to ask for a light bulb to be replaced and for additional toilet paper after the room had been made up by housekeeping although that is true. Not because the breakfast items were old and dried out or even non existant although that is true. BUT because there are NO smoke detectors in the rooms and there is no emergency exit diagram in the room. The place is a safety hazard.

M. Ullrick in Arlington Heights, IL USA 05/13/2008

Worst: Page 697 - Hotel Il Faro
Why: In addition to being noisy in the evening with traffic until 11:30pm, hotel allowed a group of school children to take rooms (5 to a room) without adult supervision in each room. As a consequence, we were unable to sleep until 3am due to the noise and commotion. When I called to complain, the owner got mad at me because there was nothing he could do and he was frustrated as well and hung up on me. He later apologized and offered us a bottle of wine. I expected him to take off one-night's payment but he only offered to take off 18 euros from 518 Euros total that we paid. He did give us the 15% discount mentioned in the book.

Scott in Renton, WA USA 05/12/2008

Best: Hotel Campiello in Venice,Hotel Spadari, Milano
Why: Fantastic location, good breakfast and very helpful staff. Could not have had a better hotel for the price. Hotel Spadari was again great location. The breakfast was order what you want. It far surpassed our expictation. Staff were so very help in finding a great resturant and giving direction.

Renee Lee in DeSoto , Tx USA 05/09/2008

Best: Francamaria
Why: We e-mailed Francamaria our request for a room meeting certain criteria. She told were to meet her. Everything was a requested. We chose the large 2 bedroom unit on the harbor just a few steps above ground level with a harbor view. The room was clean and beds comfortable with the view we wanted. we chatted with Francamaria on the street various times during our stay. She is a delightful lady. By the time we left Vernazza we felt we were leaving a friend behind.

Russ in Fresno, Ca USA 05/07/2008

Best: Hotel Sileo in Rome
Why: Our airline lost our luggage and Alessandro went above and beyond the call of duty to call the airport and airline. The numbers we were given did not work, but he persisted. Although the airline was so far gone and our luggage never made it to Rome his compassion and customer service warmed my heart and helped me forget the dirty socks and clothes. He even gave my husband and me his own backpack so we wouldn't need to carry plastic bags onto the plane. He and Maria restored my hope in the Italian work ethic.

Jennifer Barnhill in San Diego, CA USA 05/06/2008

Best: Hotel Maxim, Florence
Why: The staff was friendly, the breakfast was good and the location was perfect!

Worst: Hotel Orion Venice
Why: We made a reservation at Hotel Orion via email. However, when we arrived we were told we had been moved due to water pipe problems on one of the floors. One of the staff escorted us through the crowded streets of Venice and dropped us at another hotel. The other hotel charged the same price but based on the entrance of the Orion this hotel was no where near the quality of the Hotel Orion. We asked to see the room we were going to be in and I would say it was a 1 star, at best. I was disappointed in Hotel Orion for not attempting to contact me before my arrival, via email or phone, and then for not making sure they found a hotel comparable to theirs. We only stayed one night and I stopped by Hotel Orion on the way out of town. I expressed my opinion to the manager but he showed no regret and made no apologies.

Robin Rodrigues in Modesto , CA USA 04/30/2008

Best: Egi Rooms
Why: In November of 2007 we stayed at the family room which is not pictured at www.egirooms.com. This is a very big room with windows facing the major street in Vernazza. His rooms are located right in the heart of Vernazza, One floor up from the main square, so not a lot of climbing. Egi and his wife, Sonia, where very helpful right from the beginning where they met us at the Train station. He gave us his cell number so we could contact him at any time with any questions or problems. Egi also helped us a lot with our travel plans since we had to change at the last minute due to a Train strike in France. His recommendations as to where to go in Italy where great. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Egis.

Ortila & Ben Shamsian in Los Angeles, CA USA 04/19/2008

Worst: Best Hotel -Milan
Why: The bed sank in the middle, the shower smelled moldy, very noisy outside, and my wife swore she heard gunfire in the middle of the night on the street below our window.

Scott Gaulke in Hood River, OR USA 04/18/2008

Best: Egi Rooms
Why: The Orange Room at www.egirooms.com. This very modern space was all one room, but comfortably slept four of us and had a full kitchen. It is located right in the heart of Vernazza, only a few flights up from the main square, so not a lot of climbing. Egi and his wife, Sonia, made the stay extra special by meeting us at the train station and making sure that we had everything we needed. He gave us his cell number so we could contact him at any time with any questions or problems. He also rents two other rooms in the same building that share a bathroom - perfect for friends traveling together but that want some privacy. We were isolated from the noise outside the building, which was nice as the square can be very busy and loud.

Julie in Shoreline, WA USA 04/15/2008

Worst: Hotel Nardizze Americana in Rome
Why: Accomodations and breakfast were the most mediocre of the trip, though the staff was helpful and nice. I still think you should leave it in the book as the price was right, esp. for Rome and the location near Termini was convenient. For a budget traveller, it is adequate.

Mimi Satter in Syracuse , NY USA 04/13/2008

Best: Ostello San Frediano in Lucca and Elisabetta's Villino Azzurro in Vernazza
Why: Ostello San Frediano was SO MUCH nicer than any other Hostel I have ever seen!! It was like a palace! The common areas were nicer than any of the hotels I stayed at! At Elisabetta's rooms I had one of the greatest views I have ever seen! They were so nice and I loved the location!!

Brian Freund in keego harbor, mi USA 04/11/2008

Best: Alma Domus in Siena, BY FAR!
Why: WHAT A VIEW!! WHAT A DEAL!!!! I opened the balcony on my 42 Euro Single and there was the Duomo right there in front of me!! If I looked to my right, there was that postcard of the rolling Tuscan hills with the cyprus trees off in the distance. And to the left was the "Burnt Siena" roofs of one of the great cities I have seen!

Worst: Hotel Posta in Orvieto and Casa Olmata in Rome
Why: They were very nice at the Hotel Posta, and it is in a great location. My problem with it was that, first of all, I had the Torre del Moro right outside my window, which was beautiful, but, they chime EVERY 15 MINUTES ALL NIGHT LONG!!!! I had earplugs, so, it wasnt that bad, but.... Also, they stuck me, because I was a single, in a corner where they are doing construction, so, all of my stuff was covered in dust! It wasnt bad because of just those things, it was a much lower standard of comfort than all the other places, but 1, that I stayed. Casa olmata in Rome was disappointing because they, too were very nice!! I was chose them because I wanted to be on that side of the Termini station and on a fairly nice, quiet side-street. They moved me to their annex on Meraluna St. about 5 blocks further from the train station and on a VERY busy street! It was louder than then church bells! It was also ALOT further from public transportation. I was really disappointed in the whole experience with them.

Brian Freund in keego harbor, MI USA 04/11/2008

Best: Hoel Cervo near Malpensa airport
Why: Very prompt about picking us up at the airport. Restaurant was closed so they drove us to a lovely local place to eat dinner, then picked us up. Nice breakfast too.

Jean Yoder in Ann Arbor, MI USA 04/10/2008

Best: Hotel Florence in Bellagio Lake Como
Why: Great lake views (we shared an enormous balcony with another room) wonderful staff, good prices and reasonably good breakfasts.

Bill Young in San Leandro, CA USA 04/10/2008

Worst: Hotel Pendini in Florence
Why: Poor staff attitudes and poor building maintenance have made this once grand old pension into an indifferent and careworn hotel...keep looking, you will find better.

Bill Young in San Leandro , CA USA 04/10/2008

Best: maria capellini rooms in vernazza, bellevue house florence, alma domus siena, il nido sorrento andhotel canada rome
Why: all were clean, friendly and full of helpful information

bruce lahr in sauk rapids, mi USA 04/03/2008

Best: Ostello 5-Terre
Why: Very well run. Great food. Very hospitable. Enjoyable experience.

Worst: Yellow Hostel in Rome
Why: At 35 I was the oldest there by 15 years! It is clearly a party hostel. They put a lot of emphasis on the Pub Crawl but the basic details of check-in where very sloppy. This was the 4th hostel we stayed in and the only one with problematic service. I would not stay there again.

Scott Hovey in Durham, NC USA 03/31/2008

Best: Casa Astarita B&B, Sorrento
Why: My wife and I prefer simple, clean, good value accommodations in the heart of a city. Casa Astarita has a quirky entrance off the street but wonderful rooms for a budget price, excellent hospitality from Adelida, better than average breakfasts. Also liked Hotel Maxim in Florence and Hotel Nardizzi in Rome (Sami is great!).

Jim & Rita Blattman in Ottawa, On Canada 03/31/2008

Best: La Crocoina - Tenuta Croce di Mezzo
Why: We can't say enough great things about Croce di Mezzo! To start, Barbara, Roberto, and Fiorella are absolutely amazing people and truly treat you like family. We stayed with them for 6 nights in Apartment B and we absolutely loved it. The apartment was very clean, had a small kitchen, a great bathroom, exremely comfortable bed and all the ammenities of home. It was wonderful coming home (and by home we mean home to Apartment B at Croce di Mezzo) to a cozy apartment, light a fire and open a bottle of Croce di Mezzo's amazing wine (we bought a few bottles to take home) to relax and talk about our amazing day traveling in Tuscany. We can't wait to go back and stay with the family ~ we definitely want to go during the summer when we can take cooking lessons with Fiorella and spend quality family time with them at the dinner table. We keep saying "family", but that is how we think of them. We told Barbara and Roberto that when the come back to visit California we would love for them to stay with us! This is absolutely the place to stay!

Laura and Brianna Schuchardt in Redondo Beach, CA USA 03/30/2008

Best: Riomaggiore - Edi's rooms, Vernazza - Rooms by Martina
Why: Both were clean with great views (make sure to ask for the sea or harbor views). We've stayed with Edi many times and he's always been great. He even gave us a bottle of wine this time to help us celebrate our anniversary. In Vernazza, Martina's dad invited us to partake in some of his homemade wine.

Previously, we've only visited the CT in summer months. This time we went in March. The towns were so much more enjoyable - not crowded at all - and the folks were friendly. For our photos (to see what you are in store for, visit:http://www.pbase.com/tsip19/the_ligurian_coast_italy

Thanks, Rick, for your great suggestions!

Rob in Austin, TX USA 03/30/2008

Worst: Egi Rooms, Vernazza
Why: Egi Rooms wasn't horrible, it just wasn't nearly as good as we'd expected [and we felt] it wasn't worth €90 a night. We stayed in the Red Room, which shares a bathroom with the Blue Room. The hot water tank in the shared bathroom ran out of hot water. The walls are extremely thin, we could clearly hear conversation in both other rooms. For two of the four nights there was a family staying in the Orange room below us with a four month old baby that screamed non-stop (not Egi's fault, I realize, but the walls are way too thin to rent the room to traveling infants and their inconsiderate parents). All the light switches for the hall lights and the room lights are in roughly the same location in the outer hall, and un-labeled, so we had a couple of occasions where late arrivers crept in quietly and turned on our overhead light when trying to turn on the hall lights. We enjoyed Cinque Terre and may well go back, but we'll certainly look for somewhere else to stay.

Mark in Madison, WI USA 03/28/2008

Best: Terrapille Agritourismo near Pienza, Hotel Alimandi in Rome, and Silbernagl in Castelrotto
Why: Lucia at Terrapille is like family to her guests! Lovely, quiet estate in the heart of Tuscany, with beautiful view of quaint Pienza above you. The Hotel Alimandi is in a great location for visits to the Vatican, yet still an easy walk to the heart of Rome. Hotel Silbernagl in the lovely alpine village of Castelrotto is run by friendly Petra, and has a wonderful indoor heated pool, and is surrounded by the beautiful Dolomite mountains.

Sue Laabs in Northville, MI USA 03/23/2008

Best: Hotel Campiello, St Mark's Vencie
Why: We booked a quadruple room and they generously upgraded us to the new apartment at no additional charge. My family is my husband, myself and two children. This place has got a GREAT Location!! The accomodations were stunning- Murano glass chandelier, etc. We were very happy here.

Carolyn Sleeper in Phoenix, AZ USA 03/22/2008

Best: Locanda al Leon - Venezia
Why: Charming accomodations, friendly staff, quaint breakfast room, excellent location, wonderful price!

Worst: Hotel Pendini - Firenze
Why: Wasn't horrible, but room was dusty (not dirty), cold, and uninviting. Didn't feel like a value for our money. Staff was friendly, however, and the location was good.

John Novick in Chicago, IL USA 03/21/2008

Best: Il Nido in Sorrento
Why: The hospitality was wonderful. The full breakfast with scrambled eggs and bacon was a welcome surprise and the free shuttle into town was very convenient. This hotel isn't in the 2008 book, but it should be. We loved it.

Sheryl in Fort Worth, TX USA 03/20/2008

Worst: Hotel Pasquale, Monterosso in the Cinque Terre
Why: Rick Steve's guidebook states that noise is not an issue at Hotel Pasquale. Nothing could be further from the truth. My husband and I spent the first weekend of the month there and didn't get much sleep at all during our stay and regretted having chosen to stay there. All rooms are juxtapositioned to the staircase which is mostly wood and you can hear every single person coming and going on the stairs. All of the rooms have tile floors and thin walls so you hear people above, below and next door. We went to bed at ten one night and were woke up by people coming in later than us. Then we tried to sleep in another morning and were awakened by the maids above and next door dragging the furniture across those rooms to clean the floors. The sea views are beautiful but you will get plenty of them on your walks without wasting your money at Hotel Pasquale. I highly recommend that the Rick Steve's entry for Hotel Pasquale regarding the noise level there be revised. I am not a light sleeper nor am I overly finicky. This is just simply something that I believe all readers need to be forewarned about!

Wanda in Seattle, WA USA 03/16/2008

Best: Four good hotels - three in Rick's book
Why: Wife and I are just back from Italy the first half of March. We wanted to minimize hotel costs to maximize other experiences (i.e., museums, shopping, etc.). Stayed 2 nites in Rome at Hotel Corot (not in Rick's book) one block from Termini... very convenient and a nice room at a reasonable price. Then on to Vernazza for four nites at Albergo Barbara (in the book), Room 8 overlooking the Plaza and that was terrific. Then it was Florence and we arrived at Hotel Il Bargellino (in the book) without a reservation and Room 10 was just fine (shared toilet but in-room shower/sink. And finally to Venice and Albergo Doni (in the book), Room 8. Wrote ahead and Nikos changed our reservation by a day and the accommodations were wonderful for the price with very kind service. A great trip made better with a lot of reading of these boards. Looking forward to a return trip someday.

David in Southwest, WA USA 03/15/2008

Best: Ca Del Dose Venice
Why: Family-run, cozy little place in a quiet section of Venice. Near to all the sights and steps from Vaporetti. Loved the extra room of the suite, great for traveling with kids.

Kelly in Milwaukee, WI USA 03/13/2008

Best: Al Ponte Mocenigo - Venice
Why: Clean, comfortable room and beds with nice bathroom. Walter and staff were very pleasant and helpful with any request. Walter chatted with us one afternoon over espresso and tea about the hotel and how they restored it. It was wonderful.

Mark Obergfell in Indianapolis, IN USA 03/06/2008

Best: Hotel Sonya (Rome), Hotel Villa Elda (Siena), Hotel Centrale (Florence)
Why: they were great! rooms and bathrooms were clean, locations were all within walking distance to most of the major sights, and the included breakfasts were more than i expected (especially for italy). Hotel Sonya (75eur/night): 5 min walk to Termini, 3 computers available for free internet access Villa Elda (90eur/night): just outside of siena's old town centre (5 min walk); giorgia and staff were very friendly and helpful; room was big and bright with newly renovated and sparkling clean bathrooms. Hotel Centrale (85eur/night): 3 min away from the Duomo and less than 10min from train station, big room (Giotto rm. No.18), free internet access from 8am-9:30pm in reception area. Thanks for listing such great hotels! we will look for them again (assuming they're still in your guidebooks) the next time we go to italy.

Worst: Hotel Orion (Venice)
Why: I don't like sayin it's the "worst", but of all of the hotels, this one was my least favorite only because of the noise. if you are a light sleeper (which i'm not), this one's probably not for you. the staff was very gracious and the room was very neat and quite spacious for venice, but you can hear EVERYTHING. people walking up and down the stairs, other people watching tv/talking/sneezing, people in the room above you unpacking, toilets flushing, water running... the location (within 30 seconds of St Mark's) is unbeatable and we only paid 75eur/night, so i don't want to sound like i'm complaining because i'd probably stay here again... but next time, i'll be sure to bring my ear plugs :) ps. if you do plan on staying here, quick fyi: the entrance is somewhat discreet. there is no awning or big sign for the hotel, only a small glass door on your left across from a bar that says "hotel orion" towards the end of Spadaria when walking from St Mark's.

miki s bc canada 03/01/2008

Best: Hotel Pallotta in Assisi
Why: See comments above.

Josh Harrison in College Station, TX USA 03/01/2008

Best: 1st Place Tie - La Baia Di Rio in Riomaggiore and B&B Pascucci in Rome / 3rd Place Tie - Camere La Torre in Vernazza and B&B Antonella Landi in Siena
Why: THE ABSOLUTE BEST PLACES we stayed in our 3+ weeks in Europe was our stay at La Baia Di Rio in Riomaggiore and B&B Pascucci in Rome.

At La Baia Di Rio, we reserved the Honeymoon suite (more like an apartment) with 180-degree wrap around balcony, and it was easily the hightlight accomodation of our trip. Each night we had pesto dinners on our balcony and each morning we awoke to views of the hillsides of Riomaggiore - oh yeah, did I mention huge wrap around windows. I know many of us don't go on vacation to stay in our rooms, but that is how nice this was. A year later, my wife and I still dream of being back at this place! The room was large and immaculate, and it came with a kitchen and washer/dryer. The owners are super nice - it was just wonderful! Book early as they are very popular.

You know if we liked that place so much, B&B Pascucci in Rome must be amazing - it was. Our friend, Lucianno was the perfect Roman host. He offers a wonderful, spacious antique-filled room with a comfy bed in his private residence. He makes a nice breakfast and sits down with you to plan your day of sightseeing. He has wonderful advice on all logistics and is super friendly. We were a 5-minute walk from Piazza Navona - yes, in the heart of Rome. He gives you your own set of keys and you come and go as you please. In short - a wonderful private oasis in the heart of Rome. Also book early for this place - he is extremely popular and really fills up fast.

Camere la Torre offers a wonderful little private room with a terrace overlooking Vernazza. This room is small (12ft x 8ft) with seperate bathroom, but it was all we needed. I would only recommed this place for the physically fit - as it is next to the hiking trail from Corniglia and is over 300 steps from Vernazza's main square. If you can handle it - the views are breathtaking.

Antonella, in Siena, offers big, clean rooms within a 5-minute walk of Il Campo. The price is fair, and she offers a nice breakfast. I should also mention that she is super spunky/nice, which makes her place fun. Although not the best place we stayed in Italy - we certainly recommmend her rooms, especially for the location.

Worst: Ca' Angeli - Venice
Why: Before you gasp because I have listed a top five most popular B&B according to another website - hear me out. I went against my Rick Steves judgement (not one of his recommendations) and decided to splurge at this place on our trip, because I wanted to stay on the Grand Canal. We stayed in their Grand Canal suite for part of our stay but had to move, due to the room being previously booked, to another room halfway through out stay. THE GRAND CANAL ROOM WAS GREAT! I didn't mind splurging for it. However, the other room was pitiful. It had no view and was a joke for the price we paid. It put a little damper on our stay there, which is the only reason I listed it as a worst accomodation. It really only speaks to how ecstatic we were with our other stays.

Bottom line - if you splurge for the big room, only stay there. These expensive places aren't worth staying at (in my opinion) unless you get the big perk like a room on the Grand Canal with a spectacular Grand Canal view.

Robert Villigram in St. Louis, MO USA 02/28/2008

Best: Hotel Giardino, Rome
Why: The owner Katie provides a great experience to the visitor. She solves every problem and makes your stay a joy. We've never experienced such personal attention in all our travels. We wouldn't stay anyplace else in Rome then at the Hotel Giardino.

Brian Kuhn in Memphis, Tn USA 02/25/2008

Best: Orangehouse in Varenna, Schildberghof Farmhouse in Seis, Il-Poggiolo Farmhouse in Firenze, Camere Fontana Vecchia in Vernazza, RomaBandB in Rome
Why: the owner of these places were very accomodating and helpful. they made our stay in Italy perfect!

DELIA EPIE in CLOVIS, CA USA 02/12/2008

Best: Hotel Nardizzi in Rome
Why: Quiet, clean, the staff was so friendly and helpful. Good location for public transport everywhere. My nine year old grand daughter (first trip outside of Calif.) absolutely enjoyed the hotel. The airy breakfast room and the breakfasts were great.

Vernette Marsh in DAvis, CA USA 01/24/2008

Best: Villa Margherita Hotel, in Levanto near the Cinque Terre
Why: We visited Italy for 10 days at the end of 2007 for New Year. We went to Rome, Napoli, Firenze and Cinque Terre. Our stay in the Villa Margherita Hotel in Levanto was great.

The hotel is just lovely, located perfectly, designed beautifully, shiny clean, everything is new and fresh and with style, warm on a winter day (it was -2 degrees Celsius outside in Levanto on 30.12.2007), and technologically well-equipped. The staff was real top-level, too. The family which manages and works in the hotel is very kind, friendly, positive, helpful and flexible. It feels like you are among your own family and friends.

Frank Galletti in New York, NY USA 01/16/2008

Best: Hotel Bellevue, Florence
Why: This lovely "home" was beautiful with spacious rooms - so close to the train station that we were able to walk to the hotel from the train station. The best part was the gracious Antonio who was available and extremely accomodating. Our room was very clean, bright..it felt like we were coming to a friend's home - not a cold hotel. Also - we were there at the end of December and begining of January when it was freezing cold - the heat was always on and our room was warm and cozy. When we return to Florence we will definitely stay at Hotel Bellevue. The only possible negative thing that I can say is that it is four floors up and there is no elevator...but I can turn that into a positive because we ate like crazy and actually lost weight on this trip.

Rachel Inclan in Pasadena, Ca USA 01/10/2008

Best: Hotel Castello, Vicenza
Why: The owner, Massimo and his staff were very accommodating, warm and friendly. This was one of the only hotels that would provide an extra bed for our children to sleep in with a minimal charge. The rooms have air conditioning and may only be a little further of a walk to the main sights of the city but well worth. You can also park your car on the street next to the hotel, which was very convenient and they will even assist you in drining your car there.

Greg DiGregorio in Broomfield, CO USA 01/06/2008

Best: Haus Silbernagl
Why: Our family of 4 has stayed at many pensions, B&Bs, albergo, garni..whatever you want to call it,all over Western Europe. Haus Silbernagl in Castelrotto / Kastelruth Italy was the nicest one we have ever been in. It's so lovingly decorated and cared for. It is the CLEANEST placed you will ever find. SPOTLESS. It has a great indoor pool that even the kids can use. Petra very genuinely wants you to feel at home and enjoy yourself. She is very helpful (if you desire help) with the local area. We really felt like she was welcoming us into her home (which she just about is). The family room has 2 big rooms and 2 full bathrooms. It is very comfortable with nice soft beds. We were there in Winter and the temperature inside was always just perfect. We highly recommend Haus Silbernagl.

B Ergeron in Brussels, BE 01/06/2008

Best: Romantica Pucci in Civita di Bagnoreggio Italy
Why: Pucci was the perfect hostess anticipaing all our needs. Her place is spic an span and very well decorated. The epitomy of thoughtfullness.

JOhn USA 01/05/2008

Best: Il Bargellino, Florence
Why: Carmel and Pino were just wonderful hosts. They were so helpful with answers on everything. While we were in Florence we visited the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Scandicci. Carmel researched the bus schedules for us and we got there without a hitch. Their restaurant recommendations were excellent. If ever in Florence, pick Il Bargellino for your accommodations. The rooms were beautiful, reasonably priced, and you can't ask for better hosts.

Pam Scaringe in Dolgeville, NY USA 12/25/2007

Best: Inpiazzadellasignoria, Firenze
Why: Delightful, friendly owners and staff, beautiful room (The Giotto),fantastic location, delicious, bountiful breakfasts. Perfecto!

Laurette Benton in Raleigh, NC USA 12/23/2007

Best: Hotel Star, Milan, Sept,07
Why: Great recommendation Rick, not cheap!,Milan in Sept,is very expensive, Super location,walking distance to all major landmarks,Duomo, La Scala etc,Excellent buffet breakfast included in room price.

John & Rosalind Calder in Sidney, BC Canada 12/22/2007

Best: l Bargellino Florence
Why: One of the best parts of our Florence trip was coming home to Carmel and Pino each night. It felt like coming home to family. They were gracious, warm, funny and friendly hosts. We had great insider tips for where to get great service, great food and good deals. Once in our room we got a glimpse of the Doumo from over the terrace and our stay in Florence got better and better from there. Cannot wait to return and wouldn't stay anywhere else.

Susan DiRocco in Boston, MA USA 12/17/2007

Best: Hotel Aberdeen, Locanda il Maestrale
Why: Friendly, accommodating staff. Clean and charming rooms.

Marie Lavendier in Unionville, Ct USA 12/14/2007

Best: Hotel Adler roma
Why: The staff is wonderful,helpful and a great breakfast and large room.Great location.

Worst: Hotel Piccio in Orvieto
Why: Your book says 53E with a 5percent steves discount.She charged us 55E and would not budge.The room was great and since we dropped our car at Hertz in the morning it was a great location.There was no breakfast either.

John Theune in Sheboygan, Wi USA 12/05/2007

Best: La Crociona--Montalcino
Why: The apartment in a 17th century building was huge and comfortable, and was next to the Brunello vineyard. We received a very detailed and fun wine and olive-oil tasting, along with an interesting tour of the new cellar and winery, while Roberto showed our 9-yr. old son around the vineyard. The family treated us as though we were lifelong friends. The location is close driving distance to Siena and other hill towns, and the Osteria (restaurant) next door was fantastic, with a good selection of authentic Tuscan food. If you're doing a wine trip, you can't beat the location. We will be back!

Chris in Lafayette, CO USA 12/04/2007

Best: Lancelot Hotel, Rome
Why: Wonderful personal service, large, clean rooms, excellent location by the Colosseum

Rebecca Portera in West Point, MS USA 12/03/2007

Best: Edy's - Cinque Terre
Why: Charming man and lovely apartments with outstanding sweeping ocean view. Truly everything you want when you come into town after a long day getting there - a friendly and helpful host, a quaint and comfortable room. We especially enjoyed the very long twisting winding walk up and down stairs over hill and dale to get to our apartment - it was a fun adventure. Appropriately, we were with an elderly couple and they were placed in a close apartment with just a small flight of stairs and no hike to reach. We are younger and loved the windy adventure to reach our place. Seriously, it was probably a five minute walk from the main street to our place down narrow halls etc. but we loved it! Clean and comfy apartments that were spacious and very nice. Great value - the best value of our whole trip at just 60 euro for each apt. Thanks Rick!

Worst: Hotel Nardizzi in Rome.
Why: Although a recommended hotel by you, we found the staff to be incredibly rude to two separate other guests that we witnessed. It was really something. We thought, compared to other hotels we stayed in, it was average and a good value for students and single travelers. There's nothing wrong with it, but the rude staff who will yell or speak down to a guest at the slighest drop of a hat was really appalling. Also the floor of the elevator feels like it's going to collapse. They were nice to us, but we also never asked for anything special and any special requests - like a dinner reservation, help with understanding the bill, etc. would result in some inappropriate comments. We witnessed one (previously nice) staff member get in a screaming match during breakfast, in front of the whole hotel, about a stupid verification of credit card slip. Also another lady who was being ignored upon check-in while the guy behind the desk chatted with some repairment, she asked if she could please be helped with checking in and the guy seriously yelled at her to wait her turn. I don't know what is wrong with them, but I would never recommend going back unless you're desperate and don't ever have special needs.

Taya Rotering in Minneapolis, MN USA 11/30/2007

Best: Hotel Aurora, Verona
Why: By far our favorite hotel during our visit to Italy. The room we were assigned was spacious, well decorated and clean. Staff spoke English well and were extremely helpful with all our questions. The location couldn't have been better, in our opinion. Thanks, Rick, for another great recommendation!

Worst: Hotel Aurora website map, Verona
Why: I don't think this map was made for use by anyone walking from the train station to the hotel. We spent an hour trying to find our hotel and only found it by accident. The hotel itself was great; our favorite of the trip.

Dawn Dawsey in St Paul, MN USA 11/27/2007

Best: Hotel du lac in Varenna
Why: Very clean, great views, yummy cheese at the breakfast buffet

Jill Grigsby in Claremont, CA USA 11/23/2007

Best: Florence Dream Domus, Il Nido in Sorrento, Frances Lodge, Orvieto, Il Gelsomino, La Spezia
Why: Florence Dream...wonderful host, down pillows, very acommodating! Il Nido...good location for the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii, terrific hosts, easy parking, great restaurant!! Frances Lodge, beautiful villa, great hosts, a little hard to find, Il Gelsomino, charming hosts, good location for Cinque Terre.

Carol Dierkes in Hartford, Mi USA 11/19/2007

Best: Hotel Lido - Sorrenot
Why: pleasant, beautiful view, helpful staff, excellent breakfast

Melanie Myers in Whitby, ON Canada 11/19/2007

Best: Residenza il Villino in Florence
Why: Sergio is fluent in English and goes above and beyond in everything he does - the service was excellent.

Shelley in St. Louis , MO USA 11/18/2007

Worst: Albergo Marin in Venice
Why: We stayed at the Albergo Marin 5 years ago and the experience was great. So we returned again this fall for 3 nights in October (10/16-10/18/07) and the experience was not good. We agreed to a double room with a shared bath (not our first choice). The room was on the 3rd floor, was very small and was like a dorm room. No sink just a bed and closet. The hotel staff was very curt and less than welcoming. They served a great warm croissant for breakfast, but were very miserly about ensuring that guests only got one each. It was a very different experience than 5 years ago. It made us wonder if the hotel had changed hands. I realize we were there close to the end of the October (peak) season, but jeeze get out of the business if you can only show thinly disguised contempt when dealing with the tourist public. We've recommended this hotel to many people because of its warm hospitality and great location...but not any more.

Kathy and Joe Cooper in Fullerton, CA USA 11/16/2007

Best: youth hostel in cinque terra
Why: We stayed in youth hostel in cinque terra. It was delightful: staff were friendlly and helpful, entire area was clean and safe, and food was delicious and inexpensive.

Worst: Casa Olmata, Rome
Why: It was nothing like the webpage. Our room was located in a building multiple blocks away from the site advertised. Breakfast was featured on their webpage as cereal, juice, coffee, fruit and croissant, served on a linen covered table overlooking the city. We were actually given a voucher for croissant and coffee at a street level cafe several blocks away. No common area as advertized, and though the weather was "t-shirt perfect" the terrace and patio were closed "due to the weather." The accommodations were so bad that we did not stay there even though we had paid 55 euros (which was not refunded) for a private room. I would strongly suggest that you remove them from your recommended accommodations.

Barbara Hart in Hudson, Mi USA 11/14/2007

Best: Rooms - Soggiorno Baptistery
Why: Very clean. Good breakfast delivered to room exactly when requested. Responsive to a small repair that was needed. Reserved gallery tickets for us.

Jack Bender in Zeeland, MI USA 11/12/2007

Best: Il Bargellino, Florence
Why: Room was delightful, and came with a cat! (OK--the neighbor's cat who made herself at home, but I needed a kitty-fix by then.) We particularly appreciated the terrace, where we could picnic if tired. Also, it was very convenient to sights and to the train station. (Little noise, except for Sta. M. Novella bells.)

Marian in Orange County , CA USA 11/12/2007

Best: Hotel Il Nido - Sorrento
Why: Brothers Dino and Gianni do a wonderful job with this family run hotel. The views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius from the rooms and dining room balcony are breathtaking. We stayed there 4 days in October, using it as a base for day trips to Naples, Vesuvius, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. We opted to eat all our dinners there as well and the food was great! Gianni makes the gnocchi-don't miss the gnocchi with smoked salmon. The hotel is well above the town (NOT walking distance), but the free shuttle van from town was easy to cope with.

Ed in Seattle, WA USA 11/11/2007

Best: Albergo Beretta in Varenna
Why: I didn't have a reservation and it was raining when I arrived in Varenna and I was desperarte. The Albergo Beretta gave me a great room facing Lake Como for 58 euros and I was in heaven. Very helpful staff even when I broke off the key in the lock and they kindly gave me another one!

Marc Harrison in Olympia, WA USA 11/11/2007

Best: Hotel Due Torri - Rome
Why: Very nice, clean room with a comfortable bed. The staff was very friendly and the hotel has a great continental breakfast area. Great location, only a few minutes from Piazza Navona.

John in Newtown Square, PA USA 11/11/2007

Best: La Pallotta Hotel, Asssi, Italy
Why: This was by far the best combination of price and quality of any hotel that we stayed in Tuscany. The room has a great city and countryside view and wonderful sunsets. It was quiet, clean and had a wonderful buffet breakfast plus free internet use. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Their nearby restaurant is excellent with high quality food, house wine and service all for a reasonable price. Ask for rooms 12 or 18 with views and enjoy the communal view room upstairs as well.

James Pollock in Portland, OR USA 11/11/2007

Best: Hotel Acesi - Assisi
Why: While this tiny hotel is a little old fashioned, we had a clean comfortable room. It was very inexpensive. Within a couple of minutes of the Basilica and the bus stop.

John in Newtown Square, PA USA 11/11/2007

Worst: Elisabettas Villino Azzurro, Vernazza, Italy
Why: We had email confirmed reservations held by credit card and when we arrived she sent her husband to tell us we they had no room for us. They arranged unacceptable and more expensive rooms(one night in each) with others but more expensive, noisey and no sea view as we reserved. I put a review in tripadvisor.com warning others about this and found listing by others that they had similar problems. She ruined our visit to the Cinque Terre and never even made a personal appearance to explain and appogigize.

James Pollock in Portland, OR USA 11/11/2007

Best: Residenza dei Pucci - Florence
Why: We had a beautiful, modern, clean room for three days and nights. The hotel is a five minute walk from the Duomo. Rossella and Marina were friendly and very helpful.

John in Newtown Square, PA USA 11/11/2007

Best: Casa Cosmo - Venice
Why: This is only a 5 or 6 room hotel (recommended by Rick Steves)within a few minutes walk from the Rialto Bridge. Davide Cosmo and his parents are friendly and very hospitable. The rooms were recently renovated, are very clean and modern. The bed was unbelievably comfortable. The rate was very reasonable and I would definitely stay there again. I was in Venice at the end of September 2007.

John in Newtown Square, PA USA 11/11/2007

Best: Edi's Rooms, Riomaggiore
Why: Edi's charged us 55 Euro for a double(Oct. 22,2007), although the book said 60. The room was comfy and quiet, with a fridge. The check-in gentleman even gave us a shot of lemon liqueur to fortify us for the trek up the steep hill and steps! Nice guy. We ended up staying one more night.

Linda Hornbeck in Torrance, CA USA 11/03/2007

Best: Casa Rabatti in Florence, Italy & Hotel Riva in Venice, Italy
Why: Casa Rabatti: Marcella gave us the warmest welcome we've received at any hotel. She met us halfway on the stairs with her arms wide open for a hug. She made sure that all our needs were met. The room was very clean, sheets were clean, room was spacious, and it was a quiet environment--we slept very well! Hotel Riva: Our room did indeed have a canal view as promised. The room was very clean. We enjoyed the included breakfast. The hotel even let us check in at 8am! My husband and I had taken an overnight train to Venice and had expected to just drop off our bags at the hotel, thinking it was too early to check in. However, they said that the room was ready and no one had occupied it the night before, so they let us check in immediately! We also appreciated the security of the hotel--everyone who came in had to be buzzed in, and all room keys were left at the front desk when leaving the building.

Worst: Casa Olmata in Rome, Italy
Why: Despite our "confirmed reservation" for a double for 3 nights for 56 euro per night, on our first night, due to Casa Olmata's booking errors, my husband and I were forced to upgrade to an 8-bed room by ourselves AND were required to pay 75 euro for the night instead. On the second night, we were moved to an entirely different building down the street, and the room was cold without any extra blankets. We were not able to enjoy the advertised "rooftop terrace with a view of Rome" due to the change in buildings. Then on our last night, a man that would run back and forth between the main hotel and the building that we were now staying in knocked on our door with a note from Casa Olmata to confirm our check-in for the 3rd night. The man asked us for 2 euro more than what we had paid for the previous night. Luckily, we didn't have exact change, so we walked over to Casa Olmata to pay in person and the lady confirmed our rate for the 3rd night--so the man had tried to swindle 2 euro from us! And who knows if the money would have ever gotten to Casa Olmata if we had paid him instead! If I had known all this, I would have kept my reservation at one of the convents in Rome instead! DO NOT STAY AT CASA OLMATA! For a few more euros, you'll likely find better accommodations elsewhere, like at a convent!

Jessie in Chicago, IL USA 11/03/2007

Best: hotel Torcollo in Verona
Why: Sylvia, Diana and Caterina were very welcoming, volonteering excellent infomation and suggestions; they are very well organized, and communicate well between themselves and with the travelers;

francine faribault in Montréal, Qc CANADA 11/02/2007

Best:
Why: We did not stay in any hotels recommended by book. I tried to get a reservation in Rome at two different recommended hotels, one was full and the other never got back to me.

Pat McClung in Mt. Pleasant, TX USA 11/02/2007

Best: Hotel Magliani, Florence
Why: Hostess very friendly and helpful.

Worst: Casa Olmata Roma
Why: I had made reservations for a triple room with shared bath 2 months before our arrival. When we arrived we were told that there was a water leak and they had made reservations for us at a different hotel, Hotel Salus. I should mention that there was a large demonstration in the area. When we got to Hotel Salus, the room reserved for us was "under construction". There were no other rooms available. Our room did not have a working lock so we pushed a small chest against the door. 2 times through the night someone tried to enter our room. The following morning we found accommodations elsewhere.

Mary Lou Kramer in Fort Recovery, Oh USA 11/01/2007

Best: Palazzo Bruchi B and B in Siena
Why: wonderful accomodations, a shared kitchen, very helpful Camilla. She went out of her way to give us information and directions and she has about the cutest baby on the planet.

Chere Weiss in Kelso, WA USA 10/29/2007

Best: Egi Rooms in Vernassa.
Why: IT was a most pleasant place to stay and Egi was a hospitable, helpful, knowledgable and charming host.

David Reiser in Cadillac, Mi USA 10/29/2007

Worst: Hotel Sassi, Matera
Why: Very hard to locate this hotel; the hotel is rather dark, damp (dripping water), and musty; and no parking. Street parking is quite difficult. It's in the heart of the sassi district. If you like staying in a cave go for it; but, it was a nuisance overall.

patricia dolan in san francisco, ca USA 10/28/2007

Best: Il Bargelino, Florence
Why: Carmel and Pino are so hospitable -- and relaxing on their terrace ten days into a very hectic trip was perfect -- like being able to kick back at home! This was a great place!

Rick Peterman in Marion, MD USA 10/27/2007

Best: NA
Why: We tried to book at several of the recommended accommodations a month in advance but all were full: an indicator of success, I suppose. However, our excellent accommodation in Venice was suggested to us by one of Rick's recommended hotels. We used "Venere.com" to book hotels in Rome, Lucca and Florence with good results.

Murray Duke in Ottawa, ON Canada 10/26/2007

Best: Tres Donzella (Siena)
Why: Nice front desk people. Cheap, clean and good location.

Worst: La Luna (Lucca)
Why: We were in a tight spot due to scheduling issue with another hotel (our fault). Called around places in Lucca, with no luck. La Luna only had their 175 euro suite available, so we said we'd take it. FYI-the most we paid anywhere else in Italy was 80 euro per night, so this was obviously a painful decision. We were at least cheered by the "palatial room with frescoed ceilings", as your book described for our $.

Upon arrival, we were escorted to a perfectly nice, but small 2 room accommodation that was definitely not the 175 euro one. Upon questioning the person at the front desk (sorry, forgot his name), we were assured this was indeed the suite. I looked in their own pamphlet that pictured the real suite (big, spacious, frescoed) and showed him your book, and he said yes, there were 2 suites, and both were 175 euro. I find that very hard to believe, and am certain he was lying to us. Our "suite" was labeled room 130, and overlooked the doorway into La Luna and the pizza place across the small piazza, if you care to check it out. While I agree the room was clean and satisfactory, it was no nicer than any 65-75 euro room we stayed in elsewhere in Italy. Please consider warning folks of their dishonest practices.

After 1 night we moved to the very nice Hotel Diana for 70 euro. It is not in your book; please consider assessing it for inclusion.

Anne in Spencer, SC USA 10/23/2007

Best: Hotel London (Milan)
Why: Accomidating (english) took either card or cash. Great location and very nice family.

Frank Washburn in Orogon City, OR USA 10/22/2007

Best: parkhotel laurin Bolzano Dolomites
Why: best service and accomodations on our 2 week stay,clean,large rooms in very nice setting next to park.the friendliest staff in italy who speak german,italian english and french.great breakfest..few if any amercian tourists..

donald nunnari in la canada, ca USA 10/22/2007

Worst: Hotel Santa Caterina, Sienna
Why: I had confirmed reservations far ahead of my trip in September. While traveling I received an email notifying me that they mistakenly written down my reservation in October instead of September and unfortunately there was no room. When I booked they said it was the last room available but when I was in Sienna I checked and found there were many rooms available for the dates in question in October so I think they got a "better deal" and booted us.

Joan Ouderkirk in Vashon, Wa USA 10/22/2007

Best: Hotel Cavallino D' Oro
Why: Very kind and helpful staff

Wanda Thompson in Newton, NC USA 10/21/2007

Best: Honestly, all were great, Edi's rooms in Riomaggiore
Why: Riomaggiore, in the Cinque Terra was great, clean and we had view of the sea. Our bags were carried to our room, laundary facilities were clean and accessible, friendly and helpful service

Linda Cherek in White Bear Lake, MN USA 10/19/2007

Best: Hotel Milano in Pisa
Why: Great location and value. The hotel was close to the train station and convenient. The hotel room was clean and looked much better than a one star hotel.

Worst: Hotel Mary in La Spezia
Why: Walls were paper thin and you could hear noise from other guests. The elevator wasn't working properly.

A. Overen in Montgomery, Al USA 10/19/2007

Best: Pensione Guerrato;Venice
Why: The hotel staff couldn't have been nicer. It was very easy to get to, especially since they have added the Rialto-Mercato stop on the #1 vaporetto,it lets you off about 50 yards from the hotel.

L M Stewman TX USA 10/19/2007

Best: Hotel California in Positano; Sicily hotels: Hotel Condor in Taormina; Diana Brown B&B in Lipari; Hotel La Giara in Cefalu; Pensione Tranchina in Scopello.
Why: HOTEL CALIFORNIA in Positano has wonderful family owners, huge rooms with balconies and gorgeous views, and free parking in a locked garage.

HOTEL CONDOR in Taormina was comfortable, convenient and reasonable for Taormina.

DIANA BROWN's B&B in Lipari is a great value and well run. A South African ExPat, Diana speaks perfect English.

LA GIARA in Cefalu, though impersonal, is definitely an RS-type hotel, right in the heart of the old city. In fact we ran into a RS tour group staying there.

PENSIONE TRANCHINA in Scopello is also a RS-type place with a great location. Managed by Marisin, a gracious English-speaking ExPat, it has recently been renovated and is very comfortable. Marisin also serves wonderful dinners.

Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/17/2007

Best: Garni Silbernagl - Castelrotto
Why: Normally when I find a gem in Europe I don't advertise it. But Petra is so helpful that I have to mention this place! The breakfasts are good with eggs cooked anyway that you might like. Some of the jams are homemade. The rooms are clean and spacious. All significantly less than the major hotels just a few minutes away. Best of all, Petra is so wonderfully friendly.

Gerry in Schmitz, wi USA 10/14/2007

Best: Villa Nencini
Why: Great location, charming, large clean rooms and perfect location

Carole Schuster in Ocean Isle Beach, nc USA 10/13/2007

Worst: Casa di Antoinella in Siena
Why: I was disappointed with Casa di Antoinella in Siena. She leaves her B&B unstaffed and when I arrived there another guest did not know what to tell me when I didn't find my name on the door (Antoinella had forgotten our reservation made 2 months previously). We had to struggle to find availability among the relatively small number of hotels in Siena but although she came close, Antoinella did not prevent us from enjoying beautiful Siena.

Caroline Repko in Solon, OH USA 10/13/2007

Worst: Hotel Sonya, Rome, Italy
Why: After spending two nights at Hotel Sonya on our arrival in Rome, we were anxious to come back to spend our last night in Rome. When we arrived for this last night, we were informed that "some Americans" had ruined all of the rooms in one wing of the hotel and we would need to go elsewhere for a room. At first I was told that it was electrical problems and when I suggested that we wouldn't need air conditioning anyway, I was told that it was also plumbing problems. With that in mind, we agreed to go to a hotel which they had arranged for us. This "3 star" hotel was horrible - - - rundown, dirty, and uncomfortable (it was the Republic Hotel). I felt that we had been subjected to a "bait and switch" at the Hotel Sonya since we were only staying one night.

Susan Sith in gilbert, AZ USA 10/11/2007

Best: Tonino Basso Rooms, Cinque Terre
Why: It was the best accomodations we had on the trip, we had tried using Venere and those places fell far short. Tonino is more on the pricey side but well worth it, the rooms are a good size as well as the bathroom. Also very clean.

Cindy Baquiran in Centreville, VA USA 10/09/2007

Best: Villa Margherita, Levanto near Cinque terre
Why: Lovely hotel, 5 minutes from the centre of town. The room was clean and kept like that and had a beautiful balcony. Breakfast was good and staff were friendly and helpful.Can't think of any negatives. I thought it was good value for money and would recommend.

Paul Keane in New York, NY USA 10/09/2007

Best: Eremo Gaudio Hotel, Varenna
Why: Yes, it's a long uphill walk to the place (take a cab up to it with your luggage) but the views are phenomenal and worth it. Very gracious and helpful staff. Good basic breakfast

John & Susan in St Petersburg, FL USA 10/08/2007

Best: Casa San Giuseppe in Rome
Why: Nice & Clean & Quiet. Took us on short notice.

John Watson in Houston, TX USA 10/06/2007

Best: Hotel Pendini-Florence
Why: Centrally located, Barbara has parking all arranged, so we didn't have to worry about it. Lovely, helpful woman, and so was the rest of the staff. Good beds, clean. Breakfast tasty and plentiful. Free computer to use to check your next reservation. Did I mention one block from the Duomo? And she made us reservations for the Uffizi!

Worst: Hotel Villa Liberty--Siena
Why: We got one of the twin bed room upstairs--the beds are virtually cots, competely without back support. I finally had to put the mattress on the floor--thank goodness it was a big room. They need to invest in some box springs.

Diane Flindt in Sugar Land, TX USA 09/30/2007

Best: Hotel Sonya, Rome Hotel St. John, Milan
Why: Hotel Sonya was a delight. Clean, comfey, staffed by caring, hardworking people. Lots of Rick people here too. His tours use this hotel so make sure you get your reservation in early. This place is also close to everything, bankomat right at the end of the block and some nice restaurants close by. Internet in the lobby as well, don't have to venture out to check email or get info if you don't want to.

We found Hotel St. John on the internet. Had trouble getting a hotel in Milan in September due to the conventions. Hotel St. John is a few ticks up the #1 Red Metro at the Sesto Marelli stop and it's a little hard to find but the rooms are great (less than 2 years old)and prices are quite a bit lower than city center. Staff is a little quirkey but for the most part they aim to please.

Furnancefighter in Philadelphia, PA USA 09/29/2007

Best: Hotel Santa Caterina, Siena
Why: The service we received was excellent. From the moment we walked in we were treated in the most friendly manner. The rooms and grounds are just breath-taking beautiful. The breakfast was really a treat. This BB also made a phone call to Hotel Basilea on my behalf to confirm my stay there. We really loved this place.

Worst: Hotel Basilea-Florence
Why: The only nice thing to say about this place is that it's within walking distance 3-4 blocks to the Accademia. Originally, there was a little bit of mix up with my reservation. Simone at Hotel Basilea had said our stay was guaranteed for one night (of the 2 nights) & would try to guarantee a 2nd night. From the U.S.A. since I didn't hear from Simone, I reserved 1 night at their sister Hotel Ritz. A older gentleman who started work at 7:30 a.m. without checking just told me (rudely) there was no availability. I went off to Hotel Ritz who when I got there told me a lady who was in my to-be room was ill & was not leaving. So, I was told by Hotel Ritz I had to go to another hotel because they didn't have any rooms. Remember, I had a one-night reservation here.

Tony Ramirez in Huntington Beach, CA USA 09/29/2007

Best: Ponte a Nappo in San Gimignano
Why: Carla Rossi runs this delightful B&B outside of the city. Very charming with the best coffee we had in Italy during our 12-day trip. Carla is very accommodating. Please note that it is a 15min walk to town. We are walkers, and there are lovely views, so we didn't mind, but some of the other American guests complained of the walk and thus drove. Overall, it was great--I would go back. Clean, new, with great bathroom with excellent water pressure.

Cory in Dallas, TX USA 09/29/2007

Best: Palazzo Rivizza in Sienna
Why: Great service; beautiful garden; excellent restaurant and great location. We wish we had skipped Florence and stayed here longer.

Worst: Hotel Ungherese in Florence
Why: The hotel itself was not bad, however, the map they provided was terrible and even locals had trouble directing us. If you stay here make sure you have very good directions!

Michael Lopez in Rochester, MI USA 09/28/2007

Worst: Hotel Olivedo, Varenna, Italy
Why: The innkeeper, Laura, charged us to replace an already broken sink. Not cheap: €200. Beware - do a "rental car" tour of your room before you stay there, or you will be contributing to her capital upgrades. The porcelain sink in room 35 was cracked when our son checked in. It worked so we thought not too much about it because the hotel is old. One evening a small juice glass fell off the ledge over the sink (no one had touched it). It shattered in the sink, hitting one of the pre-existing cracks. A big chunk of sink broke out; it had obviously been glued in before.

Laura could not be bothered to come up and see it or have someone clean up the glass. She simply demanded on the spot that we pay her €200. I am sure she simply glued the piece back in after we left. Certainly not the kind of treatment you expect. So beware - I would NEVER go back there. Also note that we found cracks in the sink in Room 1 and the lamp in Room 11 had already been broken once and glued back together.

Anne Lawler in Bainbridge Island, WA USA 09/27/2007

Best: Hotel Enza - Florence
Why: The room was very clean and even though our private bathroom was down the hall it wasn't much of an inconvenience. Staff was very friendly.

Worst: Best Hotel - Milan, Italy
Why: It was overpriced due to an exhibition being held. Even at a normal price it would not have been worth it. The hotel appeared to be under renovation with plaster dust everywhere, conduit hanging from the ceiling in the halls, mattresses that didn't stay on the frames and a bathroom that looked like a utility shed. The only way this room looked good was in the dark. Would never stay there again or recommend it to anyone. Also, the staff when first checking in was not that friendly.

Karen in Palatine, IL USA 09/27/2007

Best: Hotel Nardizzi Americana in Roma
Why: Very well kept, with modern fixtures and features in the room. Terrific AC, nice boathroom, inlcuded hair dryer. Accomodating staff who get up early (6:00 AM) to have some coffee and breakfast fare available for early morning travelers.

Worst: Hotel Villa Kinzica' Pisa
Why: Room furnishings broken or barely functional, bathroom shower in disrepair and generally unsanitary. Staff seemed disconcerned by my observations.

John E. White in Altadena, CA USA 09/27/2007

Worst: Mar-Mar Rooms, Rio Maggiore, Cinque Terre
Why: Mar-Mar: A pleasure to deal with, and generally happy with our 4th floor unit. However, the "view" unit was view of other buildings & main street, not the sea. Problem: the happy crowd noise directly below at Bar Centrale, does not stop until about 2:00 a.m. every morning, 6 days a week (somehow, Tuesday stopped at 12 midnight). Don't know how the locals stand it.

Deb Kozak in Redmond, WA USA 09/25/2007

Best: None from book
Why: Used www.europeandestingations.com as they were cheap, $2000 each for the four of us, two rooms, for air, train tickets and rooms in Rome, Siena, Florence and Venice for 12 nights.

Florence: http://hoteldonatellofirenze.com/rooms.asp. Walking distance to everything, but a bit further than Rick's recommendations. Nice hotel.

Siena: http://www.sangalloparkhotel.it/en; modern hotel, outside city walls, even had a pool.

Rome: http://www.gruppoloan.it; near Borghese Park. Nice but not convenient, but with four sharing a taxi not bad.

Venice: http://www.residenzagoldoni.com/en/index.htm, near St. Marks Square, quiet, clean, recommended.

Lowell Houghton in Sylmar, CA USA 09/23/2007

Best: Eremo Gaudio - Varenna, Lake Como
Why: Rooms were very nice and the views were breathtaking. It was a long hike from the train station though. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

Cindy in Fox Island, wa USA 09/22/2007

Best: Albergo Luina in Stresa on Lago Maggiore
Why: The owner, the 6th generation of the family to be born in the house now containing 7 rooms, was a delight. She gave such lovely personal service - made sure we had reservations on the early morning bus to Malpensa even before we arrived.

Worst: Stayed in Florence at a convent on Via Cancelli above the city.
Why: We stayed in recommended places in Florence, Ravenna, Padua, Rome, Siena & Stresa. ALL wonderful except the convent in Florence. Lovely location on hill above city although transportation somewhat difficult. There are only 4 Italian-speaking nuns and 1 English speaking cleaning girl to maintain a large convent building. The nuns were decidely cranky and unhelpful and the food was poor.

Mary in Boulder, CO USA 09/22/2007

Best: Bellevue House in Florence
Why: Clean and close to the sights. Antonio was helpful from parking to museum reservations. He even tuaght us some Italian.

Doug Kruesi in denver, CO USA 09/22/2007

Best: Hotel Adler, Rome
Why: We loved the terrace. The hotel felt so safe. Didn't worry at all about leaving all our valuables in the room. Great staff

Janet Thomson in Buttonwillow, CA USA 09/21/2007

Worst: Albergo California
Why: I booked directly with the hotel (what a mistake...I usually use venere) He stated "we require a deposit for 1 night in advance" I used American Express, this was in February. When I had to cancel in June he said sorry, we can't refund you. His web site states "cancellations accepted 7 days before arrival." I told him that. He stated that he has a small hotel, has to pay taxes, commission on credit card, blah, blah. He finally agreed to credit my 100 euros (of the 150) but only if I sent him my bank information. NO Way! I contacted American Express, I filled out numerous claim forms. I just got their final letter in the mail...they said it had been too long since the original charge so they would not cover it.

Beth Tracy in Rochester, MN USA 09/21/2007

Worst: Hotel Mignon
Why: Air condtioning was poor at best. Loud rooms and okay service.

scott in dallas, tx USA 09/20/2007

Best: Della Arti (Via dei Servi 38/A)
Why: This is not in the book. But it's a fantastic little botique hotel 1 block from L'Accademia and a two minute walk to the Duomo. The location is a little loud, but that's a fucntion of the city. The hotel does a pretty good job muffling it. And the large rooms, super-helpful staff, and incredibly convenient location far outweigh any city noise.

Tiffany Mura in Boston, MA USA 09/18/2007

Best: Hotel La Colonnina
Why: The staff was helpful and friendly. The location in old town Monterosso was wonderful, close to the beach, shops, bars and restaurants. But also very quiet.

The hotel is modern and very clean. The AC in our room worked great. Breakfast was great-NOT your typical Italian breakfast. Only down side is that they don't take credit cards. We sent a deposit in Euro travelers checks and paid the rest in cash at departure.

We will definately stay here again.

Tim in La Crosse, WI USA 09/16/2007

Best: Rome: Santa Maria alle Fornaci/ Orvieto: Hotel Posta/ Siena:Albergo Bernini/ Florence: Hetel Lucia Freda/ Assisi: Albergo Il Duomo/ Rome: from recommended Santa Susanna website - Santa Sofia @ Piazza Madonna dei Monti, 3
Why: We went for your budget selections and we were very pleased. Each place was as you described in location, furniture, ambiance, and proprietors! My husband and I were so glad we saved money on accommodations. We trusted your frank recommendations and were NOT dissapointed!

beth in mackenzie, TX USA 09/15/2007

Worst: Pension Elios in Sorrento
Why: Great view was all... the room (downstairs family room) was filthy, there were cigarette ashes in the shower and dust bunnies in the room, the pull-out bed was a huge struggle, the mattresses were bad, the pillow lumpy and horrible. I barely slept at all... and we may have even picked up a bedbug or 2 there, because my daughter and I both had little rows of bites. Thankfully, the bugs didn't seem to survive the return trip.

Carey Caccavo Wheaton in Sebastopol, CA USA 09/07/2007

Best: Hotel Umbra in Assisi
Why: This is a beautiful and quiet hotel with a great staff. Our room overlooked a convent and had lots of windows. Nice roofop terrace and lovely breakfast.

Worst: Hotel Duomo in Siena
Why: Our room overlooked the front street. Who would have known there would be street noise all night long? Lots of stairs to most rooms though there was an elevator to access the roof terrace. The staff were a bit surly in attitude. Be very careful if you book this hotel for summer because I was informed by the desk clerk the AC is not turned on until weather is unbearable. Her excuse was that AC is very expensive in Italy. Obviously the comfort of guests who are not exactly paying bargain price is not a real issue with Duomo.

Nancy in Atlanta, USA 09/06/2007

Best: Romantica Pucci, Civita de Bagnoreggio
Why: Pucci's home is tranquil and heavenly (and very reasonably priced). She is a fabulous hostess, and made us feel right at home. We stayed in the gorgeous Magnolia Room, and Pucci said to me (after my questioning): "Rick Steves stayed here twice, in your room, Polly."

Worst: None.
Why: Every place we stayed for 3 weeks was selected from your guidebook, and each was a gem in its own way. Lots of street noise at our apartment in Rome, but that appears to be unavoidable. At Palazzo Ravizza in Siena, our bidet overflowed in the bathroom, and the wonderful woman manager moved us to the gorgeous Suite #1 (quiet garden view) at the same rate for our next 3 nights.

Polly in Morro Bay, CA USA 08/28/2007

Best: "Buon Riposo" Farmhouse in Tuscany
Why: 'Exquisite location, divine accommodation, Buon Riposo in Tuscany – pure bliss! Pure Paradiso –!We have enjoyed our week tremendously. My family and I had a wonderful time - the accommodation was all we had expected. It was a delightful place, we aim to return and do some more exploring in the future. Thankyou once again, Christiane.

Christiane Geneth in Detroit, MI USA 08/25/2007

Best: Hotel Giorgione in Venice
Why: The breakfast included with the room was great! This was a good way of loading up on the food since Venice was so expensive.

Abigail Navarro in Belfair, WA USA 08/22/2007

Best: We really loved Casa Astarita
Why: Fabulous bed and breakfast! Six bedrooms and communal living areas, helped us to get to know some wonderful people from all over the world. It is such a homey feeling place! Great location!

Sharon & Leo Marty in Olympia, WA USA 08/21/2007

Best: Suore di Santa Elisabetta
Why: The roof top terrace on a summer Rome night, unbeatable. We spent every evening up there during our stay in Rome. The wine, bread, and cheese tasted better on the rooftop. A peaceful break from fast paced Rome.

Worst: Pensione Agavi
Why: DON'T BOOK HERE! Despite confirming our travel plans twice (including the night before with arrival time)we arrived at 1:30 PM to be turned out on the street by a calloused woman who had given our room away and could have cared less. We were organized, polite, and responsible travelers. If this happened to us, it could happen to you. Don't plan on staying at Pensione Agavi. The receptionist may alter your plans at her discretion.

Tara in Bend, OR USA 08/20/2007

Best: Genius Loci Country Inn, Umbria
Why: How fortunate we were to stumble on this gem of an Inn in Bevagna (Umbria), Italy near the city of Foligno. A short 15 minute drive from the train station in Foligno, the Inn is situated in the central part of Umbria and is convenient to the whole of Umbria, as well as the eastern part of Tuscany. The Inn is located on a hillside just outside of the medieval town of Bevagna an overlooks a broad, fertile valley, brimming with vineyards, olive groves, and fields of sunflowers. The panoramic view from the Inn is breathtaking and is one you never tire of. Within this magnificent vista you can see the old hilltop towns of Assisi, Spello, and Montefalco as well as the walled town of Bevagna and the whole of Foligno.

In its first season of operation, the Inn is a meticulously restored 1880's farmhouse and the result of a 4 year long restoration project. Many of the Inn's furnishings are antique pieces which have been part of the innkeeper's family for generations. Everything was tastefully done and faithful in its recreation, yet modern and up to date. Almost no detail was overlooked. The Innkeeper (Michael Tacconi) and his staff were friendly, helpful, attentive, and very responsive.

Lifelong residents of Foligno, the Tacconi family provides expert advice of what to do and see, and where to go. But the most beautiful part of our stay was the very homey atmosphere at the Inn which made you just want to remain there and enjoy the spirit of the place. No need to rush here and there with a check list of must do or see items. Sitting rooms, reading rooms with a well stocked library, dining room and bar, beautiful patio, and immaculate pool with it's magnificent view all made it difficult to leave even for a day, but yet afforded a comfortable haven upon return. During our two week stay at the Inn, we never lacked for things to do from shopping, to sightseeing, fine dining, exploring the area, or just "vegging out". It was all at our fingertips. We are already planning a return visit in the near future.

Getting to Genius Loci was as effortless as it could be. We flew from Philadelphia to Rome, caught the Leonardo Express train to Termini, the main train station in Rome, and thence from Rome to Foligno by train. An Avis rental car office was located right within the Foligno train station building and we found driving in the local area to be easy and uneventful. Taxi service to the Inn was also available at the train station had we chosen to use it.

Arthur Dervaes in State College, PA United States 08/20/2007

Best: La Scaletta, Florence
Why: We only stayed one night, but we had a very good experience at this hotel. We were a group of 11 (three generations) and we had three rooms altogether, two quads and a triple. The rooms were perfect-quite large and two had separate space for the smaller beds. The terrace at the hotel was lovely; great view of the top of the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. We had 8:15 AM Ufizzi reservations, and the hotel graciously prepared 11 sack breakfasts for us, so we could have breakfast earlier than they normally served breakfast. I thought that really went above and beyond. I would definitely stay there again.

Kathy in St. Louis, MO USA 08/13/2007

Best: Hotel Valentino, Orvieto
Why: Had a Tb for 100 euros. Great a.c., mini-fridge and very clean and quiet. Parking lot for the car was close by. Friendly staff. Great buffet breakfast.

Denise Beever in Lake Foest, CA USA 08/12/2007

Best: Hotel Punta Mesco, Monterosso Al Mare
Why: It was exactly as recommended, clean, bright, comfortable with a delicious and generous breakfast. The value of the owner's kindness could not be overstated. Diego was helpful, accomodating, honest, funny, and really made us feel that he wanted us in Italy, which was not the case in many restaurants there.

Cindy Nelson in Palo Alto, CA USA 08/12/2007

Best: Elisabetta Camere in Vernazza & Pensione Guerrato in Venice
Why: Elisabetta Camere in Vernazza - Small but clean and accommodating. The 360 view from the uppermost room's rooftop deck is magnificant. They have comfortable deck chairs & tables and is THE place to sit w/your glass of wine and watch the sun set. Staff friendly and checked in with us. Pensione Guerrato in Venice - We stayed in their apartment 2 minutes walk from St. Mark's Sq./10 mins fr Rialto Bridge. Great location, the apartment was large, clean, cool and very quiet, the staff very friendly.

C. Koehler in Los Altos, CA USA 08/06/2007

Best: Residenza dei Pucci - Florence
Why: Beautiful rooms, elegantly furnished - close to everything.

Katie Ruggieri in Greensboro, NC USA 08/04/2007

Best: Hotel Casci, Florence; Hotel al Piave, Venice; Meublè il riccio in Montepulciano
Why: This is our 2nd stay in Hotel Casci. We had gotten the recommendation from 2004 Rick Steves book. This hotel has a great location, is very clean, has air conditioning, a elevator, plus free internet in the lobby. We planned a mini-family reunion there, and they kept track of all us The people that run this hotel are extremely nice, and we would stay there again. We stayed only one night at the Hotel al Piave. But we would stay there again. No elevator, and we were on the top floor, in a GREAT triple room. Our daughter had her own room, we just had to share the bathroom. They have air conditioning, and they arranged for a water taxi to take us to the train station. We stayed at Meuble il Riccio as our base for Tuscany. They are at the very top of the hill, and it took us two passes through town, to find them. Once we found them, we were so happy to be at the top of the hill! What a great view, especially from their upper terrace. They gave us a great suggested driving tour, which we throughly enjoyed. We definitely would stay there again. Another big plus is that they had reserved parking for their guests. Great recommendation from them also for a restaurant just across the square from Meuble il Riccio--Ai Quattro Venti.

Mark and Kathy Kelsey in Santa Clara, CA USA 08/04/2007

Best: Alma Domas in Sienna, Elisabetta Camere in Vernazza
Why: The Alma Domas was clean, quiet, friendly and wonderful view of the town and the Duomo. We also enjoyed the Elisabetta Camere in Vernazza. It was our third trip to the Cinque Terre and the 1st to stay at Elisabetta's. The room was quite nice & QUIET and we enjoyed climbing up to the rooftop deck for the magnificent view of the town and ocean. We were there in late-June.

Worst: none
Why: We have taken 5 trips to Europe with Rick Steve's recommendations and have never been disappointed in a room. I always recommend his books.

Bonnie Reynolds in Manchaca, TX USA 08/03/2007

Best: Hotel La Colonnina, Monterosso
Why: Rooms and personnel first rate. Breatfast outstanding. View, rooftop terrace wonderful. Worth the $$$ rate.

Worst: Hotel Saini Meuble, Stresa
Why: Breatfast limited (only coffee, orange juice, croissant, packaged "toast"), two days to get shower temperature fixed, outside line did not work, small frig in room not working, Visa card charged in US dollars at 3.5% fee without asking permission. Owner/manager helpful in some ways, but trying to do everything himself. I hate to complain, but I couldn't recommend this hotel to a friend in spite of the reasonable rates.

David Lermond in Wilmington, DE USA 07/30/2007

Best: Hotel Riva (Venice) and Casa...alle Fornaci (Rome)
Why: Hotel Riva was everything you said it would be. We had a corner room, furnished like my Nana's house, right on the gondola route. We fell asleep to the sounds of gondoliers and music from Piazza san Marco.

Casa...Fornaci...Trinitari's only fault is their long name. They have great air conditioning, delicious Italian breakfast, very friendly humorous clerks, and the best showers I have ever been in! I like the environs too, a refuge from the fast pace of Rome. There is a great coffee bar across the street and a sandwich/wine shop that made us a simple sandwich fit for the Pope!

Worst: HOtel Ascesi
Why: NO air conditioning in July in oven baked Assisi was not fun.

Rob DiCocco in Broomall, PA USA 07/24/2007

Best: Hotel Oceania in Rome and Locanda Correr in Venice
Why: Loved both the places - fewer rooms in both, but great service. Always had someone in the front. Roberto (LC) and Radu (Oceania) were so wonderful. We also liked San Luca in Cortona, but there was a tour group also staying there, so we did not get to interact much with the staff

Worst: Hotel Basilea in Florence
Why: Really can't say it was the worst - we never stayed there. We got there at 10am and were told that some of their clients decided to stay longer, so we had to go elsewhere. We did see others checking in before and after us and some people checking out. Not sure what their policy was. They were good about getting us another room at another hotel (Donnatella, also three stars, but not Rick Steves recomended) at the same rate. The other hotel was just a hotel -nothing special and far below the hospitality and service of hotels recommended by the guidebook!

Anu and Velu Bala-Subramanian in Westford, Ma USA 07/23/2007

Best: Bellevue House in Florence
Why: Yes, there is a three-story walk-up, but our room was enormous and lovely and there was a great view since we were so high. The windows had huge shutters to keep out the noise. We were able to walk there from the train station, then we were able to walk everywhere we wanted to be in Florence. Extremely helpful and friendly staff, although it is not a "hotel," so there's not someone on site all the time. They were easily reachable by phone, however.

Worst: None
Why: All your recommendations were very good.

Stacey Burzumato in Savannah, GA USA 07/22/2007

Best: Hotel Davazanti
Why: Nice staff, their "happy hour" a real treat, also computers in each room was very nice.

Kathy Brownfield in Stow, OH USA 07/19/2007

Best: Orange House B&B in Varenna
Why: Clean, friendly and a great price. Plus the breakfast was fantastic.

Other honourable mention: great value and clean at Alloggi Barbaria in Venice.

Michael Crichton in Ottawa, ON Canada 07/18/2007

Worst: Tilde's Camera in Vernazza; Cinque Terre, Italy
Why: The day before our reservation, we emailed her in order to re-confirm our reservation and schedule a time and place to meet. We received no response. The next day, we attempted yet another email, to which she never replied, and we then phoned her. At that point, they mistakenly reserved our room for the following two nights, leaving us with no place to stay in the peak of tourist season in Vernazza. They did not even attempt to help us find another place to stay, nor did they even recommend someone else. I spoke with a friend of hers, and she agreed that it was possible Tilde "mistakenly" dropped our reservation in order to make more of a profit off of someone else's booking for a longer stay. If it wasn't for the Canoli Brothers calling people for us at Il Pirate, we would have had nowhere to stay, or at the very least, wasted more precious Honeymoon time searching for a place to sleep!Please take Tilde off the book!

Joel in Port Orange, FL USA 07/18/2007

Best: Hotel La Luna, Lucca
Why: A nice splurge in a charming city. Beware the E11 extra charge for breakfast, though. You might think assume it's included, but it's not.

Mark Adams in Gig Harbor, WA USA 07/17/2007

Best: Locanda Sant Agostino, Lucca Italy
Why: The Locanda Sant Agostino is a very fine upscale but extremely friendly B&B located inside the city walls of Lucca. Our rooms were huge with a very nice bathroom and air conditioning. The breakfast was great- best cappuccino I had in Italy! Sarah is a lovely hostess with great dining and sightseeing recommendations. I also admit that we enjoyed the DVD library - after 3 weeks in Italy and only occasionally looking at Italian TV it made for a pleasant few hours of down time.

Karen Cunliffe in Atlanta, GA USA 07/16/2007

Best: Elizabetta Caro's in Cinque Terre
Why: The views from the roof top terraces were probably the best in Cinque Terre.

John USA 07/14/2007

Best: Casa Rabatti in Florence, Italy
Why: Marcella was warm and welcoming and keeps her place spic and span clean. She even irons the sheets! Our room was also very spacious and comfortable and the rate was great!

John USA 07/14/2007

Best: Hotel Guelfa in Florence
Why: The staff was friendly and helpful, and the room was very nice.

Worst: Antica Locanda del Mercanti in Milan
Why: The room was comfortable enough, but a bit too spartan for my taste. The staff was not always friendly or helpful. The front desk is located in the next building, which ended up being oddly inconvenient. Getting to my room involved going through a series of doors, going up stairs, taking an elevator, and trying to remember how to get there. I really didn't like this place!

Jeff Klein in Cypress, CA USA 07/13/2007

Best: La Magnolia B & B- Orvieto
Why: Beautiful quiet, large room with a large and clean bathroom on one of the main walkways, although they never checked us in and we had only one breakfast during our 3 night stay. They also had a laundry room to use.

Worst: Locando Pitti- Florence
Why: YOU MUST TALK TO THEM ABOUT THE MOLD IN THEIR BATHROOM!!! IT SMELLED SO BAD IN THE ROOM WE STAYED IN!! WE HAD TO LEAVE THE WINDOWS OPEN DURING THE NIGHT ON A STREET THAT IS QUITE NOISY, hot and lots of mosquitos. THEIR CLEANING LADY DID NOT EVEN MOP OR SWEEP THE FLOORS. ALSO, YOU CANNOT LIST THEM AS HAVING A/C IF IT GOES OFF AT NIGHT DUE TO SOME "LAW THAT A/C CANNOT RUN AT NIGHT" This was a very uncomfortable and dirty room and I am not that picky and like the off beat and funky. Interestingly, the owners, Luca and Isabella, were quite nice and on-site often and were helpful in getting us tickets and making recommendations...I just didn't know how to tell them that their room was just awful. We stayed there 6 nights and I would have moved rooms if I could have found other lodgings. We were there the last week of May,07. PLEASE TALK TO THEM!!

Jan Lapetino in Denver, CO USA 07/13/2007

Best: Hotel Saini Meuble in Stresa (Lake Maggiore)
Why: The owner, Mr. Saini, was very accomodating and extremely helpful. Not only did he offer (and followed through) on reserving my bus transfer from Malpensa airport, but he provided me with alot of very hepful information in regards to sightseeing and transportation in and around Stresa. He is multi-lingual (Italian, English, and German, and possibly more), which makes communication quite easy. The room was pleasant and a good deal for the price. Thank you, Rick Steves, for recommending Hotel Saini Meuble in your Italy guide book.

Barbara Buech in Redmond, WA USA 07/09/2007

Best: Hotel Aurora, Verona
Why: I don't know if this hotel is recommended in the guidebook, but we had a wonderful stay there. The location can't be beat- - - right at Piazza Erbe. The room was decent size, had nice furnishings, including ac, and the bathroom looked newly renovated. Everyone on the staff was helpful and friendly. The breakfast buffet was terrific. We paid 140 euros, not cheap, but very reasonable for Verona during the summer opera season. I'd also second what was said below about Hotel Cavallino D'oro in Castelrotto.

Rosalyn Haberkern in Berkeley, CA USA 07/07/2007

Best: Il Bargellino Inn at Florence
Why: Staying with Carmel and Pino in April was one of the high points of our trip. We were literally treated like family. (We heard that you were in Florence then, too.) I also wish to recommend a great pizza place within easy walking called Gusto's. Barbara, the proprietor, is hopeful that you will give her place a try on your next visit.

John Alvin Henningsen in Decatur,, AL USA 07/06/2007

Best: Hotel Silla, Florence
Why: The rooms were great, the breakfast terrace was beautiful, and the staff could not have been more helpful.

Worst: Hotel Riva, Venice
Why: If you get an air-conditioned room, this place is probably nice. We didn't, and got eaten alive by mosquitos, even after spraying ourselves with repellant before bed. If you can't get a room with AC, go somewhere else.

Kevin Fairchild in San Marcos, CA USA 07/05/2007

Best: Hotel Riva, Venice
Why: Excellent hotel near Piazza San Marco, along a canal. My daughter and her friend enjoyed the staff (including Sandro who spoke little English) and the opportunity to sit on the lobby window sill and shake hands with the gondoliers. Breakfast in the morning overlooking the canal was delicious. I would recommend rooms with air conditioning during the summer since they have little cross ventilation. Room finishes were modern and well maintained. Though rooms were tight, one doesn't stay in a room all day in Venice, one explores Venice! This was my eighth trip to Venice and I would stay at Hotel Riva again.

Worst: Hotel Basilea, Florence
Why: Hotel finishes in rooms and corridors were outdated (peeling wall paper, soiled carpet, and stained ceiling tiles). TVs didn't operate well. Though location to Mercato was favorable, area near hotel is hangout for drunks. Felt uncomfortable walking with my daughter during the evenings around the hotel toward the Mercato.

Ken J in Reston, VA USA 07/05/2007

Best: Hotel Cavallino d'Oro in Castelrotto
Why: Besides the delightful local aura of the hotel, we recived a friendly greeting on arrival with a prepared package of local information. In addition to an invitation to an evening Zither performance by some local young ladies, they gave us complimentary drinks at the Hotel bar. They also set aside a reserved table for us for each evening which we could use or not as we wished. The hotel had excellent food at a reasonable price along with a friendly atmosphere. It was a real treat in a relaxing environment.

Frank DeLustro in Charleston, SC USA 07/02/2007

Best: Hotel Santa Caterina, Siena
Why: Gorgeous garden terrace, lovely, comfortable rooms, helpful service; not so near the center that is was very noisy.

L & N Liss in Salem, OR USA 07/02/2007

Best: Casa Astarita, Sorrento
Why: Arrived in Sorrento without reservations on a whim. We found Casa Astarita from the book. Lovely stay! Clean, quiet, breakfast, good value.

Worst: Hotel Nice, Sorrento
Why: They showed us a room for 4 with a broken non-functional, bathroom door, and asked for more than in book. Other couple had trouble with their reservations, but they had print out to help.

Jane FL USA 07/02/2007

Worst: HOTEL LA RESIDENZA IN VENICE
Why: STAFF WAS RUDE, THEY TURNED OFF THE AIR CONDITIONING AND ARGUED WITH YOU IF YOU ASKED TO HAVE IT TURNED ON. IT WAS OVER 90 DEGREES THERE,AND IT WAS A FIGHT EVERY DAY TO GET THE AIR ON. THE "BREAKFAST" WAS STALE BREAD. THE ROOM WAS DINGY, DARK AND DISAPPOINTING. IT RUINED THE STAY IN VENICE BECAUSE WE WERE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE IN THE HOTEL. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED IN IT.

TINA BECCACCIO in HARRISON, OH USA 06/29/2007

Best: Hotel Al Piave in Venice
Why: Lovely rooms, great location, excellent breakfast, and the best and most accomodating staff ever encountered!!

Worst: Hotel Duomo in Siena
Why: I agree with the previous review. Even though the location is great, the staff is absolutely impossible to work with and refuses to assist you with anything!! They act like it is a chore to even call a taxi for you.

Cecelia Wickizer in El Paso, TX USA 06/28/2007

Worst: Hotel Duomo in Sienna
Why: The place is mostly as described and good overall (wonderful view), but we had a very bad experience with one of the front desk people (not Stefania, who was relatively nice). After stuggling to ask for a coke in bad Italian, then switching to English, and (my culminating sin, I guess) then asking for ice, the woman stormed off, hacked away some ice as if she were hacking my head off (the pounding echoed through the lobby from downstairs), slammed the coke down on the counter, and then slammed a paper down to note the purchase. My wife and I were stunned. I'm not exagerrating, these things were _slammed_ down on the counter. I'm guessing that my asking for ice and perhaps my poor efforts at Italian were what did it. Certainly at 2 euros for the coke and 150 euros for the room it seems like uncalled for treatment.

Jeff in Merced, CA USA 06/27/2007

Worst: hotel alla salute
Why: innumerable bug bites (presumably mosquito) at night, owner was not at all receptive to discounts for using your book to find his Hotel, or to using cash, would strongly recommend not to use his Hotel (your description of the owners as "indifferent" is too kind)

david nano in los altos, CA USA 06/26/2007

Best: Hotal Sonya in Rome
Why: They are opening an annex ("Sonya Suites") which is still being finished. Our room was excellent, as will be the new ones when done. Hotel staff was very accommodating (except about getting CNN on our TV, which we could not do).

Jack Johannes in Philadelphia, PA USA 06/25/2007

Best: Pensione Guerrato
Why: Great location and helpful!!

Margaret Ann Burtchaell in St. Petersburg, Fl USA 06/23/2007

Best: Camere Fontana Vecchia, Vermazza
Why: Clean, Clean, Quiet, Comfortable, Friendly, handy location.

Michael G. Huffaker in Chandler, AZ USA 06/21/2007

Worst: Ostello Mamma Rosa
Why: This place was absolutely horrible. Having stayed in numerous hostels and not having terribly high standards while traveling, I was surprised that the sheets were crusty, the shower scalding hot with no cold water, siding for walls and, to top it off, BED BUGS. It was also 5 Euro more than the listed price in the book. Rick, add more detail to this one or take it out. Yuck!

Elizabeth in CHICAGO, IL USA 06/21/2007

Best: Hotel Zaranadelli, near Piazza Navona
Why: centrally located, nice continental breakfast, very accommodating. Not recommended in Italy/Rome book but, the 4 of us recommend this Hotel and would visit again.

Pete Adams in Kennesaw, GA USA 06/20/2007

Best: Hotel Chiusarelli - Siena
Why: We were going to visit Rome after Siena, and the gentleman at the front desk could see how "over our heads" we were (not being able to speak the language), and booked our hotel in Rome for us. Basically, anything about Siena, we love.

Stephen Donovan in Worcester, MA USA 06/18/2007

Best: Venice - Hotel Riva
Why: Great location. Nice corner room with view. (Crumby breakfast)

Carol Fink in Tampa, Fl USA 06/17/2007

Best: Tonino Basso's Rooms in Vernazza
Why: To me this is the perfect place to stay in Vernazza. It is in an apartment building at the top of the town. This is not a strenuous walk at all. The rooms are contempory, extremely clean, air-conditioned,with a computer in every room. There is even an elevator. You could not find a nicer person than Tonino. Another perk is that right beside the building is the wonderful restaurant " Il Pirata" . This place not only has the best breakfasts in town, but you must eat dinner there. The top of the town is the place to be.

Jane Davis in Lebanon, OH USA 06/15/2007

Best: Hotel Olivedo-Varenna, Hotel Riva-Venice, Alma Domus-Sienna, Romantica Pucci-Bagnoregio
Why: Hotel Olivedo - Fabulous location and stunning views from our two windows of our corner room. Very clean. Expensive though! Hotel Riva - location, location, location! Nice accomodating staff. Very clean. Alma Domus - Conventlike setting is quite charming. The view of Sienna from our room couldn't be beat. Spotlessly clean. Excellent price! And the church bells awakening us in the morning were beautiful. Romantica Pucci - Pucci is the best. She's so sweet and helpful. The best part of her place is dinner. Don't miss it!!! She's very understated about it when talking with her customers. Don't be fooled. Dinner at her place is a highlight! Very clean too.

Worst: Hotel Feichter - Bolzano
Why: Although I really did like this hotel and the inn keeper is very charming, there were dust bunnies in my room that could bite me on the ankle. The bathroom was very clean though.

Tracey Allerton-Kuldanek in Edgewood, WA USA 06/12/2007

Best: Hotel Melecchi, Lucca
Why: This hotel isn't in the book. We found it through the Lucca tourist office. We were driving with our 4-year old daughter. The Melicchi has free courtyard parking and gave us a rate of E70/night - with breakfast!.

It's just outside the city walls at Porta Elisa (which is how we got parking). The rooms are spacious and spotless. Double paned windows open with typical Tuscan heavy shutters outside. On a Sunday morning we awoke to a bike race passing through town. At first we thought we might have stumbled on the Giro d'Italia because there were so many riders. But it was just a big Italian amateur event. Very fun for my daughter to hang out the window and cheer. And, by the way, once we had the windows open, the Sunday morning church bells were an absolute chorus!

The Melecchi is proudly run by the family that has owned it since the 1920's. Giovanni is the cheerful young English speaking proprietor. His parents work the desk and keep the grounds and rooms in order. His sister manages housekeeping. Giovannia is the most enthusiastic tourist guide I've encountered. Each day we discussed possible destinations and he had train, road and sightseeing recommendations. He and his family fell over themselves to makes sure we were comfortable - even transferring us to a larger a room when it became available.

If we were train travelling, this hotel wouldn't be so attractive. It's a fifteen minute walk from the train station and, face it, it's not inside the Lucca walls. But with a car, it's perfect. The heart of Lucca is only about a ten minute walk and some of the better restaurants are along the way.

Besides its own considerable charms, Lucca itself is a great base for northern Tuscany day trips; either by car or train. Pisa, for example, is a hop away so you can see the Tower after lunch and be back well before dinner.

Info:

Hotel Melecchi Via Romana 41 55100 Lucca Telephone and fax: 0583 950234

Doug in Marker, OR USA 06/10/2007

Best: Santa Caterina in Siena
Why: Professional, polite, nicely appointed - classy but comfortable, not stiff.

May Kolbe in Hereford, AZ USA 06/09/2007

Best: Hotel Feichter
Why: Friendly staff, nice, quiet room.

Worst: Hotel Valley Milano
Why: Very noisy, leaking shower, leaking sink, exposed electrical wires in bathroom. Terrible. Should not be in the book.

Michael in Swanson, TN USA 06/07/2007

Worst: La Crociona, Montalcino, Tuscany
Why: We just stayed there, and eventhough you are in Tuscany, you won't have a view of the Tuscan hills. You have to stay on the main road inside the complex because the owners don't get along with the neighbors. The bathroom in our apartment smelled terrible like it hasn't been cleaned in months, we could not even keep the door to the bathroom open due to the smell. Like one review said, they don't offer cooking classes, seems like they just want to collect your money so they can get the tax break from the government. We arrived a little early for check in and eventhough they let us check in, they really let us know that we were early and what time we should have been there to check in.

peter oshana in bothell, wa USA 06/05/2007

Worst: Albergo Parma, LaSpezia (gateway to Cinque Terra)
Why: This place was FILTHY. We were somewhat desparate as we were arriving in the Cinque Terra area after dark. Since we had a car and were not sure where to park and how to go about finding a room at night for 4 people (wife and 2 teen age children) We felt it was a better be to stay near the train station at Albergo Parma. We had the 2004 guidebook. I think the hotel must have changed owners as it was NOT "bleachy clean" as stated in the guidebook. We had to get 2 rooms which shared one bath in the hallway. It was so dirty my wife would not bath there. There was urine on the toilet seat and floor and you could tell by the soap wrappers and empty shampoo bottles in the shower it had not been cleaned in days. The beds had cigarette burns in the sheets and mattresses. Truly disgusting. After many years of Rick's great guidebooks this was a loser. Still Rick has a great track record so we were flexible, laughed it off.

Mike Brutz in Barnesville, ga USA 06/04/2007

Best: Hotel Il Bargellino
Why: Several of us chose to visit Florence for six nights and we decided all of us would stay at Hotel Il Bargellino--renting all 10 rooms. We made the plan several months in advance. I am absolutely in love with this hotel and especially it's proprietors, Carmel and Pino, who made us feel totally at home. Carmel made reservations for us at museums prior to our visit and was always prepared with directions and suggestions for restaurants and shops. The hotel is 2 blocks from the train station which made it super easy for excursions. The hotel itself is extremely clean and comfortable and decorated with cool antiques and art. Evenings on the terrace under the stars created such incredible conversation. To top it off--the prices are so reasonable! I will never stay anywhere else when I visit Florence and highly recommend this hotel.

Mary Radice in Spokane, Wa USA 06/01/2007

Best: Hotel Alessandra / Hotel Oceania / A Ca" du Gigante
Why: Alessandra ( Florence)was the top choice in room size, appointments, breakfast quality and staff ( kudo's to Andrea especially). Excellent location and although the highest price we paid- it was the overall best value of RS rooms. Oceania(Rome) has quality rooms , good breakfast and very good staff ( kudo's to Anna)- very good location- rated third of RS rooms. A Ca'Du Gigante ( Montorosso) smaller but very well appointed rooms, excellent breakfast and good staff- rated second of RS rooms. We would return to any of these three hotels.

Worst: Ca' San Trovaso ( Venice)
Why: Only relatively the worst ( it was not a "bad" hotel)- book says " spacious and classy" rooms - certainly not room #2 which was tiny and sparse (bed, tippy table/2 chairs, armoir were the only furnishings).The bathroom had a microscopic shower. Owners and staff were polite, but utterly unhelpful. Breakfast was just as sparse as the room. For a relatively high price ( for a one "$" room) this was the worst value of any place we stayed in Italy, a distant 4th of RS rooms- we would not return.

Steve and Linda Wilhoit in Anacortes, WA USA 05/27/2007

Worst: Florence Dream in Florence
Why: I made a reservation in November for the following May. Five days before we left, I got email from them saying "did you cancel your reservation?" I phoned, and they would not honor the reservation, even though I had everything in email and sent it to them.

William Coffin USA 05/25/2007

Best: Hotel Messner
Why: Away from the touristy areas, clean quiet and reasonably priced.

Elizabeth Armand in Burlingame, CA USA 05/21/2007

Best: Spadari Hotel del Duomo - Milan
Why: This is a great hotel recommemded by Rick Steves. The concierge, Karen was such a nice person and helped us with restaurants. Breakfast - delicious is included with your room.

Caroll Ahern in San Antonio, TX USA 05/21/2007

Best: Casa Per Ferie S.M. Alle Fornaci
Why: It was very neat and clean, had a wonderful breakfast and a "waitress" who was very friendly and doubled as a "maid". The desk clerks were very nice and efficient. One of them helped me use the internet as I was unfamiliar with the keyboard. We were right next to the church and even though the bells rang periodically during the daytime at night they were silent. We met lots of very nice people in the neighborhood which was our intention. We saw the main sights, St. Peter's, Colliseum, etc. but mostly we just walked around with the locals.

Virginia and Wayne Miller in Selma,, CA USA 05/19/2007

Best: Residenza Cellini
Why: We stayed in Rome for five days and then travelled to Tuscany for a week, while in Tuscany we called several hotels looking for a room for two nights when we returned to Rome. We had a difficult time finding one because everyone was booked for the weekend. We finally called Residenza Cellini and talked to Barbara. She didn't have a room, but offered to rent us her brother's rental apartment for less than their family apartment rates. We had no choice but to take it unseen. Barbara met us there on Saturday and let us into the apartment. What a wonderful surprise we had when we saw this about 1,200 sq. foot beautiful apartment. We were blown away. This was much better than any place we had stayed in while we were in Italy and some places were much more than Barbara was charging us. Barbara herself was very accommodating and helpful. She even made a return trip to bring us extra towels, which we told her she didn't have to do. We would definitely stay at the Residenza on our next trip to Rome even if we don't get the apartment. Barbara was a great hostess.

Betty Tabor USA 05/17/2007

Best: Agritourismo Terapille, Pienza
Why: The classic Tuscan scenery from this place is mind blowing. One could spend days just hanging around in the dreamy scenery. And Lucia is just such a wonderful person. She tries to speak as much english as she can for helping out visitors. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

Worst: Albergo Bernini, Siena
Why: Be wary of room #8 and room#10. They are right next to a noisy restaurant and the room windows open up directly to the restaurant outdoor tables. The noise from people talking loudly goes on until midnight. We lost our sleep for the whole night. Apart from the that, the rooms looked a bit tacky and worn out. I wouldnt stay here again.

Sunil in Campbell, CA USA 05/17/2007

Worst: Hotel Riva - Venice
Why: Requested a room with a/c and a canal view room prior to arrival which was confirmed by THEM. Got there, and was told nothing was available but was given a fan and a room that opened up to the late night noise on the sidewalk side. It was so hot (even in early May) that I had no choice but to open the window. Was bitten by mosquitos, didn't get much sleep and breakfast was an unsavory roll. But, they were proud to show off your picture (apparently you were there about a week prior to my arrival).

Linda in Austin, TX USA 05/15/2007

Best: Residenzia Cellini
Why: Helpful, courteous staff--exceeded our expectations. Confortable rooms. I am pleased to share they now have additional space on the 5th floor which will include the addition of a terrace for breakfast. (under construction)

Arthur and Susan Adler in Spokane, WA USA 05/13/2007

Worst: Locanda la Corte, Venice Italy
Why: The literature from the hotel and "Italy 2007" guidebook states the hotel is air conditioned. The literature also states that all rooms have "air-conditioning (included in the price." The staff informed us that the air conditioning will not be turned on until June 1st. We stayed in early May without air conditioning in our rooms.

J P in Tampa, FL USA 05/11/2007

Best: Alla Madonna del Piato agriturismo
Why: Wonderful, long, green view down to Assisi and beyond. Warm and helpful hosts. Very nice cooking classes by pre-arrangement. Knowledgeable and expressive. Simple, comfortable furnishings in a home that is, in part, 500 years old. Sits near the St. Francis Trail of Peace which winds down to Assisi, or further up into the hills.

Worst: Gullivers B and B, Albergo Barbara
Why: While it wasn't bad, the hosts seemed rushed and inattentive. Their directions were helpful and the room was pleasant, but there was not much personal connection, even though we were basically the only guests there. The breakfast was only fair, with croissants, etc., from pre-packaged cartons. Nothing prepared by the hosts. The neighborhood restaurant the hosts recommended to us was also very average.

Albergo Barbara is nicely situated to overlook the harbor in Vernazza. It has a beautiful view, and makes for lovely people-watching. However, the partying which Rick Steves refer to in the guidebook currently relocates, late at night, to a small restaurant or bar just below the windows of our room. Two of the three nights we stayed, the party went on until 3:00 a.m., then the merchants and city workers were out cleaning up the square for the morning trade by 7:00 a.m. Earplugs were only a partial solution. This would not work well for mature people who really want a good night's sleep. Partiers might think it was ideal. There are many, many rooms for rent in the city of Vernazza.

Clay Oglesbee in Northfield, MN USA 05/11/2007

Worst: Hotel Corso-Orvieto
Why: Hotel Corso in Orvieto now has two rooms outside the main hotel that you enter from a side street not the lobby. We were given one of these. They are right on the sidewalk of the main street, no real window that opens for air just a very large frosted glass that is permanently closed because you are really ON THE SIDEWALK of the main street and very loud and a real disappointment. I asked to be moved on another day if possible, but the people at the desk did not accomodate us. When I went up on the terrace one day and saw the beautiful rooms in the main hotel with real windows that opened, I almost cried. It is just greed on their part to put people in such a room and I thought you should know that there are these two substandard rooms which provide a VERY DIFFERENT experience. I have used your books for many trips to Europe and have enjoyed the hotel recommendations. Your descriptions are always quite on target but I think these are rooms you should know about and warn your readers. I made these reservations at least three months in advance. Thank you.

Jan Hayes in Ketchum, ID USA 05/05/2007

Best: Best accomodations: Hotle Olivedo in Varenna and also La Crociona Agriturismo near Montalcino in Tuscany
Why: Hotel Olivedo was the cleanest and most hospitable; La Crociona was the quietest, quaintest and we had the most enchanting little cottage apartment!

Worst: Hotel Provencal in VilleFrancheSur Mer, France and Hotel Ca' SanTrovaso in Venice
Why: Such tiny rooms, almost unable to move around in them!

Laura and Robert Harriman in SAN DIEGO, CA USA 05/05/2007

Best: Residenza il Villino, Florence (in 2007 edition)
Why: It felt so good to feel 'at home'. Although not a large place, there were usually 2 computers to use for free to check email or plan the next leg of the trip. Breakfast was very generous. The owners are very knowledgeable about their city, which means they know how to get you into the places you want to go, and that will enable you to maximize your time. You know it's good when there are copies of Rick Steves' books in the lobby!

Barb and Greg Damon in Portland, OR USA 05/03/2007

Best: Hotel Centrale in Florence
Why: Amazing location just blocks from the Duomo, spacious & newly-renovated rooms/bathrooms, children are free in room with parents which is rare in Italy, very friendly staff, quiet location. What more could you ask for?

Beth in Northridge, CA USA 05/03/2007

Best: Hotel Nardizzi Americana - Rome
Why: Exceeded expectations for comfort, quiet, modern bathroom, cleanliness, friendliness, easy walk to train. Lift made 4th floor easily accessible.

Worst: Locanda "Al Leon" in Venice
Why: My confirmation price was 20 euro higher than 2007 book stated rate because I booked directly on their website as the book suggests. Once I arrived I met another couple whose rate was 20 euro LOWER than the 2007 book rate from B and B.com. I asked for 2007 book rate and they begrudgingly gave me the 140 euro price for Dbl. With no lift and a room three floors up, luggage was a problem. We asked, and management would not turn on air conditioner, even though it was so warm in our room (31) we had to leave windows open at night. We awoke to dozens of mosquitos and I took home bites as lasting souvenirs. The place is lovely, location VERY convenient, but I will not return on our next trip.

Sherryl Nelson in Bellingham, WA USA 05/01/2007

Best: Corte Campana - Venice
Why: The B&B rooms were booked, so we took the 1st floor apartment around the block (b-fast not included, but grocery store near by - easy & interesting to shop/try). Spacious, comfortable for 4 & very quiet, yet only 3 minute walk from San Marco square. Riccardo was fantastic! We had plane, transportation delays - was about 1 hr late, he was waiting in the street/alley for us (& still smiling). He's funny, pleasant, had great sites & dinner recommendations and made reservations for us. Highly recommended!

Ron & Ann Korzun in Clifton Park, NY USA 04/29/2007

Worst: Hotel in Parione - ROME
Why: Be aware that if you cancel your reservation with the Hotel in Parione, they will still charge you for your first night. I gave them 2 weeks notice that I was canceling my trip due to a family illness, and they still charged me. Very disappointing. No other hotels in Italy did this. I have stayed there before and enjoyed myself, but I won't go back now.

Jon Schaeffer in Los Angeles, CA USA 04/24/2007

Best: Hotel Picchio (Orvieto)
Why: Easy walk from the bottom of the funicular. Clean rooms, friendly staff

Robin W. in Richland, WA USA 04/21/2007

Best: Hotel Duomo in Siena Italy
Why: Quiet, quaint, easy access to the city and great views from the rooms. THe hotel is tough to find by car.

Dennis Hanberg in Tacoma, Wa USA 04/21/2007

Best: Hotel Sonya-Rome
Why: Very nice furniture and bathrooms, internet access was a plus. They also have elevators.

Worst: Hotel Riva-Venice
Why: Please take this off of your recommended list asap. We reserved and had all printed confirmations with us from the internet, including e-mails telling us we were getting a Junior Suite with a balcony for $180 euros per night. When we arrived they had no such room. They put us in a single until they could find a triple. We had to move our luggage up and down several flights of narrow stairs. The triple was so small it was difficult to walk from the bed to the bathroom. There is no phone, clock, hairdryer, or anything else. The fan in the bathroom had an inch thick dust collection on it. When we checked out they charged us the rate for the Junior Suite, we promptly asked for an adjustment since we didn't get the room that was confirmed. All of a sudden Sandro couldn't understand or speak English very well. He ended up taking 10 euros off of the bill. They also only take cash, and the breakfast is coffee and a bad roll. The water temperature in the shower varies and is mostly on the cold side.

Hope Oaks in Kokomo, IN USA 04/16/2007

Best: Hotel Al Piave in Venice
Why: Great location and Great staff. Very Clean and well kept. Highly recommend. One caution: We were put in a ground level apartment, "a few doors down," but actually about 200 yards away...with NO phone...so they gave us a cell phone to use. So ask about this when you reserve.

Worst: Hotel Pendini in Florence
Why: Great Location...but the room furnishings and wall paper were very "tired," the carpet was stained and filthy and the paint was peeling. The bathroom and shower were in need of new paint and grout cleaner, AND there was an awful smell coming from the shower basin. We enjoy older, classic hotels, but there were some MAJOR cleanliness issues. Also, the staff were extremely loud when they started to prepare breakfast at 6am. Would remove from recommended list!!

Don in Irvine, CA USA 04/15/2007

Best: Albergo Villa Marta, Lucca
Why: Not in the book, but should be! The best place we stayed in Italy. A fresh, airy villa just outside of Lucca (you need a car) with beautiful grounds including a chapel, olive groves and lawns. Breakfast is excellent. An enthusiastic young couple runs the hotel. The whole place is freshly restored incl. pool, and there are modern bathrooms with lovely toiletries. All for an unbelievalbe E118 per night (website lists E160, but email for better prices). We would stay there again in a heartbeat. www.albergovillamarta.it Also, it's only 15 minutes over the hill to Pisa.

Angela in Sammamish, WA USA 04/15/2007

Best: Hotel Enza in Florence
Why: Very comfortable beds, large room for a single. Private bathroom (with a key). The breakfast was extra but well worth it for the bottomless espressos! Room 29 has its own tiny balcony.

Worst: Hotel Posta in Orvieto
Why: The hotel itself was fine and they do speak english.

The single was really a double and very comfy.

The only BAD thing is that the entire FIRST floor and the garden are ripped up and under contstruction. NOT a good spot at 8am on a weekeday!

thea in San Francisco, CA USA 04/14/2007

Best: Tonino Basso
Why: We spent 4 nights. Wonderful host with a high quality room. The free computer and internet use was a huge positive aspect, but so was the warm welcome, helpful suggestions and services. Would love to come back again.

John and Donna Fabian in Port Ludlow, WA USA 04/13/2007

Best: Hotel Centrale, Florence
Why: Clean, fresh, friendly staff in central location. We even got an "Buona Pasqua" gift as we checked out, a pastry with some chocolate easter eggs!

Lawrence Judy in Evansville, IN USA 04/11/2007

Best: Albergo Bernini, Siena
Why: What a fantastic experience! We loved Mauro and Nadia and their daughter (her name escapes me) and had a beautiful room at the back of the hotel with a terrific view of the hillside. The whole place smelled delicious when we walked in, as they were having lunch in their dining room. Wish we'd stayed in Siena longer!

Beth and Mike Nelson in Cumming, GA USA 04/09/2007

Best: Albergho Olivedo in Varenna ( WE LOVE VARENNA)
Why: Beautiful, the room, the balcony, the view the wonderful breakfast.

One bad note: I fell on the slippery shower floor, hurt head on tile floor and bruised leg badly Tried pulling that string that means you need help,.NOBODY CAME

Worst: The Duomo convent in Siena-not that inexpensive
Why: COLD, no rugs on floor, no soap,no one speaks much english--w\since you are dealing with the public, a little would be helpful We spoke as much Italian as possible

Madlyn Accardo in Shirley, , NY USA 04/09/2007

Best: Hotel Smeraldo in Rome
Why: The location is wonderful and I believe it is a good value for that very reason. Don't forget to check out the cat hospice down the street at the Largo Agentina ruins and take their free tour around 4pm each day. If pressed..I would stay here again. But only after exhausting other hotels/convents first.

Worst: Hotel Smerado in Rome
Why: If you were drooling over the pictures of their rooftop terrace like I was...you might be disappointed. It is closed (according to the front desk person) every night at 7pm (why? I have no idea) and every night I tried to go up there to enjoy a glass of wine..there were no chairs around the table. Also early morning/night staff at the front desk were not particularly friendly with checking out/using Rick's discount/calling a taxi for us.

Windy Hammond in Rodenbach, Germany 04/05/2007

Best: Rome - Hotel Sonya
Why: Great location and the morning dining/front desk service was attentive, personal, and as helpful as they could be. We stayed in the annex half a block down the street, which were very clean, modern, attractive, comfortable. The sleeping area was tight but all amenities were excellent. The bathroom actually was truly beautiful and spacious. Triple was 150 Euros; after one of our party left, we moved to a double for 135 Euros, where the bath was tighter but still beautiful. Breakfast was delicious and convenient, though eating area is tight.

Margaret in Washington, DC USA 04/04/2007

Best: Bellevue House--Florence
Why: Rosanna and Antonio are gracious hosts, and the six rooms are beautiful and comfortable. The hotel is conveniently located, and the area is safe even though it is near the train station. We never felt uncomfortable or vulnerable even when we were out at night.

Marigail and Robert Stamnes in Seattle, WA USA 03/24/2007

Worst: Hotel Canal, Venice
Why: It may not be the worst, but you should definitely be careful about making a reservation at Hotel Canal. We tried to make reservations over their web reservations but received an email from Hotel Canal telling us that they were full and could not accommodate us. We stayed at Hotel Al Sole (excellent). Then Hotel Canal charged us anyway for not showing up. Although we emailed them regarding the mistake, they told us it was our mistake!!!!. They have not told us whether they will credit our credit card and they will not respond to our email request. Be careful with this hotel.

Steve Tackes in Carson City, NV USA 03/23/2007

Best: Hotel Italia, Rome
Why: We hired a car to drive the 4 of us to the hotel. Good choice for just arriving tired, although it is very easy to access with public transportation. There is a deli/grocery across Via Nazionale which was convenient. The staff was gracious and friendly, especiall Sergio in the evenings who worked many years in Michigan. Rooms were nice and the A/C worked very well. There was even an ice machine in the hallway. We stayed 5 nights and enjoyed it very much.

Susan Thurman in Pendleton, OR USA 03/22/2007

Best: Hotel Smeraldo (Dipedenza)
Why: WONDERFUL location! It is pretty much right in the center of everything you want to do in Rome: Colossem, Forum, Vatican, Rick's suggested walking tours (which I recommend). The Dipendenza is the sister hotel to Hotel Smeraldo, which is about 20 paces around the corner. It is also 2 minute walk from the Campo de Fiori, which is a great piazza with many restaurants and cafes (vendors sell fresh fruit, veggies, and flowers during the day and early evening). The hotel is also a one minute walk to a bus stop with several lines that will take you anywhere (the #40 Express is the best, it runs from the Termini to the Vatican and drops you near (not at) most of the sights). Right near the bus stop is a Tobacchi to buy your bus ticket. The room - although a little small- was VERY clean and updated, had a cute balcony, and was quiet. Room service was great. The beds were comfortable enough. Don't expect a lot of space, however--there's just enough room for two twin beds, two night stands, a desk and that's it. The bathroom was a good size, but the shower was narrow. We aren't picky travelers who require lots of space, so if you aren't either, then this hotel is perfect. One minor annoyance was that the room phone did not work. When we asked the gentleman at the front desk, he stated that none of the phones worked in the Dipendenza (they did in the main hotel). I would call before making a reservation to ask whether they fixed the problem or not if having a phone is essential to you. Otherwise, it's a great hotel in the middle of everything. I would stay here again the next time I'm in Rome.

Nita in Washington, DC USA 03/22/2007

Best: Hotel Olivedo
Why: We had a very nice room and later while looking at some friend's slides who visited Varenna a month earlier than we did it turns out they stayed in the same room.

Worst: Hotel la Residenza in Venice
Why: Venice is such an amazing but intense but wierd city and it is important to have your room be a refuge so you can take a break. We spent two nights and only went to our room to sleep as we could not handle being there.

Susan Vander Hoek in Bainbridge Island, WA USA 03/22/2007

Worst: Hotel Enza in Florence
Why: This should not be recommended! We stayed there in March and were extremely disappointed. The rooms were not good. For example, our shower leaked so much there was a small stream in our room. Also, the hotel was unwilling to honor the 10% discount for cash set forth in your guide. They said our rate was good so no discount applied. And it was not in a good part of town.

Ron Ritland MA USA 03/21/2007

Best: Bellevue House
Why: We stayed at the Bellevue House in Florence. The room was nice, the shower was a bit tight, but that wasn't anything new, and Antonio was really hospitable. He recommended some great restaurants and also some great stores to find a new jacket. The only problem was that the room had a peculiar smell, but we opened the window and found that we were directly above a sewer drain. After a little while, our noses adjusted and the smell wasn't so bad. We just made sure the window stayed closed.

Melanie in West Haven, UT USA 03/19/2007

Best: Hotel Duomo, Orvieto
Why: The room was large, airy and the beds were wonderful. The breakfast was to die for.

Worst: Hotel Europa, Florence
Why: Beds were lumpy, view out the window was a wall about 6' away, breakfast had packaged pastries at least three days old

Les Jorgenson in Vancouver, BC Canada 03/16/2007

Best: Dei Mori B&B Via Dante Aligheri 12 in Florence
Why: See comments above. I really can't compare to others in Europe except Palazzo Bruchi B&B in Siena which was also great, but to me it was 5 star!!

Rick Bart in Taunton, MA USA 03/14/2007

Best: Hotel Nardizzi Americana
Why: Our room was clean, the hotel was conveniently located near Termini train station, and the people working there were friendly, helpful, and spoke good English.

David Carter in Stillwater, OK USA 03/05/2007

Best: Alloggi Barbaria in Venice
Why: Fausto and Giorgio provided an excellent retreat for us. Clean rooms, nice breakfasts on the sunny rooftop patio with curious pigeons watching us, within walking distance to anywhere you want to go.

The hotel sits on a quaint narrow street, Like all narrow Venice streets, a very short walk from the Ospedale Vaporetto stop, which is also very near a handy supermarket. We spent three nights here, and enjoyed the very clean, well equipped and air conditioned room.

Mike Frenette in Halifax, NS Canada 03/04/2007

Worst: Hotel Aldobrandini
Why: The woman working there the night we needed accommodations was very hostile to us as soon as we walked in. We were so uncomfortable with the way she "welcomed" us that even though we were starving, we left and found another place.

Tanya Lesser in NYC, NY USA 02/26/2007

Best: Hotel Saini Meuble, Stresa
Why: The owner, Gianni Saini, was a warm, welcoming host and a veritable treasure trove of great information about Stresa - restaraunts, parking, shopping, and the details of the ferry rides. Hotel is nearly refurbished by him and the rooms were very comfortable and quiet. He does great breakfasts and coffees in the mornings too.

Worst: Palazzo Bruchi (Pg 409), Sienna
Why: Horrid little rooms put in a back wing of the building with no views other than her parking lot and a little kitchen with a few dry goods considered breakfast. The advertised elevator was non-existent - instead it was 2 flights of steep stairs outside the building. Attitude was poor too - adversarial from the get-go.

Bob Jaspar in walnut Creek, CA USA 02/26/2007

Best: Hotel Ungherese
Why: I haven't even been there yet, but already I am very impressed with the staff of the hotel. Sabina has been very nice and helpful in booking our room and getting our museum reservations. This has been all through email this past week and I can't wait to meet her when we get there in May.

Mari in Austin, TX USA 02/26/2007

Best: We tried a few in Vernazza, Cinquerre terre
Why: We tried to get an accommodation in Vernazza from your book. All were full. Luckly one the last fellow we called was kind enough to recommend another place he knew. This lady had a single room to rent seperate from her home. It was just wonderful. She spoke no english and we spoke a very limited Italian. Just what we had learned from our phrase book. She treated us like family.

Ron Easson in Brampton, On Canada 02/14/2007

Best: Il Villino, via della Pergola 53, Florence, Italy
Why: The perfect, inviting Tuscan ambiance, location is in quiet section of the city center. Restored 15th C building, Minutes from all attractions, Sergio could not be more helpful and welcoming, modestly prices. Feb. was a fantastic visiting time. Thanks, Rick Steves for this inclusion in your book.

Barbara Graff in Bass Harbor, Ma USA 02/14/2007

Worst: Hotel Due Torri (Vicolo del Leonetto 23, Rome)
Why: After traveling 6 different countries in Europe' usint Rick Steves' Guide Book, "Hotel Due Torri" was the worst hotel. Because I couldn't afford to loose my reservation deposit (worth 1 night stay), I had to put up with most rude people I've ever met. Not only the hotel was noisy and had the worst water pressure for the shower but also the room's safety-box didn't work, and when I asked for a different room (as the safety-box was attached to the wall), they told me to stay in the same room and they aren't thieves. When I mentioned that I prefer a room with working safety-box, the hotel manager got very angry with me, and yelled at me saying that I am accusing them of being thieves!! AND Americans are all suspicious as their government!! Of course I wanted to leave right away but if I had left the hotel, I would've lost my deposit money, 190 Euro so, I had to stay. Moreover, the hotel manager insisted that I remain in the room while the hotel-maid clean the room in the morning, since "I think they are all thieves". Otherwise, they would not let me leave. After traveling 4 different towns in Italy, I came to Rome as my last stop and the people at "Hotel Due Torri" certainly made the worst impression of their own country and people.

Helina in Chicago, IL USA 02/13/2007

Best: Il Nido - Sorrento
Why: Three couples stayed at the Il Nido in February, and I could not recommend this place more highly. The rooms are not fancy, but the views are wonderful. The staff took care of our every need. All we had to do was call, and they would pick us up in town with the shuttle. They even made a special trip to drop off our backpacks at the train station in the afternoon so that we could tour in the morning without worrying about our bags. Also, the restaurant was fantastic and opened just for us. We've traveled to Europe many times, and have never enjoyed a stay more than the Il Nido

Jim Frasher in Milwaukee, WI USA 02/10/2007

Best: Residence la Tavolozza, Positano, Italy
Why: We travelled from Rome to Naples and took a hydrofoil over to Positano, passing by Pompeii and Sorrento. We were so excited when we saw Positano in the late day with multitides of small flickering lights of bars and bistros, restaurants, beautiful boutiques and accommodations. What a beautiful place! Absolutely postcard perfect. Fortunately, we had our Rick Steves Italy 2006 on hand. We made a few calls and accommodations were found at Residence la Tavolozza. Celeste and family welcomed us like "old friends" and the food,room and overall service was intimate, friendly, and charming. It was great to be able to just make two calls and find a place as lovely as this. We hope to make it back again someday through a house exchange.

Bruce Pike in Wasaga Beach, On Canada 02/03/2007

Best: Locanda la Corte in Venice
Why: It was our first trip to Italy. We chose Locanda la Corte and are SO HAPPY that we did!! Marco, Carlo and Rafaella were wonderful (as were all the entire staff)! We arrived, checked in and were welcomed very warmly by Marco...we then went up to our room and were about 5 minutes into unpacking when there was a knock at the door...it was Marco with a bottle of champagne and 2 beautiful champagne flutes hugging me and kissing both of my cheeks wishing me Happy Birthday! I was flabbergasted and thought that my husband had set this up, but no--Marco had noticed my birthdate on my passport when he had made the copies and saw that it indeed was my birthday. We were absolutely floored! What a beautiful way to start celebrating my 50th birthday! Our stay at the Locanda la Corte was wonderful and we will DEFINITELY go back!

Margie Davis in Verona, KY USA 02/01/2007

Best: Hotel Ungherese, Florence
Why: Everything at Hotel Ungherese was great! Nice rooms, wonderful staff, and the garden...a little gem. They took care of us giving all the best suggestions we had on our trip; restaurants, directions. Everything was clean and comfortableand we would stay there again.

kevin hogan in austin, tx USA 01/30/2007

Best: La Crociona, Montalcino, Tuscany
Why: I stayed at the agriturismo La Crociona in Montalcino during my trip to Tuscany. The family was perfectly nice.

Worst: La Crociona, Montalcino, Tuscany
Why: Their website isn't quite correct as there are no cooking classes. There is a wine tasting, but when we asked to taste the wine, the wine maker, Roberto, seemed to be quite annoyed to have to take the time to show us the winery and pour a small taste of the wine for us.

However, our main problem was the cost of heating. We were there in December. Our apartment was 80 Euro per day, and so we were shocked that at the end of our stay when they told us our charge for heat and hot water was 35 Euro per day! Even for 35 Euro, the apartment never got above 55 degrees F, and we took one shower per day. It was so cold in our apartment at night that we had to sleep in our clothes with sweaters on, even with extra blankets on the bed. We resented having to pay 35 Euro for heat that did not even work. I hope you will note this one your website so that other travlers can be aware not to stay there in cold weather.

E. Nelson Frederick in Bridgehampton, NY USA 01/29/2007

Best: A tie between Senior Franco's Residenza Maresca in Sorrento and the Hotel Galleria in Venice
Why: Franco's place was very comfortable and charming at a really good price. Plus, you get a small breakfast at his restaurant (get the OJ, it's fresh squeezed from local groves). The restaraunt is also a good price and he also has a wine bar run by son Luigi. Good, all inclusive base for Sorrento, Pompeii and Amalfi.

The room at the Hotel Galleria was narrow but cozy and was right on the Grand Canal. A small breakfast is served in the morning. Not bad for 90 euros.

Worst: Albergo Tre Donzelle
Why: The room was at a good locaotion near Il Campo, but in retrospect, I would have dished out a few more euro for more cozy factor. I wasn't shocked though because the book said its institutional and not to hang out there (which we did not). The cheapest room on our trip though by far (49 euro).

Jamison Fenderson in Issaquah, WA USA 01/26/2007

Best: All of them are great!
Why: The people are always so friendly, at every single Rick Steves-recommended hotel. I've been to many of them. Great work!

Andrew Horn in San Jose, CA USA 01/22/2007

Best: Residenza Cellini, Rome
Why: I would highly recommend the Residenza Cellini to anyone looking for central accommodations in Rome.

Barbara and the rest of the staff were amazing. My wife and I spent the last 4 days of a 2-week Italian vacation at Residenza Cellini over the '06/'07 winter holidays. Our hotels in Venice and Florence had been nice, but felt more like efficiency rooms than the comfort provided by the Residenza Cellini. For the same price we had paid elsewhere, our room was much larger, had a king-size bed, satellite TV, a beautiful bathroom, was impeccably clean, and adorned by live, fresh orchids.

Beyond the physical aspects of the room, I can not overstate the terrific service we received. One day my wife and I returned from visiting the Vatican and the staff had voluntarily brought a tray of red wine glasses and tableware into our room because they saw we had stopped at a local market the day before to pick up a light, stay-at-home dinner. It really helped to turn a simple night into a fun, romantic treat we will not forget.

Colin Baier in Vernon, CT USA 01/21/2007

Worst: "The Best" Hotel in Milan
Why: This was not "the best" hotel at all. Sketchy neighborhood (scary at night), horrible sheets, uncomfortable bed, tiny bathroom with a leaking shower -- it was the worst night of our trip. Take it out of the guidebook, Rick!

Liz Hansen in Orem, UT USA 01/20/2007

Best: Hotel Florida Milano, Hotel La Meridiana-Sorrento, Hotel Sole-Assisi, Hostel-Levanto, Casa Rezzonico-Venice
Why: Locations were near the train station or easy to get to the train via public transport, Staff english speaking and accomodating, We paid between 36-85 Euro for a double with breakfast in Nov. We had a balcony included at Hotel Florida in Milan and Hotel La Meridiana in Sorrento

Colleen Cooper in River Falls, WI USA 01/16/2007

Best:
Why: We traveled from late April to mid-May 2006. Here are some hotel comments:

Milano Starhotels Anderson, Milan. Right across from the drop off point of the airport bus at the central train station. After three flights in a row, it was nice to be able to walk 30 seconds and be in the hotel. Full breakfast buffet (inclusive) was very tasty and choices were very good.

Albergo Bernini, Siena. We were glad we took a taxi to this hotel as the crooked old streets constantly change names and it's very confusing. Hotel was managed by a very hard working couple and the room we reserved had shower/wc room, which we recommend to everyone. Cost difference is not enough to go other way. Loved the view from the top for breakfast and we really loved the city even though we got lost so many times. The resraurant you recommended was so cosy, very reasonble and yet so tasty.

Hotel il Faro, Sorrento. We walked down to this hotel from the station, not knowing that it is a very winding road, and a lot longer to it than on the map. Take the city bus for 1 Euro. It is worth it, especially if you have a suitcase even if it is a small one. We stayed on the 4th floor, 10 Euro extra/night for view but boy, it was worth it. You wake up, open the window and all you see is the bluest Mediterranean Sea, Mt., Vesuvius, and the clear sky. What more do you want from a hotel room? To go to main plaza, we recommend to take a 1 Euro ride up by bus in front of the hotel and walk down the steepest but quickest (scariest) stairs and 2 minutes to the hotel. Also, we took boats rides to Capri, Naples and Amalfi leaving in front of the hotel. Was extremely convenient. Also since the last ferry leaves way before you get back from dinner, it remains quiet at night, which is fabulous.

Hotel Giardino, Rome. I guess we could have taken a city bus to the hotel from the train station but we do not like to drag suitcases up steps to get on and off. It is very conveniently located and you can take buses for all sightseeing spots. We had the room with the very nice size balcony (I think they have only one), and very quiet because we were facing inside, bathroom nice and clean, and Katie was so wonderful to talk to every morning.

Hotel la Residenza, Venice. At the boat dock we took a boat going the opposite direction, but got there anyway. Quick walk to the hotel from the ferry stop. Very nice lounge where breakfast is served. This is another city that streets are not straight and like Rick says, get a good map. This hotel is not in the sightseeing area, which meant quiet at night and close enough to walk to most sights.

Kazumi Dixon in Seattle, WA USA 01/15/2007

Best: Eremo Gaudio, Varenna
Why: Everything - view, room, funicular experience, management, access to town. A very close second - Casa Arte in Venice and Albergo Settimo Cielo in Sorrento.

Worst: Hotel Villa Steno, Monterosso al Mare
Why: Only complaint - the rooms left me claustrophobic. Small and dark but saved by the balcony and the best of breakfasts.

Margaret McLean in Chilliwack, BC Canada 01/12/2007

Best: The Santa Chiara Hotel (by the Pantheon)
Why: This hotel has an ideal location in central Rome, and was a great base to explore the city. The hotel is indeed a quiet hotel located on a side-street in one of the busiest sections of the city; the hotel staff was top-notch too.

Ryan in Lyons, IL USA 01/08/2007

Worst: Hotel Ungherese
Why: First of all, the owners were rude. We requested a different room and they treated us like we were completely unreasonable. Secondly, the walls are paper thin and the rooms are IN the lobby. Third, you have to shower OVER the toilet!

Clinton in Boston, MA USA 01/05/2007

Best: Il Borgo in Bellagio and the Magnolia B&B in Orvieto
Why: These apartments are in a great location, very comfortable and come at a great price. In the off season we negotiated a 50/night rate and stayed for a week. The Magnolia B&B is great! You get a lovely and spacious apartment for the same money as a drab room down the street. We stayed 3 nights just for the apartment which was like home. A washing machine down the hall was an added bonus. The

Worst: Palazzo Brucchi in Siena
Why: The woman who owns this place definitely has a screw loose. She seemed "bothered and irritated" when we arrived -- I guess it was dinner time --- She showed us 2 rooms at the 65 Euro rate (off season). Neither of the rooms had windows. One was a little box a little bigger than a closet. My friends, who volunteered to take the small one finally asked for a room with a window because the small room was really unacceptable. They ended up paying 90 Euro for a room about the same size but which had a window. Breakfast was a "make your own" in a shared kitchen affair. We strongly recommend that this place be taken out of the book. Not only are there much better places for less money in the area, but we all thought that the owner was crazy and made up the prices as she went.

Ilana Slonim in Blairsden , CA USA 01/01/2007

Best: Florence: Bellevue house, also Hotel Nardizzi in Rome
Why: Bellevue house was extremely clean, quiet and large rooms. It's in a great location-easy walk from the train station, and very economical. Antonio was very friendly and helped me book rooms in other cities. I would definitely recommend this hotel to any budget minded travelers. In Rome, Hotel Nardizzi was wonderful. Easy walk from the train station. Staff were excellent responding to email, very friendly, outgoing, helpful and courteous. I think they are working very hard to change their image of being 'loosely run.' I was so impressed that I ended up booking additional days for my daughter later in the month, and she reported very helpful staff. Our triple room was spotlessly clean, very quiet and huge! Definitely recommend as an excellent budget choice in a major world city!

Worst: Lucca: La Violette
Why: Yes, as Rick stated in the book Anna is very sweet and our room was very clean, but cold and on a noisy street. Had it been priced a bit lower (we paid 80 euro Dec. 21 & 22) it would have been a good trade off - but this was definitlely not as nice as similarly priced hotels in Florence and Rome.

Karen Asbridge in Snohomish, WA USA 12/31/2006

Best: Hotel Lancelot
Why: We stayed at this hotel during the first seek of December. It was a delightful hotel in a great location. It is situated in the heart of ancient Rome. The neighborhood is very quiet. The street gets relatively little traffic and at the end of the street (about 30 meters from the hotel is a convent). There were archaeological sites all around us. Our room was on the fifth floor and faced the street. It also had a balcony. From our balcony, we could see the Coliseum. As a romantic end to a lovely day, we sat on the balcony and had a nightcap.

By European standards, our room was large. For a hotel in a large city, close to major tourist attractions, the price was very reasonable. All of the staff members were friendly, helpful and spoke English.

The closest that I can come to a negative comment is that there seemed to be a lack of good restaurants in the neighborhood. There were restaurants, but none that we considered to be very good.

Rick Sturm in Boulder, CO USA 12/24/2006

Best: Hotel Sole, Assissi -- a toss up!
Why: 65 E with breakfast, old part (my husband liked), convenient location

Worst: Hotel Santa Marta, Milan
Why: I emailed hotel and aked what time the Autostradale tour left. She wrote back and said 15:00, not in your book, but correct. and informed me that the hotel would be closed on the May 1 and 2 for remodeling, but open on May 29. She booked us in their sister hotel, Hotel Rovella, for 110 e. We stayed at Hotel Santa Maria 5/29, 130 e, but I think Hotel Rovella is much nicer.

Sue Hall in Wilson, WY USA 11/29/2006

Best: Residenza il Villino, Florence
Why: The rooms were large with a balcony. Free internet downstairs, quiet, decent breakfast and a helpful staff.

Worst: Hotel Riva
Why: Although I would go back here again given the chance; the breakfast was bad: steamed coffee and a dry roll, we were woken by people banging and shouting to be let into the hotel at 1:30 am, and the delivery boats start at 4 am.

Greg in Issaquah, Wa USA 11/25/2006

Best: Bellevue House in Florence
Why: In Florence, Antonio and Rosanna (who run Bellevue House) are truly hospitable people, in the best sense of the word. They enjoy their guests and go the extra mile to help. Our room was great and very reasonable. They explained their city and country to us, got us museum reservations, and told us "how to do things" (like eating breakfast standing up with the locals). They gave us useful suggestions (e.g., a nearby homey trattoria with a good 4 course meal for around 10 euros, including wine).

Ken Smith in Oakton, VA USA 11/23/2006

Best: Albergo Milano-Verrena, Lake Como
Why: The rooms were awesome, colorful, clean and bright and beautiful views of the lake. Edgi, the owner, makes meals most nights (reservations recommended in the summer time-although we went in Nov)Edgi also speaks very good english. Out of all the places we stayed in Italy (which were alot!)this place was the BEST! Highly recommend staying there.

Worst: Hotel Santa Marta-Milan
Why: This place is recommended by Rick and I think it should be taken out. You would be better off staying in a hostel for the money you spend here. I'm pretty sure there were bugs in our bed. One night I woke up to the smell of cigarette smoke in our room (hotel guy was smoking at the desk)It just felt dirty, dark. No coffee for the morning, no milk for the provided cereal, and jam available, but minus any toast or pastry! STAY AWAY from this place.

Joshua in Eagle River, AK USA 11/22/2006

Best: Hotel Il Nido - Sorrento
Why: This hotel is 2 miles from town on a hill that overlooks Sorrento, the bay, and with Naples in the distance. Very quite, great restaurant and just what you need after a while on the road. They have on the hour shuttles to the train station and downtown with pickups to late in the evening. Highly recommended.

Jim Punches in Aptos, CA USA 11/20/2006

Best: Marcella Royal Hotel, Via Flavia 106, Roma
Why: This was our first trip to Rome and we booked this hotel thruough a travel agent. The place was great, the room was a decent size, had a breakfast buffet which was very nice and a roof garden where there was a keyboard player at night where we would go later at night for coffee and to dance. Would reccomend this place to any one. The staff was very helpful and friendly.

Paul Pugliese in Long Branch, NJ USA 11/16/2006

Best: In-town Rossi Apartments, San Gimignano
Why: The blue room and green room in the 'cassetta' at the edge of town both have windows that open out to stunning views of the Tuscan countryside. Carla couldn't have been sweeter, and even complimented me on my Italian despite my atrocious accent.

Worst: Fawlty Towers, Rome
Why: Not too clean; reserved a double bed but got two singles instead. Asked twice, but couldn't even get someone to give me the sheets so I that could tether the singles together myself.

Kristin Anderson in New Haven, CT USA 11/16/2006

Best: albergo Elizabetta, Cinque Terre
Why: Spent three wonderful nights in Vernazza in October 2006. Albergo Elizabetta is a robust climb up the staired alleyway, but Elizabetta's companion helped with the largest bag. Quirky rooms, as Rick, described, but very pleasant and comfortable. The view from our room was magnificent. Quiet night, except for the beautiful sound of the Ligurian Sea swelling against the rocks 50 feet below. The roof deck (shared with one other room) was spectacular, particularly at sunset.

Brian Nickerson in Falmouth, MA USA 11/15/2006

Best: Hotel Silla, Florence; Albergo la Luna, Lucca
Why: Hotel Silla was so professionally managed. Comfortable and a lovely terrace with a view where the generous breakfast was served. at Albergo la Luna the staff gave us great driving directions and were so nice. -- we did not have the overpriced breakfast but found a cafe nearby.

Worst: La Torretta B &B, (managed by Laura of Albergo Olivedo) Varenna
Why: I thought we were lucky to get a view room in the villa next door to Albergo Olivedo. It was an "awesome little palace" like Rick said. The charming, but old, shutters didn't stay open to see our view most of the time and the bed was maybe the worst we've slept on in all of our travels...summer camp bunks are better. Everything else about the room was very nice. The dinner at Albergo Olivedo next door was OK but the breakfast was worse than a disappointment. We must have been special because we were served the ham. I didn't eat any but my husband did and shortly after we left he became very ill. We are sure it was the ham and it took several days for him to recover. This really put a damper on our trip to say the least.

Donna Skeen in Davis, C USA 11/14/2006

Best: Albergo Tre Donzelle, Siena
Why: Great value and location for the price. Nice staff.

Susan Wood in Bellingham, WA USA 11/13/2006

Best: Positano - Residence la Tavolozza; Sorrento - Hotel Mignon Meuble
Why: Both were in excellent locations - both were clean and comfortable with very friendly and helpful staff; our large terrace with view at Residentce la Tavolozza was fabulous

Worst: Hotel Oceania - Rome
Why: A little hard to figure out the elevator and find the hotel in the building- then our room with 2 twins turned out to have a queen bed, which they said they'd separate when we were out - not done; the computer usage stopped early and the breakfast started late (we missed out on both).

Diane Larson in Phoenix, AZ USA 11/12/2006

Best: S. Margherita Ligure & Pisa for Views
Why: Hotel Lauren - Santa Margherita Ligure-#232 great sea view room. Good location and helpful staff. Portofino is jewel !! Great gelato. Hotel Villa Kinzica-Pisa- #46 view of Tower as requested. Clean and pleasant. Hotel Albert Guerrato- Venice - enjoyed the hotel and staff (2 guys) but alley room a bit noisy from early morning fish mkt below but we took in stride as part of Venice and the ambience. No problem for us. We used all of your hotels (8) on our 21 day trip from Nice thru No.Italy. All were pleasant, clean, and friendly staff. NO complaints for us. Thank you, Rick - we use your books yearly and all have been wonderful experiences and memories.

W R Judah in Newport Beach, CA USA 11/12/2006

Best: IL Nido in Sorrento, Hotel Gerber in Rome (only OK)
Why: Not sure if Il Nido is in your 2006 guide...if not it should be! (We were using the 2005 guide.) We got the info from reader's comments. We stayed there in Sept and loved it. Desk staff helpful and they provide a simple map of the town with all the Train, Bus and Boat schedules on the back which was great for our planning. B-fast (good coffee & food) and dinners on the terrace were so enjoyable with the beautiful view of the bay and Mt. V. One night we enjoyed Fireworks in the distance for a local holiday. Sorrento itself is overrun with tourists but IL Nido was away from all this and very quiet. They provide a shuttle service to get to town & back. A great base location for exploring Pompeii & Ercolano (Herculaneum). Hotel Gerber in Rome is a decent value as they honored the Rick Steve's discount. Nice B-fast spread. It's close to the metro and actually walking distance (30+ min) to St Peter's. Also walked to the Spanish steps one evening about 30 min-one way.However the staff was fairly indifferent and not very friendly. Not sure I would stay here again but it was OK.

Anne Schiedel in Portland, Or USA 11/12/2006

Best: Tonino Basso, Vernazza
Why: Spotlessly clean, genuinely friendly and efficient. Bedroom and bathroom were roomy enough and certainly modern. Your description was very accurate.

Carlo Botto in Melbourne, Vc Australia 11/09/2006

Best: Hotal Italy, Roma
Why: All the people were so kind as well as true professionals. Will help Andrea plan a trip to the Baja when he brings the family to the US

Marlene Beard in Escondido, CA USA 11/09/2006

Best: Best Hotel in Milan
Why: The staff was very helpful. They kept making suggestions and looking things up for us on the web and when they were busy, they gave us free internet time to look things up ourselves. The location is convenient to all subways and the train station and airport bus. They made cappiciano for us at 5am because we had to leave early....these guys were sweethearts!!

Gretchen Elg in Irvine, CA USA 11/09/2006

Best: Mueble Agave in Monterosso
Why: I stay here every time I am in the Cinque Terre. It is very clean, friendly, and convenient to the train station. Rates are reasonable. Right across from the sea, I sleep with its sound in my ears. Aah!

Shana Woodfield in Calistoga, CA USA 11/05/2006

Best: Villa Cipressi in Varenna
Why: Theroom, the view, the staff, the location- even the restaurant in the Villa was amazing.

Brian, Tammy and Anna Mulrooney in Enfield, NH USA 11/05/2006

Best: Villa Cipressi in Varenna
Why: Staff was more than accommodating and the view was priceless.

Worst: Hotel del Corso in Sorrento
Why: Did not get the quiet off the street room I requested. Couldn't get any ice for our beverages.

Ellen Cooper in Campbell, CA USA 11/03/2006

Best: L'Ospite in Verona
Why: Manager Federica Rossi is a delight and most helpful. We liked being able to live like "temporary Italians", making coffee, shopping for fresh groceries in the neighborhood and cooking pasta made fresh that day. Also there's a great and inexpensive pizzeria next door.

Worst: two contenders: Albergo Olivedo in Varenna and hotel Montreal in Rome
Why: Rude, rude, rude, managers! Olivedo's Laura's mood ranged from indiference to hostility. Hotel Montreal's Derek and staff treated costumers with disdain and the breakfast server followed suit. The only pleasant, customer-friendly person was the Italian lady who cleaned our rooms. We do not recommend either of these hotels.

Lucia in Oregon City, OR USA 11/02/2006

Worst: recommendation of Pomurlo Vecchio outside the village of Baschi
Why: I think it was more than a few miles? Seemed like many and on dirt roads. We could not find it and went in to Baschi to inquire and a kindly man led us there as we followed his truck. After seeing where it was we had to cancel as we knew we would never find it driving after dark and wouldn`t see the neighboring towns if we had to be back before dark. It was really remote. Please warn readers of that.

Carolyn Bishop in Olympia, WA USA 11/01/2006

Best: Hotel Posta in Orvieto was fine - just as you described, also the youth hostel in Menaggio
Why: Hotel Posta - Adequate, charming. Menaggio Youth Hostel - Alberto was wonderful, nice, helpful, dinner was very good, view was great

Susan Ames in Fairport, NY USA 10/31/2006

Best: Hotel Saini - Stressa
Why: Gianni Saini is amazing! After a VERY delayed flight, we called him to let him know that we would not arrive until very late (2 AM). He waited up for us and gave our cab driver directions. He really went over and above.

Worst: Hotel Donzanella - Siena
Why: The bathrooms were very dirty and we found bugs in the towels. We couldn't have made a hastier retreat if we tried. Really ruined the Siena experience for me.

Kim Hauge in Snohomish, wa USA 10/31/2006

Best: Albergo Di Moro in Montalcino
Why: Clean, quiet, good beds, bathroom, and a backyard with a view! What's not to love?

anthony in caliendo, CO USA 10/31/2006

Best: Hotel Dali, Florence
Why: Extremely helpful and nice owner, great location: very good value. A basic room but everything one needs. Marco (owner) gave us a list of good restuarants and a breakfast place, and every one was just fine.

Worst: Hotel Valley, Via Soperga, Milan
Why: Please remove this one from your Italy guide! Toilet backed up into shower stall. Only one light worked. The advertised frig didn't work. Room was grungy, beds (twins, supposedly) tiny and unconfortable. Front desk obviously cared less. No nearby restuarants. Near neighborhood looked dicey. 100 meters from train station...well, maybe from the train tracks way in the back of the station. Thank God we only spent one night there. This does not belong in a Rick Steves guidebook.

Barbara McCrea in Kalamazoo, Mi USA 10/30/2006

Best:
Why: Hotel Ideale in Assisi had great views but the bathroom door is rotting away due to the whole room being the shower. Also it is easy to reach by public transportation only during daylight hours when the local bus runs. We had to take a taxi when leaving at 6:15 am to get the to the bus stop for Siena. It cost us 18 euro for the 5 minute ride. By the time the taxi got up the hill from the town to the hotel the meter was already at 13.5 euro.

Kathy MD USA 10/30/2006

Best: Soggiorno Battistero, Firenze
Why: The three flight walk on tired legs up to the Soggiorno was grueling with luggage but worth it. Kelly was very helpful and a wealth of insight into Italian culture from an American perspective. Above all, the view of the Baptistery, Duomo and piazza from the rooms is priceless as are the sounds. The never ending 'parade' is a people watcher's paradise and if you close your eyes, the resonant tolling of the Campanile's bell will send you time travelling back to the middle ages. I closed my eyes and sorted through the mix of two toned sirens of police cars, accordion music, the swishing of street sweepers, squeaking of brakes, car horns, bicycle bells, the murmur of many voices in many languages, the clip-clop of horses pulling carriages and carriage bells, the flapping of pigeon wings, laughing and babies squealing. An aural smorgasbord. I found myself wishing I had a recorder so I could revisit it all from home. What a treat! And conveniently located for all the major attractions in Florence too!

Bill Thomas in Carterville, IL USA 10/28/2006

Best: Pensione Guerrato, Venice
Why: Great value, good location

Robert Farlee in Minneapolis, MN USA 10/28/2006

Best: varenna's albergo olive
Why: laura, a great character

jim holland in chula vista, ca USA 10/28/2006

Best: Hotel Giardino
Why: It was close walking to everything. Everyone was helpful & very nice rooms.

Worst: none
Why: We stayed at Casa Di Anotnella B&B..we did have a bit of a problem getting in touch with her when we arrived. Had to go to her Casa to let her know we were there. She apologized but it was ok. The Casa is very nice. Antonella puts on a fabulous breakfast, she speaks very little english but we communicated fine. All the rooms we found had to share bathrooms..it was no problem either. Very nice central place & clean. We had a balcony room which was wonderful!

Char in Auburn, CA USA 10/25/2006

Worst: Hotel Compieloo in Venice
Why: Staff was very unfriendly, breakfast was poor quality. However, location is great.

Steve Goldston in Phoenix, AZ USA 10/25/2006

Best: Hotel Pendini in Florence
Why: Comfortable beds, large marble bathroom.Wonderful location in a lively square. Our triple room overlooked the piazza. Good breakfast selection.

Patricia Snee in Springville, PA USA 10/25/2006

Best: Hotel Il Bargelino, Florence
Why: On an unseasonably warm night in late October a disparate mix of ten of us ranging from our 20's to our 60's wandered out onto the roof terrace of Hotel Il Bargelino to celebrate a honeymoon, a wedding anniversary, travel romances and family stories. We swapped recommendations for good restaurants, endearing accounts with Florentines and stories of olive picking and wine tasting. Carmel and Pino started this all just by telling one of us that she had to come out to the terrace to meet a visitor. And as often happens here, it just picked up like we were all old friends.

cathleen O'Brien in Washington, DC, USA 10/24/2006

Best: Villa Cipressi-Varenna
Why: Oh my god what a view.

Worst: Hotel London-Milan
Why: Seriously funky plumbing, pumps going off all night, no sleep possible

Phil Pons in Bainbridge Island, WA USA 10/23/2006

Best: Hotel Corso, Orvieto
Why: Very clean and nice room overlooking the street so we could watch the vendors opening and enjoy being a part of a small Italian town.

Worst: Hotel del Corso, Sorrento
Why: We arrived for our reservation and were rudely told that we couldn't possibly have one, even though I had the email communications between myself and Luca at the hotel. We learned that there was a tour group filling the entire hotel for two days in the middle of when we were supposed to be there. They did find us another hotel which was supposed to be 200 meters down the road, but as we walked there and eventually got there -- it was 2 KM from the del Corso!!!

Nancy Lefler in Petaluma, CA USA 10/23/2006

Best: Settieme Cielo Sorrento
Why: We reserved Last minute and they honored the price and Rick Steves book discount!!

Worst: Villa Gerardo Sorrento
Why: Disgusting, cold, full of loud kids(frequent host of school trips), cobwebs, smells, overpriced, sad sad breakfast, no phone, no clock in room, no elevator, like a dormroom. very outdated, STAY CLEAR!!!!

Deirdre in Bologna, USA 10/23/2006

Best: Hotel Al Piave (Venice)
Why: Central location. Helpful staff. Best breakfast. Well appointed public areas and alfresco option for breakfast. Best value.

Raymond Jing in Rolling Hills Estates, CA USA 10/22/2006

Best: Hotel Adler
Why: This was a nice quiet small and clean hotel with wonderful staff. It was very close to everything. A great recommendation by Rick Steves. Our breakfast on the terrace in the morning was ideal.

Charlotte in Huron, SD USA 10/21/2006

Best: Corte Campana- Venice
Why: Riccardo, location (close to san Marco, but very quiet), did I mention Riccardo. He has a great place and his energy and hospitality make it all the better. If you scroll through the feedback and you come across Corte Campana everyone compliments Riccardo on his care of his guests.

Tom and Lynn Coleman in Forestville, Ca USA 10/21/2006

Best: Casa Astarita in Sorrento
Why: Nice and clean rooms; the breakfast was included and had a bunch of choices; the community fridge was stocked with free snacks and drinks! Good free internet access in community area.

Cindee in San Diego, CA USA 10/19/2006

Best: Paola Migliorni - Tuscany Tour Guide
Why: I can't thank Rick enough for recommending Paola Migliorni as a tour guide in Florence. It made our experience very memorable. Paola is extremely knowledgeable about the history, art and the food. She is friendly and made us feel very comfortable. She explained particulars about the art that we never would have had the opportunity to learn on our own. Paola pointed out special effects in the paintings that we would never have seen. We also used Paola's company for a two day tour in Tuscany. Marcello was a great pleasure to spend two full days with. We visited Siena and San Gimiganno and a wine tour that made our trip. Marcello tooks us to the best vineyards and to fabulous restaurants. The experience with Paola and Marcello was one that we will never forget. Paola and Marcello treated us like we were long time friends. We would highly recommend anyone visiting Tuscany to contact Paola for a tour. Everything is beautiful in Tuscany!

Cindy Spencer in Waterford, MI USA 10/19/2006

Best: Casa Astarita B&B
Why: The food was home made. We enjoyed talking with others at the breakfast common area.

Jackie in Parker, CO USA 10/19/2006

Best: Hotel Mediterraneo and the Aberdeen Rome
Why: Friendly people, clean as a pin, and excellent locations

Mina Boyd in Riverside, ca USA 10/19/2006

Worst: Hotel Valley - Milan
Why: I had a difficult time making a reservation. First, I sent an email and got a response but rather than send my credit card number via email, I called them. I actually ended up calling five times since the person that could take the reservation (Umberto) was not available. I finally sent my credit card number via email but I still did not know if they got my email. Since my trip was 3 days away I finally emailed and told them I did not want the room since I could not get a response via email nor, could the person answering the phone advise me. After cancelling, I quickly got an email stating that they were going to charge my credit card anyhow. They require 72 hours cancellation but I had cancelled within that time. I responded that I would dispute the charge and also post my dis-satisfaction on this site. They ended up not charging me but I thought their behavior was not satisfactory.

Brenda Carlton in Peachtree City, GA USA 10/19/2006

Best: Residence la Tavolozza, Positano
Why: Arriving to Residence la Tavolozza during the evening on a rainy dark night, Celeste was eagerly waiting for us & welcomed us so warmly even helping us carry our luggage to our room. A room with a breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast where, in the morning, breakfast would be brought to our room. We will always have fond memories of Celeste, her kindness, her good humour and her beautiful well located small intimate hotel. Jack & Olivette

Jack Kummer in Keswick, Ontario, ON Canada 10/18/2006

Best: Borgo Argenina
Why: We loved Tuscany. The B&B and the sights were beautiful. Elena also cooks meals for her guests about every other night (40 Euros, but includes wine) where you eat around a big kitchen table with her and up to ten other guests. It was fabulous.

Worst: Villa Cipressi (Varenna) tied with Hotel Due Torre (Rome)
Why: Both were not bad, don't get me wrong, but they were LOUD. I'm not talking about outside noise, either. Cipressi has old fashioned creaking and banging doors, echoing hallways, and no carpets in the rooms to absorb sound. Due Torri had the loudest heating/AC unit we've ever hear. I woke up every time it turned on and off. They weren't bad enough for us to not consider them again, but we might look around at our other options first.

Christy Cocchi in Shoreline, WA USA 10/18/2006

Best: hotel orion, venice
Why: the location can not be better, it is spotless clean and every memmber of the staff helpfull and friendly. We greatly appreciated it, since our previous trips we had several unpleasant experiences in Italy.

jc in worthington, oh USA 10/16/2006

Best: Seminario Vescovile San Andrea in Volterra
Why: Wonderful reception by a man who took great pride in his town and the seminary. Showed us around and made sure we understood how old everything was in Volterra. Antica! Cheaply priced and very comfortable accomodations.

Moira Fracassa in Detroit, MI USA 10/15/2006

Worst: Casa Arte, Venice
Why: Maybe not the worst place, but not what we expected. The "private" bath was outside the room. It was considered private because no one else was staying on our floor. The telephone never worked, and the minibar should not have even been included. The worst of this hotel is that they advertise an excursion to Murano Island, but we had to ask them every day if they had arranged it. They kept trying to get us to go on our own, even though they listed it as part of the price for the room. Once we told them we would just deduct the price of a taxi from the room, they found a way to arrange the tour.

Kathy Hedrick in Seattle, WA USA 10/12/2006

Worst: HoteI Ideale in Assisi, Majestic Toscanelli in Padua
Why: Contrary to Rick Steves Italy 2006 description of the Hotel Ideale, we did not receive a warm welcome. An older gentleman, who seemed to be on duty in the reception area daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., eyed with suspicion anyone who entered the hotel as if they were the enemy, invading his territory. (According to other travel web sites, others have also experienced this inhospitality.) Also, after two days of suffering without complaint the odor of sewer gas in our bedroom, when we did mention the problem he accused us of not knowing enough to flush the toilet! The woman behind the desk was more reasonable; she felt that the sewer odor was the result of heavy rains and sent a housekeeper to our room to pour chlorine down the drains. The smell of chlorine was powerful, but it did mask the other odor.

Speaking of the bathroom, since the shower head and drain were not separated from the room by any kind of floor barrier, several towels were needed to mop the bathroom floor each time the shower was used yet no clean towels were left during our 3 night stay.

On a more positive note, the hotel is well-located in Assisi and is in a lovely garden setting.

Claire Gillen in Bloomington, IN USA 10/10/2006

Best: Hotel alla Salute, Venice
Why: This was the only accommodation in Italy we stayed at for which you recommended. All of your Rome recomendations were booked. Your review described Hotel Salute as having indifferent owners. We were worried as to how accommadating they would be; as they were the only $$ hotel in Venice with available rooms when I went to book. We were pleasantly suprised! Great location, great rooms, and very friendly service!

Melissa Bromby in Newburyport, MA USA 10/09/2006

Best: Hotel Bellagio
Why: The incredible view.

Douglas Drake in Sacramento, CA USA 10/08/2006

Best: Terrapille - Pienza
Why: Stunning setting, beautiful rooms, and a cheerful, friendly staff. One note of caution - the apartments are shared.

Worst: Il Palazzo Starace B&B - Sorrento
Why: No longer only 7 quiet rooms as described in the guide. We were given a room across the street in the same building as Hotel del Corso. The room was right on Corso Italia which did not make for a restful stay. Corso Italia is incredibly loud on weekends until about 3 AM. The woman who runs the place was very nice but difficult to get in touch with. Preferred cash payment since she doesn't have an office in the Hotel Corso building. Would have been nice to know in advance.

Laurel Brown in Seattle, WA USA 10/07/2006

Worst: Hotel Basilea
Why: First floor is run down. We had rooms 104 and 103. Floor boards were loose and wobbly to walk on. Killed 4 cockroaches in our bathroom. The owner, Lena, is a kitchen nazi; constantly hassling people about where they could sit at breakfast and how much hot water they could have. Garbage truck comes by at 5:30 each morning and wakes you if you are on the street side. I do not recommend this hotel.

Nadene Landa in Escondido, CA USA 10/06/2006

Best: Corte Campana, Venice
Why: Riccardo, proximity to San Marco

Worst: Da Elise, Lucca
Why: They didn't have room so they recommended a place "300 meters" away. It was $20 euros more than their place (it was closer to the center of the town) with no kitchen or breakfast, a semi-private bath, and an unhelpful host from Da Elise

Elle Page in Niwot, CO USA 10/04/2006

Best: Giuliano's rooms in Vernazza
Why: Very, very clean, beautifully built, peaceful (the train noise is not really much of an issue at all), three great terraces for four rooms, fewer steps than a lot of the other accommodations, and a water view (albeit small). Also, I would not describe them as a "shipwreck" style - that really does not do them justice - they were much nicer than that!

kathie rivers in ketchum, id USA 10/03/2006

Best: Hotel Albergo Olivedo, Varenna
Why: Our first stop in Italy and one of the best. Laura was extremely accomodating to us when we arrived so late. I've read a lot of comments about the breakfasts. Having read up on eating in Italy, we were prepared for the fact that breakfasts were not big meals in Italy. I found what we were served to be very good, and always enough to keep us going without weighing us down. This was also one of the cleanest places we stayed.

Kathy H. in Seattle, WA USA 10/03/2006

Best: Hotel Settimo Cielo in Sorrento; Nuova Rivera in Santa Margherita
Why: Both family owned and operated with very nice breakfast and special attention to their guests

Barbara in Palmetto, FL USA 10/02/2006

Best: Memo Rooms, Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Why: Our second stay at Memo's was has great as the first. The rooms arent fancy and can be a little noisy due to being on the main street. But it just adds to the experience. The entertainment is just a window away. The rooms are very clean with a modern bathroom and we plan to stay there again and again.

Jennifer Detzel in Wyoming, MN USA 10/02/2006

Best: Hotel Ungherese - Florence
Why: Beautiful rooms, great breakfast, scenic garden terrace and friendly staff! A great location for drivers and families with children. Sabrina and Marco were terrific!

Karin Hansen in Seattle, WA USA 09/27/2006

Best: Hotel Nardizzi Americana
Why: 10 minute walk to the train station, clean, front desk people speak english, the perfect hotel for a traveler bleary off of the plane/train

Ken in San Jose, CA USA 09/26/2006

Best: Casa Astarita B&B in Sorrento
Why: It was cozy and quaint and yet roomy. I felt at home there.

Mary in LaSalle, ON Canada 09/23/2006

Worst: Rome - apts run by the Beehive House
Why: We made reservations at The Beehive near the Rome train station. The Beehive, I believe, was OK for the price; we had to go there to check in, pay and they held our luggage on our last day. BUT the Beehive was full and their apartments on the other side of the train station were less than desirable. Ours was the Acacia; room was too sparse, the street somewhat undesirable (the street where Beehive is located was fine). I just would never recommend their apartments unless it's younger twenty-somethings who don't care.

Kathryn Yeates in Ashburn, VA USA 09/21/2006

Best: Hotel Campiello
Why: Overall nice staff (night desk clerk was rude), good location, clean.

Worst: Hotel Basilea
Why: A pretty dingy hotel, the staff was not that friendly at the front desk, and the absolute worst coffee I have ever tasted. I would not have paid more than U$40 a night for that room given other circumstances.

Eric in Bellevue , WA USA 09/18/2006

Best: Hotel Giardino in Rome
Why: Great location for seeing all the sights. Katie was so friendly and extremely helpful, as were the others on staff. Close to the train station.

Worst: Holiday Inn by the Airport in Mian
Why: I'm sure you didn't recommend this hotel. We just happened to have a free night and took our chances because it was close to the airport. The rooms were dirty (We changed rooms twice) The staff seemed bothered with our questions

Dana Small in Willis, Tx USA 09/16/2006

Best: Casa Astarita in Sorrento
Why: great location, friendly. communal fridge was a bonus

paul finn in ottawa, on canada 09/09/2006

Best: B&B Gianicolo's Home, Rome
Why: My husband and I just returned from Rome and I want to raccomended this wonderful bed and breakfast called 'Gianicolo's Home'. It is in Gianicolo, very close to Trastevere, in the center of Rome. The rooms are quiet and clean and very cosy. It's such an extraordinary place in Rome. We enjoyed the birds singing in the morning accompanying the breakfast. The B&B is at Viale Trenta Aprile 14; www.gianicolo-bb.it.

Terry and Claire in Houston, Texas, USA 09/08/2006

Best: Albergo Settimo Cielo in Sorrento
Why: Our family stayed here 4 nights in July 2006 and found it to be very comfortable. Settimo Cielo is conveniently located on Via Capo. Our room had a balcony and a wonderful view of the bay of Naples. After our long days of sightseeing, it was a wonderful place to come "home" to. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony sipping our wine and eating our parm-reg. cheese. We will always have fond memories of being in Sorrento when Italy won the World Cup!

Janet in Maple Grove, MN USA 08/29/2006

Best: Agriturismo Metina near Montepulciano
Why: Our family stayed here for a week this past July, and I have to agree totally with the posting below on Agriturismo Metina. It is a lovely place, in a perfect location, and run by very warm and friendly Monica and Alberto. This was the most relaxing place of our 3-week trip. We would love to return here again someday!www.metina.it

Janet in Maple Grove, MN USA 08/29/2006

Best: Palazzo Ravizza, Siena
Why: Federica, Daniele, and GianCarlo were smart, courteous, and knowledgeable about the region. The suite with garden (and hills) view was unbelievable - the room was beautiful and the jacuzzi was great. It's a few minutes from Il Campo and all of the sites. Look for the "Wicked Witch of the West" painting in the sitting room! I would definitely stay there again.

Alex Zarwi in Rutherford, NJ USA 08/29/2006

Best: Villa Margherita B&B -Levanto , near Cinque Terre
Why: We were delighted with Villa Margherita, with our room, with Federico and with the rates. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

The room was clean, spacious and nicely furnished. Federico was an expert and helpful source of info on local tours. (His recommended boat tour to Cinque Terre was a better deal than what you could buy on the beach, and on an uncrowded boat too.)

Levanto itself was an excellent base from which to see this gorgeous part of Italy.

We would definitely return to Villa Margherita when we go back to Cinque Terre.

Robin Maltagliati in New York, NY USA 08/27/2006

Best: Hotel D'Arte, Venice
Why: I was traveling with our family and did my normal calling around 10 am for the nights lodging. They gave us a very nice apartment near the hotel(it's always a "fifty meter walk"), not nicely appointed but roomy, functional and clean for a very reasonable price. I would call them first if I were going to Venice tomorrow.

Worst: Hotel Aldobrandini, Florence
Why: First, you can't drive or park in downtown Florence unless you're a resident. We leased a car, so it was a long walk (probably a mile) with your bags from any parking.

Second, It's was overpriced and a dump. I can live anywhere but my wife was very disappointed. Most places treated us really well because we were traveling as a family, but they seemed annoyed to have kids around. It was the worst place we stayed all trip including some low end hostels.

Talking to other tourists it seems that Florence is like that. Overpriced and poorly kept hotels.

If I had to do it again, I would look for a rural hotel, pension, B&B, or hostel near a train station and take the train into town for touring. You would save money and live more pleasantly.

Brad Benson in Spokane, WA USA 08/27/2006

Best: Hotel Sonya in Rome
Why: The accomodation at Hotel Sonya was good -- we appreciated the room size, working air conditioning and shower, cleanliness, friendly and helpful staff, good location, and reasonable price. It's close to Termini Station but not too close, and we were able to do a lot of Rome sightseeing on foot. The proximity to Termini Station made arriving/departing easy, and also made it easy to ride by taxi or subway when we wanted to.

Howard in Bernardsville, NJ USA 08/27/2006

Best: La Calcina, Venice
Why: Beautiful rooms, superb service, quiet neighborhood. The Dorsoduro and La Calcina were a great respite from the crowds and noise of the Grand Canal and St. Mark's. One of the better breakfasts we had in Italy.

Worst: Soggiorno Allesandra, Florence
Why: We booked rooms for 65 Euro, which was a bargain. However, their website is a little misleading as to the quality, size of rooms, and services offered. Our room was tiny and poorly appointed. Allesandra was away on vacation and the help spoke mostly Spanish; their Italian was hard to understand. They took our passports for photocopying and then went away and we were without them for two whole days--something we were not comfortable with. There was no phone at which you could make local calls, only credit card calls to other countries (you couldn't even use a phone card.) We thought that this was a safety violation--in case of fire or some health emergency how could we call out? When we spoke to Allesandra on the phone about this she was somewhat dismissive. Breakfast was instant cappucino and a packaged cornetto. While Rick does warn you about this type of breakfast, it just added to our overall impressions of a poorly run and advertised place. Maybe great for students as a step up from a hostel, but for us this rated as a thumbs-down!

Bob Stein in Downingtown, PA USA 08/23/2006

Best: La Crociona Agriturismo - Montalcino
Why: Barbara and Roberto take excellent care of their guests! The apartment was spacious, clean and convenient to Montalcino. Our daughter enjoyed the pool. Restaurant next door was wonderful.

Cindy Sklar in Mechanicsburg, PA USA 08/22/2006

Best: Hotel Baja
Why: Clean, clerk helpfull with information to next destination

Worst: Rome Hostel - not recomended by Rick
Why: rude, boring, dirty, boring...got kicked out for cleaning during day, but didn't notice anything cleaned

Tia & Barb Do Italy 06 in Bozeman, MT USA 08/21/2006

Best: Casa Betania Convent Hotel in Cortona
Why: Unique experience - a convent! We could imagine all the nuns that have lived there... even the cafeteria still has all the crockery and plates in the cupboards, and the chairs a upended on the long tables, as if waiting for the nuns' next meal. Also, the view from their terrace we easily worth a million dollars.

Robin Wylie in Nampa, ID USA 08/21/2006

Worst: La Torretta, Manarola
Why: We arrived, very excited. I had just drug two suitcases up the hill and was still excited! When I walked into the Lobby they were friendly enough, until I pulled out my US passport and then the fun began. Not sure if they have had some nasty Americans in there before us, but we are generally pleasant and peaceful people. She apparently had us pegged otherwise. Their first indescression was to lead us to a room other than the one that the owner had promised us, little tiny thing with no real view. Not sure if this is a violation of the Code of Ethic. Then, we are travelling with a dog, they told us we could not stay there with our dog. Now this I sort of understand, although our dog is a 3 pund Maltese. I offered to pay a pet fee and even spoke to the owner on the phone to try to make accomodations with him. They were both unreasonable and the lady at the desk also had several dispairaging things to say about Americans when she was on the phone (I speak enough Italian to capisce). The dog thing is less of a big deal to me, than the fact that we had reservations to stay in Manarola, two months in advance because of the high season, and now we were stuck with nowhere to stay and they offered us no help or even consolation, they just booted us. We are appalled at the treatment and would recommend that if you are going to Cinque Terre and appreciate kindness avoid them. We ended up with a very kind man in Riomaggiore (nicer town too) named Angelo at the Villa Argentina. Sorry for the bummer story, but Id hate to see you drag your lugage up there to stay with them.

Matthew Brooks in Los Angeles, CA USA 08/20/2006

Best: Hotel Bellagio, Bellagio
Why: Our room had an incredible view of the lake and surrounding hills - we were on the 4th floor. The breakfast terrace was a delight and the rooms were clean, comfortable and cool. Not only was it less expensive than places closer to the water, I think the rooftops in the foreground make the views even more lovely.

Sara in Philadelphia, PA USA 08/17/2006

Worst: Hotel Gianni, Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Why: Don't stay here during July-August if you mind the heat. Upon check-in, which is a noisy bar, we were directed to a flight of steps which we were told would take us to our room. 120 steps later carrying our heavy luggage we arrived to our room dripping in sweat hoping to find some relief from the heat, only to find no air conditioning. We heard the train throughout the night, which sounded like it was coming through the room and in the morning the church bells woke you up. Hotel desk is the bar, only one person spoke minimal English and when I asked if family from USA needed to contact us by phone in emergency (I have an elderly mother at home in USA) would they be able to get in touch with us if they called the hotel, they said no. The up side was that in the morning we checked out and were not charged for the remaining 4 nights we had originally booked with them. My husband befriended a Roman and his wife who were on vacation there who also were dissapointed with the hotel and were planning on moving to a hotel they found in Manarola. We went with them by train to check it out and were pleased 100% and were able to obtain a room with air conditioning, a balcony with a a knock-out view of the mountains, city, and sea and included breakfast for 110 Euros well worth it. It was the Marina Piccola, Manarola. Vernazza is a nice place to visit, but noisy and crowded. My favorite town in the Cinque Terre was Manarola. Smaller, quieter and has a lovely square that has live music in the evenings and one of the bars/restaurant plays old movies for the public in the evenings.

Janet Karll in Lansdale, Pa USA 08/17/2006

Best: Tonino Basso's Room, Cinque Terre, Vernazza
Why: Tonino's room rental was clean, and just what we needed. He asked for Euro as payment, and we provided it. The nearby Il Pirate delle Cinque Terre restaurant was very very proud of your Cmas card and of their "large" write-up in your guide! Gianluca and Massimo send their regards!

Anita Hall-Kane in Bridgewater, NJ USA 08/15/2006

Worst: Hotel Santa Marta in Milan
Why: I would highly suggest not going to this hotel adn taking it out of your guidebook. When we arrived we asked for a quite room but were put by the elevator. The room was not attractive by any standards and felt very unclean. We went down to ask for a refund and we were goingt o switch hotels event hough we were only staying there for a night the room was that bad. Unfortunenetly, they require to pay up front and a strict NO REFUNDS WHATSOEVER policy. They then placed us in the exact same room 1 floor up. Again, right by the elevator and the aircon was broken. We were very veyr frusterated. We had to ask for a third room and one again, thr exact smae room by the elevator. They were incredibly rude and made awful sarcastic comments to us. We stayed out as late as we could manage and left as early as possible so we could spend as little time as nescerary int his AWFUL hotel.

Caroline in atlanta, GA USA 08/15/2006

Best: Palazzina Cesira in Montalcino
Why: This was our first bed and breakfast experience. Lucilla and Roberto were such gracious hosts. We didn't have reservations, but when we rang the bell, they had a room available. Spending time with them was like spending time with old friends. After spending 3 incredibly HOT days in Rome, spending the night on the top floor with the windows wide open was refreshing. And hand-embroided bed linens seemed very old world. The accomodations were immaculate, and breakfast then next morning was delightful. We want to go back and spend more time.

Chris and Larry McMullen in Blue Springs, MO USA 08/13/2006

Best: Ibis Hotel in Prato
Why: Conveniently located to reach Florence, Pisa and Cinque Terre

Louis Ienna in Tecumseh, On Canada 08/13/2006

Best: Valentina (Orvieto)
Why: Our room was large and very comfortable with a decent rooftops view full of cats! Valentina was friendly and helpful, the price was great and included breakfast. We loved Orvieto!

Linda Lowry in Spokane, WA USA 08/12/2006

Best: Hotel Enza (Florence)
Why: Loved the hotel staff - very helpful when the airlines lost our luggage for 2 days! Very friendly for a big city hotel. I also liked that they had free internet access on their computer in the lobby.

Linda Lowry in Spokane, WA USA 08/12/2006

Best: Camere Annalisa Martini (Assisi)
Why: The location, the incredible low price and extreme friendliness of Annalisa and her "Mama" definitely helped to make this one of our favorite Italian experiences. We also had a nice view from our very comfortable room.

Linda Lowry in Spokane, WA USA 08/12/2006

Best: Hotel Speronari in Milan
Why: Incredible location - the street was the best with all the fun shops and so central. The staff was very friendly... for a big city, this is a fine value!

Linda Lowry in Spokane, WA USA 08/12/2006

Best: Albergo Doni - Venice
Why: GREAT value in Venice! We had a room with a view on the canal, and Nico was so friendly and helpful. The location was perfection, breakfast included, and all this for 90 euros per night.

Linda Lowry in Spokane, WA USA 08/12/2006

Best: Hotel Gran Duca di York
Why: Incredible deal through their Internet Special, probably because it was the weekend everyone in Milan gets out of town for the summer. Free bottles of mineral water at breakfast, hip Philippe Starck chairs in the rooms, friendly and competent staff.

James Hom in Silicon Valley, CA USA 08/11/2006

Best: hotel il bargellino florence
Why: it's like staying in someone's house, our room opened right up onto to terrace, didn't see much of carmel but she did make museum reservations for us, her husband pino is quite the character, funny sense of humor, but they did have a party on the terrace the nigth before we were to leave early the next morning, so we had trouble sleeping for all the loud noise, but it ended by midnite. also the location is great. it's away from the crowds and noise but still close enough to walk to everyting

lynn in hartford, ar USA 08/11/2006

Worst: Hotel Chiusarelli
Why: The hotel would be fine, even with iffy air conditioning, if the people behind the desk weren't incredibly rude. The man in the late evening simply would not help us... with anything. He sighed in frustration when we asked for a schedule of the bus. And when he gave us the wrong one said, "This is what you asked for" and turned away. The man in the morning was worse. The woman in the morning was helpful.

As much as we otherwise enjoyed Siena this hotel put a bad taste in our mouths. It is interesting how much influence your hotel stay has on your general outlook of the town. Unfortunately, we weren't crazy about Siena because of our hotel. Of all the hotels we've stayed at I would urge removing this one from Rick's list.

Marsha Hudson in Seattle, WA USA 08/08/2006

Best: Agriturismo Metina, Acquaviva/Montepulciano, Italy
Why: I'm almost loathe to send this message, as I'm afraid this gem will become so busy we won't be able to stay there again! The owners of this wonderful place, Monica and Alberto Anselmetti, couldn't have been more helpful. Monica is trilingual, speaking perfect French and English, as well as her native Italian -- what a treat at the end of a day of fracturing Italian (to those wonderful people in the little towns we toured who so kindly tried to figure out what we were saying, we give a heartfelt thank you) to be able to return to our charming quarters and have Monica, in English, answer all the questions we had built up during the day, was like heaving a great sigh of relief. The accommodation was wonderful -- to have our own equipped kitchen (to say nothing of the modern bathroom), and a bedroom with a view of the valley and M&A's wonderful vineyards and olive grove, was heaven. From our favourite spot under a venerable old tree (breakfast/happy hour/occasional dinners) the view of the Val di Chiana was breathtaking. Metina is not a big place -- only five suites, but sooo charming. There are many watercolours crying out to be painted from there. I only had time for one. Check out www.metina.it.

Maureen Bryson in Salt Spring Island, BC CANADA 08/08/2006

Best: Hotel Bellagio, Hotel Jolanda (Santa Margarita Ligure)
Why: Bellagio--It's worth it to splurge for a lake view room. We enjoyed this room more than any other on our trip, and it wasn't overly expensive. Hotel Jolanda--They had complimentary beach towels & bikes. The entire hotel felt super fancy without a big price tag. It's a close walk to the train station, supermarket, beach, and bus line.

Julie in Santa Barbara, CA USA 08/07/2006

Best: Albergo ca' d'Andrean
Why: Locally-owned hotel in Manarola. The owner family was wonderful, even though the parents did not speak much English. Simone, the grown son, spoke English quite well and was very helpful to us in calling the airline about our lost luggage.

Kathy in Lambert, TN USA 08/07/2006

Best: Hotel al Piave, Venice
Why: It was very clean. The people were very friendly and willing to help. It was a good location a bit off the beaten path, and the breakfast was wonderful! We had an apartment with a kitchnette, which was helpful for food.

Sarah Quilici in Boise, ID USA 08/06/2006

Best: El Pendola Tel. 045 7701134 www.elpendola.it in Verona, Italy
Why: Central to great wineries. Great food (bountiful breakfast!), great wine, unbelievably great service from Italian-speaking owner, Anna Marie. The rooms are beautiflly appointed in marble, which is quarried and cut in this region. Air-conditioning works great. Towels are wrapped in ribbon and flowers on the comfy double bed with a teddy bear at the pillows. Vincento for a night-cap awaits you on the marble table in an unmarked decanter.

Chris Smith in Hendersonville, NC USA 08/06/2006

Best: Albergo Settimo Cielo in Sorrento
Why: I left my camera at a shop in Amalfi and we were leaving the next morning. I mentioned the situation to Stefano Stinga who was working the front desk at time of check out; he called the shop where I thought I had left it and since the owner of the shop would not mail the camera back, he offered to go to Amalfi on his own time and send it back to me. Three weeks later I had received my camera intact in Miami, FL

Vivian Suarez in Miami, FL USA 08/06/2006

Best: Alma Domus in Siena
Why: Alma Domus was a great bargain. 75 Euros for a Tb. The room and hotel were extremely clean. We had an upper floor balcony that overlooked the Duomo.

Britt in Griffith, CA USA 08/05/2006

Best: Hotel Grand Duca di York in Milan
Why: Thanks to your recommendation, I went up to their website and got a special rate for booking on-line. 88 Euros for a double! Cool and quiet, close to the Duomo and an excellent breakfast.

Corey Hiseler in Hood River, OR USA 08/05/2006

Best: camere Annamaria in Vernazza
Why: We called Annamaria and made reservations for a room with a view. Annamaria was very pleasant and the view was unbelievably beautiful. The room itself was a small single apartment with two private decks, even higher than her Torre restaurant, just a few yards off the trail to Corniglia. It was 275 steps up from the street level, so it was not for everyone. But we loved it. Thank you so much for putting her in your book. P.S. Annamaria has other accomodations that are nearby, but perhaps not as nice. Ours was the highest place in town, just before the toll booth entering the park trail to Corniglia. If you are a hiker, you will love this place.

Terry Foley and Judi Kroeger in Ventura, CA USA 08/04/2006

Best: Hotel Giardino
Why: This was one of our favorite hotels on this trip. The location is good, the room is large and clean, the hosts are delightful! Kate was charming and exceedingly helpful. Sergio was hysterical! Thanks to them and our lovely accomodations, we had a dream of a vacation in Rome. Kate recommended Der Pallaro. Fabulous!

Marsha Hudson in Seattle, WA USA 08/04/2006

Best: Cross-Pollinate.com
Why: I went to Rome during the Easter holiday and was able to book two nights at a B&B on the Wednesday and Thursday before Easter, however not Easter Sunday. I had such a good experience that I used the Beehive for a B&B stay in Florence the weekend of July 28th & 29th which is peak season. I had a great stay with affordable pricing and convenience. The one in Florence was the B&B Cassia and the beautiful one in Rome was teh Casa de La Palma.

Tara Parks in Villars-sur-Glane, Switzerland 08/01/2006

Best: Hotel Umbra
Why: This little hotel with its entrance down an alley was a welcome oasis. The view was beautiful and the staff was very helpful.

Becky Purvis in Memphis, Tn USA 07/30/2006

Best: Hotel Centrale, Florence
Why: Somehow Hotel Centrale managed to have street signs put up showing how to get to the hotel from many different directions. This saved us from getting lost numberous times. Hotel Centrale was remodeled and we had a pleasant stay.

DL and BL in Skokie, IL USA 07/30/2006

Best: Memo Rooms
Why: Our host Enrica... she was great! Very hospitable! Just wanted to let you know we had a very nice room... and she honored your price.

Lori in Orlando, FL USA 07/29/2006

Best: Albergo California in Positano
Why: Completely worth the splurge - this place was INCREDIBLE! The views from the vine-covered veranda were spectacular, and it was just a short walk to the main town. We have recommended this place to everyone who is planning a trip to Positano!

Sara Saraceno in San Diego, CA USA 07/28/2006

Best: Casa Capellini in Manarola, Cinque Terre
Why: Unbelievable - it literally is a million dollar room for Euro 60 per night. It is entirely worth it to get the "alta camara" with the 360 degree view of the ocean, village, and neighboring farms. FYI - it is an uphill walk, but not bad if you are a savvy backpacker!

Sara Saraceno in San Diego, CA USA 07/28/2006

Worst: Hotel Marincanto, Positano, Italy July 2006
Why: We made confirmed reservations April 11, 2006 for our visit July 1st for two very nice rooms. Reconfirmed June 3rd but when we arrived they obviously had given away our rooms. We were made to wait in 97 degree heat while they tried to find rooms which they eventually did however one had no working air conditioning and we were all booted out early in the morning and made to move to other rooms which took most of the next day. We had to leave at 6am the following day. We tried to meet with the manager to ask for some kind of adjustment on the bill, but she ducked us repeatedly. The whole experienced soured our trip to Italy as we left from there for home.

Karen Buchanan in Lakewood, WA USA 07/27/2006

Best: hotel la tonnarella
Why: the suite has beautiful panoramic ocean views. And the employees were very helpful & friendly.

lori mahan in capitola, ca USA 07/26/2006

Best: Bellevue House, Florence
Why: Antonio and Rosanna are the greatest, the room was spacious, cool and quiet - we felt very much at home! My traveling companion had a medical issue in Florence, and Antonio and Rosanna helped us figure out exactly where to go and what to do, and were very kind to us. In spite of its location near the train station, it's a wonderful place to stay! All of our accommodations in Italy (Rome - hotel Montreal, Vernazza - Albergo Barbara, Venice Albergo Guerrato) were outstanding, and all just as described in the book.

Amy Fountain in Tucson, AZ USA 07/24/2006

Best: Borgo Grondaie
Why: It's not in RS book but it was absolutely wonderful! One of the nicest, best hotels we have ever stayed in. It is 5 min outside of Siena, it used to be an estate/private home and is comprised of several buildings, lots of grass, trees, a beautiful swimming pool, laundry facilities with an iron and ironing board!! The BEST part though, are the people that work there, they were all extremely nice, very friendly, very helpful, lovely people, every single one. Their website is: www.borgogrondaie.com

Susan Russell in Corte Madera, Ca USA 07/21/2006

Best: Hotel Italia
Why: location location location

michigander USA 07/19/2006

Best: Albergo Doni - Venice
Why: Very nice triple for my wife and I and our 9 year old. Reasonable price for Venice, Air conditioner in the room was REALLY nice on the hot days we were there. Very friendly staff, GREAT location, just a short walk to everything. including the airport boat!

Steve Brenner in Santa Cruz, CA USA 07/19/2006

Best: Fiesole
Why: Away from Hot frenzied Florence-great restaurant nearby and cheap/clean

Worst: Venice-lost page in bk. Next to Accademia
Why: First selection on this area.Owner was terribly rude. Really only place in Italy that set the tone for the town. He was squirrely on price-just a negative experience-not helpful at all.

Cynthia in tiburon, Ca USA 07/19/2006

Worst: Bad hotel in Rome...not Rick's!
Why: t's called the Grand Bed and Breakfast, I think, and the owner, Angelo, was belligerent and dishonest. The place was miles from the center of town (the website map made it look close to everything). We almost didn't stay, but the accomodations were very nice (except for the breakfast, which was horrible packaged crossiants)and our kids learned how to take a bus, to the metro, to the train! We definitely were not in a touristy area. One more thing: wasn't too happy with the Alle Meraviglie in Milan. One of the rooms was super HOT and she had our children on a different floor than us and wouldn't change it. (She knew we were a family.) Also, we paid cash and it showed up on our Master Card.

Joni Accomazzo in Danville, CA USA 07/17/2006

Worst: Hotel Aberdeen
Why: We were very disappointed with this hotel. We previously stayed at Hotel Oceania which is two stars and is much nicer than the Aberdeen. HO was booked so we assumed HA with three stars would be fine. The bathroom was poorly lighted, beds not comfortable, and walls were paper thin. We got plenty of noise from nearby Via Nazionale. Would not stay there again--not worth the price.

Nancy in Atlanta, USA 07/15/2006

Best: Hostel 5terre
Why: view, staff, and location

Kara Leanne Thomas in Memphis, TN USA 07/13/2006

Best: Hotel Campiello, Venice
Why: The room was beautiful and clean, the location was fantastic and the family who owned the hotel were friendly and very helpful. They also spoke good english.

Paula A. Gouveia in Chelmsford, MA USA 07/12/2006

Best: Hotel Montreal, Rome
Why: The place is great. Derrek and Gianni were both very friendly. The rooms are clean and quiet. The location is perfect, 5 minutes from Termini station but only a 15 minute walk to the forum.

Steve Babiak in Guelph, On Canada 07/11/2006

Best: Elisabetta & Josef Carro place in Vernazza (carroelisabetta@hotmail.com)
Why: We stayed at one of the 4 snug places lovingly run by Josef and Elisabetta Carro in Vernazza. Make sure to ask for the apartment with the terrace and 360 degree view. We can only say we are sorry our time was so brief with these wonderful hosts. Whether we needed suggestions on places to eat our first night or help with our bags (steps come with every worthwhile view in the Cinque Terre!), Josef, Elisabetta and all the other townspeople seemed to be genuinely glad we were there. Glad we went during "shoulder season". Can't wait to go back in the Fall.

Judy Best in Independence, MO USA 07/09/2006

Best: Hotel Enza in Florence and Villa Borghese in Varenna
Why: We want to confirm the excellence of both these places. The service in both was excellent and personable. We also particularly enjoyed the gardens at the Villa Borghese.

Craig Conly in Oakland, CA USA 07/08/2006

Best: Alloggi Barbaria in Venicel
Why: Very quiet street in residential area, but not too far for walking to main tourist areas. Fausto (excellent English) ang Giorgio were very helpful and friendly and took good care of us, make reservations for us when neccesssary and giving us good hints for sightseeing. We stayed a week and thoroughly enjoyed it.Decor is basic but comfortable and we felt very much at home. Price very reasonable, especially with the "Rick Steve" discount. Breakfasts could be improved, but we supplemented them with our own fruit and occasionally pastries. Hotel is close to Ospedale vaporetto stop and to a very nice new small supermarket.

Betsy Young in Palo Alto, CA USA 07/06/2006

Best: fyi
Why: Hotel Baia in Monterosso al Mare requires a minimum of a 3 night stay.

E. House USA 07/06/2006

Best: Hotel Ovidius
Why: expensive, but great breakfast & location. Helpful staff, wonderful lounge area to watch the Grand Canal.

sylvia in olympia, wa USA 07/05/2006

Best: All three-Hotel Paba in Rome, Il Nido in Sorrento and Residenza Pucci in Florence
Why: Location, location, location. Also the helpful management.

beatrice cook in burke, va USA 07/05/2006

Best: Florence: Hotel Residenza Dei Pucci
Why: Right in the heart of city!! Great room, cozy, excellent service... Exceeded our expectations!!

Worst: Rome: Hotel Sonya
Why: They overbooked and stuck us in a single room on a hard single bed. Room so small you could barely turn around. We reserved a double room 5 months in advance too! I would take them out of your book.

Scott Fenton in San Diego, CA USA 07/03/2006

Worst: THE HOTEL LANCELOT in Rome
Why: Poor guest service. We wanted to go see "The DaVinci Code" in Rome, and after already having been told by the hotel that there was an English-speaking version playing in a local cinema, Mr. Khan then refused to tell us how to get there on a "matter of principle". I found this both rude and unprofessional. If they're going to declare they give great customer service, they should add the caveat of, "unless we have a religious disagreement". It's a MOVIE, for crying out loud. In addition, they wouldn't let us wash any of our clothes in the room. Having come to Rome after 8 days in Egypt, we really wanted to do some laundry, but given a limited stay we didn't want to eat up several hours in a landromat. They charged us almost 50 euro for a few pairs of pants, a shirt, and some underwear and socks. Ridiculous. And finally, the maid walked right into our room despite our "Do not disturb" sign, while we were taking a siesta. I do not recommend Hotel Lancelot, will not go back, and will make sure every other traveller I know is forewarned.

Susan Agee in Waynesboro, VA USA 06/29/2006

Best: hotel torcolo, verona
Why: we stayed here 3 nights;great price, nice simple rooms; we didn't have the breakfast here, we ate on the Piazza Bra instead; the sisters Diana and Silvia were pleasant and helpful

Worst: hotel olivedo, varenna lake como
Why: my only complaint during our otherwise perfect stay here was the beds-like sleeping on concrete, our backs were killing us; apart from that everything was great including the food and Laura does smile!

ANDREW FORSTER in CORAL GABLES, FL USA 06/28/2006

Best: Hotel Davanzati - Florence
Why: The staff was incredibly helpful making dinner and museum reservations. They made us feel completely at home and welcomed. The rooms were very nice and were quiet. Absolutely the best of all hotels on the trip.

Worst: Patrizia's Room #15 - Vernazza
Why: The room was up two very long steep stairways, the shower was the worst shower I've had in my life (including our old motorhome days). The curtain kept falling down and we had to mop the entire bathroom after each shower. After we checked in Patrizia offered no suggestions re: activities, restaurants, etc. Our teenage children had another room in a different building, the room was smaller than my daughter's dorm room. Stay away from Patrizia!!

Carolyn Toews in Casper, Wy USA 06/28/2006

Best: Hotel Loggiato dei Serveti
Why: The service was excellent. The accommodations were very nice and the location was perfect.

Kristin Villyard in Brentwood, CA USA 06/26/2006

Best: Hotel Galleria, Venice
Why: The staff was wonderful and accommodating, the breakfast wonderful and the views from the room were like a fairytale. Since we were tired our first night the view of the grand canal gave us alot of free (and relaxing) entertainment. It was great to just watch the traffic and people to get a feel of the everyday life.

Tia in Tampa, FL USA 06/25/2006

Best:
Why: Our tour was booked through a company named TSA based in Tempe Arizone. They made all our hotel arrangements. They were all okay. Most of the folks in our group complained about Rome. But, when in Rome...... It was not home and things are not always like they are back home. They didn't learn to adapt.

Cindy Shaw in Olive Branch, MS USA 06/24/2006

Best: Memo Rooms, Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Why: Erica was great to work with. We called far in advance, with 2 follow up calls as trip got near. The room was clean, comfortable with a nice bathroom and a cleaning everyday, We loved the location, right above the gelateria on the main drag. I would reccomend earplugs if noise is an issue, though we found the a.m. early street sounds fun and part of the village life. Erica speaks english well enough to do everything on the phone, as there is no website or official confirmation. We had no problems, and the price, €65, was right. It was our second time staying in Vernazza, and we would use Memo rooms again. We stayed 4 nights.

Johnny Apodaca in seaside, ca USA 06/22/2006

Best: Egi Rooms (Vernazza, CT), Hotel il bargellino (Florence), Hotel Gerber (Rome), Casa Cosmo (Venice)
Why: All the places we booked though your guidebook were fantastic and we had no problems with bookings or getting the price we'd been quoted. No rooms had clocks in them so bring a watch! Egi Rooms (CT): Great room and location right in the middle of Vernazza. We shared a bathroom with another double room with no problems, except the 5 minute shower rule with a 30 minute interval between showers but it wasn't a problem. Plus Egi meets you when you get off the train and walks you right to the place! He settles to bill when you arrive so bring cash. Hotel il Bargellino (Florence): A 10 minute walk from the train station and away from the crowds of the museums and churches of downtown Florence. The rooms are a tad shabby but are huge! The hospitality was the best we had the whole trip as Carmel welcomed us to relax with other guests and herself on her beautiful terrace and we had a great time. Hotel Gerber (Rome): Great location that the books doesn't accurately depict. It is really located between the Vatican and The Piazza del Popolo and is a 2 minute walk to a metro station that will take you to the Vatican (1-2 stops away) and Colosseum (15 min trip). From Rick's description of Vatican hotels and looking at the book's maps makes it seem like it is in the middle of nowhere but it is actually quite central and away from the bustle of downtown Rome. It had an excellent breakfast and was modern and clean with a safe and bar fridge Casa Cosmo (Venice): Near the Rialto bridge it was a perfect spot between the bridge and San Marco square. On a quite street near the ritzy shops in the rialto area it was very central and easy to find with the directions printed out from their website. The room was big and clean and had a safe and was beyond what we were expecting. You can opt out of breakfast if you'd like which we did because we could find food nearby.

Christine in Vancouver, Canada 06/19/2006

Best: Hotel Davanzati - Florence and Frances' Lodge - Siena
Why: Davanzati is perfectly located with hosts that are dedicated to making their guests happy. They handled all our museum and restaurant reservations with a genuine desire to make our stay as easy and enjoyable as possible. The rooms are nice-sized and feel like they were just refurbished. Very quiet and comfortable. Very fairly priced for what you receive. Frances Lodge is in the quiet countryside with hosts that make you feel you're staying with relatives. We arrive late our first nite because of a train connection problem and they brought out a basket of cheese, meats and bread with a lovely bottle of wine to enjoy under the stars. We had fireflies twinkling all around us - it was heaven on earth! Their inn is so ancient and charming with a fabulous view of the Siena skyline and just about a mile from town.

Worst: Hotel Jolanda - Santa Margherita
Why: Very noisy and a bit tired, though clean. If you choose to stay here be sure to ask for a room on the quiet side (though I'm not sure there is one). The traffic noise is really bad.

Shayna Worley in Seattle, wa USA 06/18/2006

Best: Villa Margherita by the sea " I will be back"
Why: Staying here made our experience of the Cinque Terre even better. I was a little worried when I read the review about not being near the train station - BUT when you are shown the short cut it is just a 5 minute walk and very convenient. A wonderful way to spend a holiday.

Mary Vanzella in Sydney, WA Australia 06/16/2006

Best: Hotel il Bargellino
Why: The perfect ending to a busy day in Florence was relaxing on the Hotel il Bargellino's rooftop terrace. Beside helping us with museum reservations and suggestions on how to best spend our time, Carmel and Piro (along with neighbor Melissa and resident house kitty Sylvester) went out of their way to make us feel like one of the family. We loved our room and felt that it was more than reasonably priced.

Dave & Suzanne Schulherr in Portland, OR USA 06/14/2006

Best: Albergo Settimo Cielo
Why: Fantastic view of the Bay of Naples. Also nice breakfast area with same great view and a great breakfast (Great Grapefruit juice and a special treat with lemon jam)

Ersel Coffelt in Bloomington, MN USA 06/13/2006

Best: Villa Margherita by the Sea: "Charming, comfortable, wonderful Villa experience!"
Why: If you want to enjoy an authentic European villa experience with warm and personal hospitality, comfortable accommodations and the opportunity to chat with fellow travelers over breakfast or in the beautiful gardens, Villa Margherita is a perfect choice.

We stayed at the Villa for 6 nights in May 2006. Although our main agenda in this area was (of course) to hike the spectacular Cinque Terre, we chose Levanto as our base in order to have more town amenities available to us. Great decision. We loved the Villa, Levanto's beach, and the great selection of restaurants, wine bars and shops all within a short walk. Any of the Cinque Terre towns would have suited us for only a night or two at most, and getting luggage in and out of those towns is more of a hassle. Levanto is so close that you can hike the Cinque Terre by day, dine in any of the towns if you'd like, then jump on the train for the short ride back to Levanto. But truthfully we ate in Vernazza only one evening, the rest of the time we enjoyed the great restaurant selection in Levanto after the day's activities on the trails or seaside (Ristorante Scaramouche is especially memorable).

We were very fortunate to enjoy room #4 at Villa Margherita, which had a lovely balcony overlooking the town and the Meditteranean (request this room if it is available!). The bathroom was small but well appointed and in excellent condition. The bed was large and comfortable, and the room had plenty of storage to accomodate our gear. There was no "hallway noise" and we had plenty of privacy. Federico gave us great advice on sightseeing and restaurants...we enjoyed our little chats with him daily. Breakfasts at the Villa were good although Continental only - but the selections were plentiful including cereal, yogurt, fruit and various baked goods, along with great coffee / capuccino / espresso made to order. There is also a stash of local wines on hand for guests to enjoy (and we did!)

Levanto is a great town and Villa Margherita is a wonderful and welcoming place to stay. We enjoyed it tremendously and look forward to returning. Federico, if you are reading this, Ciao! We hope to see you at the NY Marathon in November.

A few side notes: - Federico will pick you up at the train station if you call a few minutes before your arrival - ask the train conductor to warn you one or two stops prior to Levanto. Its not a bad walk, even with the luggage (assuming it rolls), but it is just a littlle tricky to find the Villa the first time. - This is probably not the best choice if you cannot easily climb steps or walk moderate distances. However that is true of the entire Cinque Terre. - I am not sure that the Villa is air-conditioned (we certainly did not need that in the beautiful May weather) but you should confirm this if you are traveiling in the hot summer months and if a/c is important to you. - Besides the Cinque Terre, a side trip to Portofino is a great day. Take the train to Santa Margherita Liguore then walk to Portofino, it is spectacular (skip the bus!). The walk took us a little over an hour, but wow! About halfway, there is a paved footpath ("pedonale") up high on the cliff that overlooks the sea for a distance of perhaps 2k. I'll never forget those views! And Portofino itself is like an all day party. You can take the boat back to catch the train.

Christine & Mike Wartella in Far Hills, NJ USA 06/13/2006

Best: Villa Margherita
Why: Second time at the Villa Margherita. Loved it this time as much as the last. Levanto a beautiful town much quieter and more relaxed than some of the other towns in the region. Will come back for a longer stay sometime soon.

Cam Canada 06/13/2006

Worst: edi's rooms, riomaggiore
Why: I would rate this place as the worst "business practice award" not the best as indicated in Rick's guide. I booked 5 months in advance and asked if they excepted Visa. When our group arrived we were farmed out to a private rental and informed we would have to pay cash. When I pointed out I had made the reservation 5 months in advance and confirmed for Visa, they said this was our problem...we booked so far in advance...how would they know then where they were going to put us. We also asked to extend our stay and were told we could move to another two bedroom apartment for the extra days. They again farmed us out to a private unit with only one bedroom and two cots in the living room. This place was the worst reservation experience we had in our 3 week trip to Italy.

natalie in Halifax, NS Canada 06/11/2006

Best: Hotel Giardino
Why: Sergio is wonderful. He was so helpful in helping us after a bit of confusion with our reservation. The room was lovely and the porch out on the courtyard was very peaceful. It also is in a great location, just minutes from all the tourist sites!

Sara Warden in New York City, NY USA 06/11/2006

Best: Daria's (Vernazza, Cinque Terre)
Why: She and her daughter are so warm, caring, helpful, and professional. Very friendly, pleasnt people. The B&B is well-run. Rooms are simple , but clean and pleasant. While very near the train station I'd rather hear the noise of the trains (which didn't interfere with my sleep at all) than be kept awake at night by the talking/ commotion at the other end of this tiny town--the harbor end--where all the people gather at night for the restaurants etc.

Patricia Dolan in San Francisco, Ca USA 06/10/2006

Best: Al Gambero Hotel in Venice
Why: Sandro Rossi. The owner. That is probably the main reason. I first went to this hotel 10 years ago and had the most magical expericenc at this hotel. Since then I have been back three times, and each time the hotel has become more and more wonderful, and Sandro has become a friend. It is the best of Vencie. The rooms the atmosphere, the food at the restaurant the location and the wonderful one of a kind Sandro!

Brigitte Bako in Los Angeles, ca USA 06/10/2006

Best: Locanda Art Deco in Venice and Hotel Star in Milan
Why: Both of these hotels offered clean,quiet and comfortable rooms and adequate breakfasts (Hotel Star had a very full breakfast...eggs, bacon, cereal, yogurt, breads, juice etc) at a fair price and in very convenient locations. In hospitality,helpfullness and efficiency each hotel excelled and the small staff did their jobs beautifully.

Worst: Worst is too a strong word ! Albergo Olivedo in Varrena
Why: Although we loved Varenna and the hotel did offer great views and convenience at a fair price,, it also had the hardest bed that we have ever experienced. The other drawback was the half-pension requirement for dinner at the hotel. In spite of these complaints,we did enjoy our overall stay and we found the owner to be as you described but we also found her to be very friendly and helpful. When we left we exchanged hugs and an Italian kiss (both cheeks.)

Joe & Carolann McFadden in Broomall, PA USA 06/10/2006

Best: Villa Margherita by the sea B&B
Why: Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations: Very well run by its owners, very clean and organized, great breakfast. It was excellent.

Joan Stenerson in Minneapolis, MN USA 06/09/2006

Best: This wasn't your recommedation
Why: We stayed in a rented caravan at Filigne delArno. It was central to our planned stops and gave easy access to Florence by rail. It was downright beautiful and exceptionally clean for a campground.

Art Hyzer in marietta, GA USA 06/09/2006

Best: Hotel Milano, Varenna
Why: This place had it all. Good location, good views, excellent breakfast, clean modern rooms, and great staff.

Pat Chiles in Charles Town, , WV USA 06/09/2006

Best: Vernazza. tittileonardini@hotmail.com
Why: Large,clean,kitchen, and reasonable.

Worst: Pisa, Hotel Touring
Why: Over Priced and small

John Fowler in Owasso, OK USA 06/09/2006

Best: Hotel Gounod--Nice
Why: Local quaint, welcoming, and they had a room in the middle of Cannes maddness. Then, they found us other accommodation(4 nights) because they were full--La Malmaison--excellent

Nancy Nimmo in Laguna Niguel, ca USA 06/06/2006

Worst: Villa Margherita Levanto Italy
Why: I made reservations at least 8 months ahead of arrival; plus I e-mailed to confirm arrival dates. Book should mention it is imperative to get a ride from the station to the villa... all uphill carrying luggage was extremely difficult for two sisters over 50! Upon arrival, there seemed to be confusion with our reservation although I had the confirmation with me. We were told that the room was not ready and returned later to have been given the room which led to the kitchen and which we believe was not really part of the guest rooms. We were happy after our trek to even have a room and didn't say anything, but we were very disappointed after being referred to this hotel that we were put in the "servants quarters". Our stay was pleasant enough except for the room. Frederico did give us a ride back to the station when we left. Unfortunately, he does not have the personality his father has when it comes to guests and their needs. We stayed in the villa for 4 nights and all nights the computer was "down with a virus". This, too, was a reason I chose to stay there and was disappointed that we could not use the internet.

Joy in Tampa, FL USA 06/05/2006

Best: Hotel Ungherese (Florence)
Why: We are fortunate indeed to have stayed at the hotel Ungherese. We can not say enough good things about the hotel, especially its owners, Leonardo Mori and Sabrina Ravagli.

After enjoying a day in the historic center of Florence and dealing with all of the chaos and confusion of the crowds this hotel offers an opportunity to experience Florence in an antique manor house with a very tranquil garden while enjoying one of the hotels lovely local wines.

Most important of all, we really appreciated the warm kindness of our hosts Sabrina and Leonardo. They not only help their guests with all of the routine tourist needs such as reservations, directions, parking and restaurant recommendations, they treat the special problems their guests may have as their own, and help their guests get them resolved. I witnessed Sabrina work to fix a lost luggage problem over a period of two days so that her guests could enjoy Florence in stead of staying at the hotel to work on their luggage problem.

After 4 nights here we found it hard to leave for our next destination because we felt as though we had become part of a family.

George Thompson in Surprise, AZ USA 06/05/2006

Best: Hotel Basilea
Why: We had a last minute 48 hours prior cancellation. Our kids missed their flight out of Atlanta. This hotel could have charged us as the policy was a week notification for cancellations. They did not. We liked the location as it was within walking distance.

Worst: Locanda al Leon
Why: It was difficult to find. We liked the room much better than the Hotel Basilea but they did charge us for the room we could not use even with over 24 hour cancellation. They looked full so I am confident they rented the room out 2 times adn got the better deal. I realize that their policy was a week notification.

Cindy Christofferson in Port Ludlow , Wa USA 06/04/2006

Best: Gullivar's Place - Rome
Why: Sarah was very sweet and very helpful. The accomodations were very nice. We loved it!

Worst: Residenza Maresca
Why: It was really loud and windy. You had to walk a ways in order to get breakfast (served at the restaurant, not at the place you stayed).

Matt and Natalie Michaels in Kansas City, MO USA 06/03/2006

Best: Fondazione Levi (Venice)
Why: Simple, clean, reasonable, and comfortable accommodations right on the Grand Canal near the Accademia Bridge (in other words, a nice location). Elena was extremely helpful and kind as were the others who worked the desk. Breakfast was plentiful. One of the rooms (#11) had a spiral staircase that led to a spacious loft. I will book this place again next year for my group.

Jeff in Pittsburgh, PA USA 06/02/2006

Best: Alma Domus (Siena)
Why: The front desk staff (including the occasional nun) were kind and helpful. The view from our rooms were spectacular--imagine going to sleep each night looking up at the Duomo. The curfew of 11:30 was not a problem (even for college age girls). In some rooms, the entire bathroom was the shower, but that wasn't a problem--nice to have huge showers. If you're looking for luxury accommodations and to be pampered, choose another place. If you're looking for value coupled with comfort, choose the Alma Domus. We will stay there again next year.

Jeff in Pittsburgh, PA USA 06/02/2006

Best: venice -Hotel Campiello; Florence - Hotel Torre Guelfa; Siena - Palazzo Ravizza; Rome - Hotel Italia
Why: Hotel Campiello - It was so queit it was hard to remember the bustling city outside, more importantly it was very clean and the staff was super friendly. Hotel Torre Guelfa - We had a huge, and I mean massive, sized room that was very clean and quiet. Sitting on the tower, sipping Chianti with my husband, enjoying the view of duomo and hearing it's bells ring was one of those"it doesn't get better than this" moments! Palazzo Ravizza - just beautiful and so very peaceful. Hotel Italia - we stayed for 5 days and were given the apartment annex across the street. awesome, very clean, and close to the subway!

Worst: hotel desiree in Sorrento
Why: it really was quite dirty. lots of mildew on the tub with missing tiles, no shower curtain. Still it had the most awesome view!

a. mccann in north bend, wa USA 06/01/2006

Worst: La Scaletta, Florence
Why: When we followed Rick's recommendation and tried to book, they were full, but told us of their other property just across the street. We asked for the rates for nine nights and a photo. We liked the photo, and booked a reservation. But, when we arrived, they had done the old BAIT AND SWITCH routine, and gave us a tiny room with little room to get around the bed. Unapologetically, they said we could move into a larger room "next week". At our suggestion, my sister-in-law had also booked with them. But she was turned off by the dark, dingy room, and said she wold stay only two nights. The woman manager was highly belligerent and rude, yelled at her, and told my sister-in-law that her credit card would be charged for all nine nights. This is the first time in 42 years of travel that anything similar to this has occured. We were so put off by the lies and intimidation that we booked into other accomodations, and left after two nights. Before we left, I had leaned on a wobbly nightstand next to the bed. The lamp crashed to the floor, and the glass lamp shade broke. Charge: 50 euros. I so wanted to be free of them that I paid it, just to move on. But I want to warn all who might consider Hotel La Scaletta that the same person owns both it and the Florence Old Bridge, and was phoned in my presence by the manager about the broken lamp. He/she refused to honor the fact of the wobbly nightstand, and demanded I pay for it. Reason given: we had stayed only two nights. Apparently, if we had stayed nine nights, we wouldn't have had to pay the 50 euros. This experience caused a great deal of stress. We had worked two months in desert situations, and had looked forward to a holiday. It took an additional 8 hours over two days to find a replacement accomodation and to move. Plus, we are paying US$67 more each night just to be free of these people.

Cliff Stabler in Carlsbad, CA USA 06/01/2006

Worst: Ristorante la Loggia in Levanto
Why: We made reservations by phone after discovering that Cinque Terre was full to capacity due to a festival. When we arrived, within the time promised, we were told that there were no rooms available and they did not have a reservation for us. Strange, because the person who turned us away is the same person who made the reservation. A very, very negative experience, especially since it was, by then, late in the evening, and we were stranded with no accommodations. Thankfully, we found a local family who graciously took us into their own home for the night.

Richard Stein in Houston, TX USA 06/01/2006

Best: Hotel Alimandi- Rome
Why: The location was fantastic but the best thing was the free transportation to and from the airport. We were in Italy at the end of March and actually stayed at this Hotel 3 separate times during our stay in Italy, with the same wonderful experience each time. We arrived, were picked up at the airport by their shuttle driver and whisked into the heart of Rome. The room was excellent, the breakfasts on the room terrace even better- the best we had in Italy(with views of the walls of the Vatican-that's how close you are- you can see the buildings, trees of the gardens and hear the bells of St Peter when they ring) great information from the staff (who speak excellent English), for restaurants, transportation assist (easy walking to the bus and underground train system) and the general information they provided us. We loved our experience in Rome and believe that our stay at the Hotel Alimandi was the reason we had such a lovely time.

j kaley in Minneapolis, MN USA 05/31/2006

Best: Locanda Garibaldi- Sienna
Why: Marcello really does wear two hats and speaks english way better than you report in your book! We were in Venice-called on the phone and were able to relay that we needed accomodations for the next two nights-gave our last name and were greeted warmly upon entering his restaurant by the gesture of phone and our name. We cleaned up, went down to his restaurant and had a magnificent meal & house wine, great service by Marcello and good people watching. Note-we arrived on Thursday and he informed us the restaurant was open that night but not the next night, when we returned that evening from our day out and having dinner elsewhere, we were pleasantly surprised to see a table of 10-12 people-including Marcello and his wife- having a great time eating and drinking in the back of the restaurant. We both were very impressed that someone who was in the business of serving others put his friends and family first and closed the restaurant on a Friday night. We would love to visit Marcello again.

J Kaley in Minneapolis, MN USA 05/31/2006

Best: Hotel Alessandro Della Spina in Pisa
Why: Great rooms, nicely decorated. Nice breakfast included.

Anthony in Mesa, Az USA 05/31/2006

Best: Albergo Doni
Why: albergodoni@libero.it in Venice- very accomodating. We only were able to spend one afternoon/night and had to leave by 1 pm the next day. The location-easy to get to using the public boat/bus-we were able to walk to Pizza San Marco,walk around many neighborhoods, walk along the main canal towards Lido, partake in a gondola ride just outside the door of the Albergo-highly recommend one of these on the side canals as the information from our guide was fantastic-had an adequate breakfast-room was very quaint with sink in the room, toilet just across the hall, not a problem at all. Please continue to include them in your book as we really enjoyed the hospitality that we received and the excellent location of the Albergo Doni. We would stay there again.

J. Kaley in Mpls, MN USA 05/31/2006

Best: Hotel Villa Seno, Monterosso Cinque Terre
Why: While we only stayed in 2 of your rec hotels, this was the best of the two. A bit of a hike, but quiet and lovely rooms, very clean.

Worst: Hotel Sonya, Roma, Italy
Why: You said "impersonal", try rude, unhelpful and dishonest. They did not honor your price discount even though I showed them the book. I had booked two rooms and had to argue for 2 days to get the discount. They finally gave me the discount after much ado, but refused to honor the price for the 2nd room I booked. Breakfasts were below standard, coffee cold. They couldn't even remember we were staying there for 4 days. Friends trying to find us were told we weren't there or sent to the wrong room. The only positive was the location. I would not ever consider staying there again.

Barbara Sloat in Dillon Beach, CA USA 05/29/2006

Best: Alla Dolce Vita Guest House in Lucca, Italy
Why: When we got to the Guest House in the late afternoon we saw a note on the door (in English) asking potenial guests to phone 329 5825062. The man at the cafe next door called the owner for us and we found out that the guest House was full. But, he said that he had another place on the south end of town with some rooms available. The price would be the same, he came by in a few minutes and picked us up and took us to the other place. He offered to drive us to the train station the next morning.

Roger J. Musser in Thurmont, MD USA 05/29/2006

Best: Affitta Camere de Baranin, Manaorla
Why: Best price we had through our 8 days. Room and bath was new with a knockout view that would cost and arm & leg anywhere else. Doors and shutters on two sides opened up for a panaramic view of the harbour, town and mountains. Pricing was straight forward. Didn't have any problems of a "complex pricing" and didn't think it pricey. Andrea, Sara, and Silvia great. Even let me borrow a hair dryer.

Char in Frederick, Md USA 05/26/2006

Best: Mueble il Riccio
Why: We didn't feel that the book did this place justice...it is a real gem. Excellent views, right on the square and in a house full of history. Gio and his warmth only add to the experience.

erica reeves in midland, TX USA 05/26/2006

Worst: Hotel Albergo Olivedo Lake Como-Varenna
Why: I don't think worse is the correct term, but odd is. This particular lodging seems to generate a wide variety of opinions. I stayed there in Fall 2005 with my mother. We had a lake facing room with balcony on the 1st floor and were in high season. The view was lovely. The room had a queen bed and a twin bed. The queen bed was the hardest bed I've ever encountered anywhere. It was a metal frame with a futon-like mattress on tap. Another guest said hers was like a "sack of cement" on a metal frame. The twin was very soft. The bathroom was spotless and had new fixtures but the tub was virtual unusable. We are not extra large people and the could not sit down in the tub..it tapers and was very narrow (I don't know why they are even manufactured). An adult could not sit down without damaging his/her pelvis. There wasn't an enclosure so you couldn't take a shower either. While the dinners were very good the breakfast was substandard for the rates that we paid. The bread that was served was hard slices from the dinner the night before. No fruit or pastries were offered. It was hard bread, a small wedge of cheese, butter and jam. There was a large bowl of cheap breakfast flakes. As the guests came down and were presented with the skimpy breakfasts, their faces fell. There are some reviews that are glowing, how can this be? Is the staff playing a sick game of changing furnishings and meal offerings to mess with its guest. My mother and myself are still scratching our heads over this one. Not worth gambling on.

Cathy LA USA 05/25/2006

Best: Hotel al Piave
Why: Sheer convience (4383 Ruga Giuffa). It was very easy to walk to both St. Marks Square and the Rialto Bridge from this location. Even more important were the local conviences in the neighbourhood: Agli Artisti Trattoria 4835 (next door), Salumeria Tiozca 4833 "corner store" (a little further down), Euro Laundrette 4826 (down from hotel), a lovely vegetable stand 4918 (across from the Laundrette). Our super dbl was 180 Euro per night but the room was air conditioned and we had internet access in the lobby until 11pm.

Richard in Cupertino, CA USA 05/24/2006

Best: Hotel Italia (Rome)
Why: Very friendly and helpful staff; central location; clean, comfortable, safe. I was a little reluctant given some of the negative things said on this board about the hotel, but I found all of them to be untrue. I had a group there (9 rooms) and would book this hotel again. No problems or disappointments.

Jeff in Pittsburgh, PA USA 05/24/2006

Best: Hotel al Piave (Venezia) & Hotel in Parione (Rome)
Why: Hotel al Piave was excellent. Our clean, elegent room was across the small courtyard on the top floor. Our window right next to a family home. It's wonderful to hear families eating, talking, and living in Venezia. The breakfast was wonderful, not the typical hotel breakfast. It was so lovely to be talking on the telephone home when the bells from Santa Maria Formosa began clanging. My mum got the authentic feel of Venice over the telephone.

Hotel in Parione: This small hotel is wonderful. The rooms are tiny, clean, and comfortable. You can almost forget that you are in the middle of a huge city, with its location down quiet via Chiavari, just off of campo de' Fiori.

The manager arranged a car for us to go to the airport with another guest. It was a lot cheaper than the taxi would have been, and we got to ride in a Mercedes instead of a mini-van.

Worst: Affitacamere Lucia Freda (Firenze)
Why: This place was not clean at all. I felt like wearing shoes in the shower. Although there are 2 bathrooms, and 4 bedrooms, the guestrooms are not assigned a particular bathroom to use. Therefore, you have 4 rooms of people all using both bathrooms.

In addition, they keep your passport overnight and do not bring it back. We had to go to their house to get them. We had reservations at the Accadamia,and Uffizi the afternoon that we arrived, and were unable to rent audioguides without our passports.

Michelle & John De Martin in Harrison Hot Springs, BC CANADA 05/23/2006

Best: La Calcina in Venice
Why: Loved this hotel and will stay there again. Our room was quiet and comfortable in every way with nice large bed. Great staff, view, and breakfast. Location was perfect.

Worst: Albergo Olivedo in Varenna
Why: Horrible beds and this hotel is smoker friendly. Yes, we had a nice view of the lake but with the ferry right there it was noisy at times. Owner has a surly attitude. It was especially cold one night in early april and I requested an extra blanket and this request was flatly denied by Laura who is rarely seen WO a cigarette. The decor of our room was really a bit shabby. How this hotel qualified in a Karen Brown book I will never understand. Obviously no one in the KB camp has visited Olivedo in years. At breakfast one morning one of the staff came into the dining room and covered up the fruit bowl indicating that it was off limits to guests. Very weird. The building is attractive but needs lots of updating. One afternoon upon returning to the hotel, Laura was at the front door cleaning the interior glass. She refused to unlock the door and continued to clean and we had to enter through the smoke filled bar. I would never stay at AO again.

Susan Jennings in Atlanta, Ga USA 05/23/2006

Best: Hotel Olivedo, Varenna on Lake Como
Why: We've just returned from 3 weeks in northern Italy. Hotel Olivedo was our favorite lodging. We stayed there 3 nights. Our room was spacious, comfortable, well appointed and had a beautiful view of the lake. The bathroom was large, modern, and spotless. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony with our cups of coffee or glasses of wine and watching the comings and goings of the ferries and waterfront. Laura and her family and staff were wonderful. We simply relaxed and let them take care of us, from the delightful breakfasts to the wonderfully delicious dinners. The dinners really were terrific - we looked forward with eager anticipation to each one. We felt surrounded by old world elegance and charm. Laura created such a special experience for her guests; we felt happy to be part of it. We really hated to leave and face the real world again!

G Kitchens in Atlanta, GA USA 05/22/2006

Best: Hotel Villa Steno, Monterosso
Why: Great location, great views, and an extremely friendly and helpful staff.

Worst: La Crociona, Montalcino
Why: The description in the book and on their web site, and reality, are not one and the same. I would not recommend this location.

M in napa, ca USA 05/22/2006

Best: Hotel Domus Cavanis in Venice
Why: This hotel was a lovely find at a great price for Venice. The breakfast at Hotel Bella Arte across the way was plentiful and allowed us to skip lunch. Our room was small, but clean and with a view of a charming courtyard.

cara colaluca and tim skowronski in harrison township, mi USA 05/20/2006

Best: hotel cinque terre, monterosso
Why: staff bent over backwords to make stay comfortable.

max clark in boulder creek, ca USA 05/19/2006

Best: Albergo Barbara in Vernazza and Eremo Gaudio in Varenna
Why: The Albergo Barbara was so gracious about our being delayed and not arriving until after midnight and having to wake them up. The big double room with the view was simple and clean and with the best view (and the fewest stairs in Vernazza).

I could have stayed at the Eremo Gaudio the whole time and been thrilled with my stay at Lake Como. The management was friendly and helpful. The rooms were absolutely clean, and the view from our window was breathtaking and felt as though we were suspended out over the water at times. I do recommend you follow the Eremo's advice and take a taxi from the train station. Once you get rid of your luggage, walking up the hill to the hotel is manageable.

Karen Youngblood in Lawton, OK USA 05/19/2006

Worst: Hotel Giardino, Via XXIV Maggio 51, Rome
Why: Saw the owner (Kate, very, very helpful and nice) only one morning and had a different clerk nearly every day. The waitress for breakfast was rather unpleasant. The small rooms need hooks on the bathroom door and at least an extra shelf. The breakfast was very mediocre, juice was terrible. Shouldn't have to pay cash for a reduced rate. This was inconvenient. Though supposedly a short walk to sites we still found it a pretty good work out to walk to the main sites. For a much lower price, more personal service and much better food I would recommend bed and breakfasts near the Vatican or elsewhere, buy a Roma Pass and take the bus to sites.

Tom Watts in San Jose, CA USA 05/18/2006

Best: Locanda Pitti (Florence), Albergo Doni (Venice), Hotel Paba (Rome)
Why: We enjoyed all of the recommended hotels that we stayed at, including Locanda Pitti (Florence), Albergo Doni (Venice)& Hotel Paba (Rome). However, my husband who is 6'3" kept hitting his head on the door to our room at Albergo Doni in Venice. Anyone over 6' might have the same problem!

Nichole Curley in South Burlington, VT USA 05/16/2006

Best: Hotel Davanzati--Florence
Why: The owners, Fabrizio and Tomasso and wife and family were wonderful. Made all museum, train and dinner reservations. Had happy hour 6:30-7:30 were you could drink a few glasses of champagne have a snack (had copies of the recipe for the tomato sauce they served with the crostini) & double check your dinner reservations. Beautiful hotel and GREAT location! They toughtfully provide a bowl of luscious prunes on their breakfast buffet for travelers. They were very warm and nice people and we felt very much at home there in the heart of Florence. We will stay there again!!!

Susan in Ann Arbor, MI USA 05/16/2006

Best: Mueble il Riccio in Montepulciano, Italy
Why: Gio & Ivana were gracious hosts and the room & accomodations were excellent. The roof patio was outstanding.

Bill & Frankie Wolma in Marietta, GA USA 05/16/2006

Best: Assisi-Hotel Ideale
Why: Great rooms with a fantastic view. The location was close to all sites. The people and garden were wonderful. The room was beautiful. Could have stayed there for months. Loved it.

Mike Sciaraffo in Portland, OR USA 05/15/2006

Worst: Hotel Oceania, Rome
Why: When the weather is mild and the windows can be opened during the afternoon or during the night, it is like being in the movie, "Rear Window" - very loud music, conversations, the sound of the lift being used, etc. that resonate throughout the open space of the interior. Also, the lift is not safe - when you step into it, it feels like the floor will break through.

Peg Donahue in Palatine, IL USA 05/14/2006

Best: Alma Domus Siena
Why: Quaint..overlooking the valley to the Duomo...The priests spoke English very well..recommended restaurants... loved the ambience, next to the Church Domenico...and loved "belling" up to the breakfast bar...met another couple from Ohio...who had been pickpocked in Roma on the bus...she for 200 euros and he for 300..made us a little more cautious

Sally Alkire in Akron, Oh USA 05/09/2006

Best: Hotel Bellagio
Why: It is a newly renovated hotel in the heart of Bellagio. Very clean, reasonably priced and a great location.

Worst: Hotel Dumou in Siena
Why: This hotel was not "Fancy" as you described. It in fact was the worst hotel we stayed at during our 2 week trip. The bathroom was horrible, the bed was hard, and the breakfast was poor. They did however honor the 130 euro rate in the book when the current rate is 150 euro for a double.

Todd R. Shepler in Austin, TX USA 05/07/2006

Best: Settimo Cielo in Sorrento
Why: The balcony view was breathtaking, Breakfast was great!

Worst: Ca' San Trovaso in Venice
Why: mold and/or mildew spoiled an otherwise nice room

John James in Huntley, IL USA 05/07/2006

Best: Palazzo Bruchi, siena
Why: Our experience at the Palazzo Bruchi was much, much better than the other post that I saw here. The room was very clean, and much bigger than the rooms we stayed in larger cities. The older woman was helping us, and we found her to be very friendly and helpful. Our room was also only 90 euro, the cheapest we stayed in.

Worst: Hotels Pendini and Basilea
Why: Though these hotels seemed fine at first, when you looked closely, both were sort of run down. It was really the mildew in the bathrooms that totally turned me off though.

Pamela in Longwood, FL USA 05/06/2006

Best: Hotel Pendini -Florence
Why: Beautiful old hotel.

Worst: Hotel Pendini -Florence
Why: Don't get a view of the Piazza della Repubblica; it's so noisy at night and the night does not end at midnight. You can hear all conversations until around 4:00 am, then everyone goes home.

Mary in Houston, TX USA 05/04/2006

Best: Albergo Marin, Venice
Why: Quiet, good service, clean, no frills, good cappucinos.

Worst: Casa Astarita
Why: We waited for one hour to get into the B&B. We only got in because someone was coming out. Then we waited another hour to get into the room and only got into the bedroom because we found the reservation book and then our key in the door. The room itself was clean and quiet (we had the Storta room and specifically asked for a quiet room), the breakfast was ok. No staff on site to help with questions, but they will take your money! Everyone at the B&B (all six couples) was astounded that the management was so non-existent.

Theresa in Burnaby, BC Canada 05/03/2006

Best: La Boheme B& B in Lucca
Why: A splendid small B&B in this historic village. The beds are a little hard, but the location is perfect. Received excellent recommendations for dinner. I would certainly return. Also stayed at Albergo Olivedo in Vareena and Hotel Grand Italia in Padova with the same satisfaction.

Maureen Shafer in Southaven, MS USA, MS USA 05/03/2006

Best: Hotel Pallotta - Assisi
Why: We loved Assisi and Hotel Pallotta was the perfect place to stay that was very central to the sights in this lovely city. The owner Stefano was very helpful and the accomodations at this small but very nice hotel were just perfect for us. The breakfasts were very good with lots of choices. They have a marvelous tower room that overlooks the city and the surrounding area with large viewing windows. It was fantastic!!!! We loved looking out our window to the quaint street with shops below. It was very quiet. We enjoyed one night when their was some lovely singing down in the piazza just down from our location. This is a great place to stay with a very reasonable price.

Keith Wells in Lakewood, Ca USA 05/01/2006

Best: Albergo Barbara - Vernazza Cinque Terre
Why: This was a lovely place in a beautiful town. We enjoyed getting to know Patricia and Giuseppe who have done alot to imporove their place. It is a nice accomodation - not overly fancy but clean and most important in a great location for the Cinque Terre.

Keith Wells in Lakewood, Ca USA 05/01/2006

Best: Bellevue Hotel and Casa Rabatti - Florence
Why: We were in Florence 2 times over the month and both of these places were wonderful. Bellevue House was close by the train and the price was excellent with a discount for cash. The rooms were wonderful and the owners Rosanna and Antonio were so helpful. Rosanna made advance reservations for all of the places that we wanted to see before we even came to Italy. Antonio was so gracious to talk to us about Florence and Italy and to help us know how to get around and where we could get great meals. He was really a pleasure to get to know. Their website is www.bellevuehouse.it We came back to Florence and stayed at Casa Rabatti and met a wonderful Florentine grandma - Marcella. Her place is also located close to the train and to all the things you need to see. She was so lovely and we felt just like one of her children. We can stll hear her cheerful voice and laugh. Her accomodations are very nice. She can be contacted at casarabatti@inwind.it

Keith Wells in Lakewood, Ca USA 05/01/2006

Best: Hotel Campiello in Venice
Why: This is a wonderful place that is located in a perfect place for seeing Venice. It is really beautiful with the decor, rooms, comfort and very generous breakfast with lots of choices. Nicoletta and her son Thomas were so nice and helpful and such gracious hosts of their excellent accomodations. We were here for 3 nights and wished that we could have stayed longer. The discount with Ricks book was also very nice. We will return!!!

Worst: Hostel/Hotel Demo, Milan
Why: I booked this place over the internet because of it's location to the train and the price. It was the first place we stayed in our month in Italy. The accomodations were nice as was the breafast. The problem was that the price they had given to me with the confirmation for 2 double rooms with bathrooms for 2 nights for our friends and us was not the price they charged. Unfortunately the girl that was checking us in as well as out did not speak much English and we did not speak any Italian. I showed her the confirmation sheet and she made a call to someone who indicated to her that the price she said was the one we needed to pay. This was double the price that was on the confirmation. It was late, we were tired and decided it was too much hassle to relocate in a city that we did not know and there was no point in arguing the point with someone we could not talk to so we paid. It was a frustrating way to begin our trip but I wrote them when we came home and told them I would be letting other travellers know about our experience with them so that others would not book with them and also be taken.We stayed in so many wonderful places the rest of our trip and had no problems with the arrangements made by internet. It is too bad that there are place like Hotel Demo that make travellers leary.

Keith Wells in Lakewood, Ca USA 05/01/2006

Best: We were more than satisfied with all the accomodations I chose from your book except for one & couldn't pick a best.
Why: The hosts were all friendly to us & the rooms were clean. What more could you want?

Worst: We were disappointed with Edi's in Riomaggiore.
Why: The room was wonderful however it didn't have hot water or heat & we had quite a time convincing them of that fact. They had us change rooms, but the whole point in spending 4 nights is so you won"t have to change rooms.

Gail Bergere in Edmonds, Wa USA 04/28/2006

Best: settimo cielo in sorrento
Why: Clean with dedicated family with english and internet fluency. They make up for any shortcomings.

rick van brunt in horseheads, ny USA 04/28/2006

Best: Casa Rabatti - Florence & Camere Annalisa Martini - Assisi & Hotel Paba - Rome
Why: At Casa Rabatti, visiting Marcella was just like going to see Grandma. She put teddy bear sheets on the bed for our 8 year old daughter and tucked her in and kissed her goodnight! Lovely woman, clean accomodations, great location to walk everywhere. In Assisi, Mama (Annalisa was working) greeted us with Italian enthusiasm for the best deal of our trip at 55 euros for a triple room that could have held five. A clean, attractive room in a great location to the village center and the church of St. Francis. At Hotel Paba, Signore Castelli was very classy, friendly, and extremely helpful with information about Rome. The location was around the corner from the colosseum. The room was the most beautiful we stayed in for a real treat after two weeks backpacking.

Richard Hanes-Stetter USA 04/28/2006

Best: Hotel Gianni in Vernazza
Why: Although the rooms are a little tough to get up to with luggage, the hotelier is friendly and the atmosphere in Vernazza makes it the "little Portofino." What fun!

Gary Mallaley in Thousand Oaks, CA USA 04/27/2006

Best: Hotel Touring, Pisa
Why: Not recommended, but should be. Hugh room w/shower.

Worst: Hotel Speronari, Milan
Why: Expensive and disappointing.

Kevin DeLashmutt in Burien, WA USA 04/27/2006

Best: Venice - Hotel Bernardi-Semenzato
Why: in Canareggio - we had reserved a room in the hotel but they kindly moved us to a room in their annex because they had a student group in the hotel and thought we'd be happier in the annex - this was an upgrade that they didn't charge us for -- my husband called from the US and arranged with them to get us (me and my mom) roses, chocolate and wine, and they outdid themselves making this happen -- Leonardo gave us a great restaurant recommendation -- they let us into our room at 11 AM after a sleepless night on the train from Paris, which was a wonderful bonus -- Leonardo helped me ship a box back home -- great people who gave great service! Highly recommended!

Shannon Bailey in St Petersburg, FL USA 04/24/2006

Best: Lake Como - Varenna - Albergo Olivedo
Why: I was a little nervous because of some of the bad comments posted here, but our 2 nights with Laura and her staff were wonderful. Dinner was very good - try the pumpkin gnocchi - we had a glorious corner room with a balcony and plenty of room (assigned to us after Laura kindly accomodated my request for a room a floor lower for my mom climbing stairs). We loved being right by the ferry landing and watching the world come and go - who would have guessed they could fit 2 huge tour buses and 4 cars on the ferry! We did call about 10 days prior and again 2 days prior to re-confirm the reservations we had made online - I think this helps prevent reservation misunderstandings.

Shannon Bailey in St Petersburg, FL USA 04/24/2006

Worst: Casa Olmata
Why: Construction is being done so no rooftop or email connection. They sent us to another residential building nearby which was fine with heat, so no complaint. But they did not honor our return night reservation because a group came in. They did help us find a place near airport.

Kay Peacock in San Anselmo, CA USA 04/24/2006

Best: All 3 from Rick's guidebook: Hotel Pensione Italia (Rome); Elisabetta's Villino Azzurro (Vernazza); Albergo Guerrato (Venice)
Why: All three highly recommended: excellent, friendly service; very clean accommodations. In addition we appreciated Hotel Italia's handy and safe location; Elisabetta's outstanding 360 degree view; and Albergo Guerrato's wonderfully characteristic accommodations. All 3 receive an A+ from us.

Sandy in St Olaf, IA USA 04/24/2006

Best: Casa Astarita in Sorrento
Why: The rooms were clean, in an excellent location, the staff was helpful, the community kitchen was great, and the group table encouraged conversation with fellow travellers during breakfast.

Worst: Palazzo Bruchi B & B in Siena
Why: The price was 150 euro for a triple versus the 120 quoted in the book. Although the daughter was very nice and helpful (I can't recall her name, sorry), her parents were very rude and acted as if we were putting them out when we asked them a question.

Xandra Tielman in Roseville, CA USA 04/21/2006

Worst: Palazzo Starace in Sorrento
Why: Great location but an extremely noisy B&B. We had a room on the back side but because there is another hotel in the same building. I was still awake at 3 a.m. There was also a problem with the billing. We were expecting a discount as stated in the 2005 guidebook. We bookedk months ago. Even though I had mentioned it in my e-mail this was not honored; only for cash she said when we were settling our bill. Lastly, be sure if you book here to make it before her deadlines. We did, but I feel sure she would not accommodate you if your arrive between 1 and 6 p.m. We will search out another place next time.

Nancy Tom in Redmond, WA USA 04/21/2006

Best: Hotel Italia
Why: We could not have been more pleased (Feb.2006 price for 5 in one room was 135euros. The breakfast was excellent; pastry from a shop across the street.On convenient bus route to train station, Vatican, etc. Hotel staff spoke English; had maps, bus tickets and great suggestions.

Joan Sanders in Elkin, NC USA 04/20/2006

Best: Florence,Bellevue House
Why: Antonio was by far the most charming host of our trip.Nice big room. A close second was Domus Cavanis in Venice.Nice big room,elevator,all you can eat breakfast at the Belle Arti.

Jean Gorzalka in Sheridan, Wy USA 04/20/2006

Best: Residenza Il Villino
Why: Sergio and his wife were extremely helpful. The room was beautiful. I also loved the free internet. The breakfast was also good. Good location.

Laura Kirkbride in St. Charles, MO USA 04/17/2006

Best: Meuble' Il Riccio - Montepulciano - Tuscany
Why: Where do I start!! The owners, Gio and Ivana, were wonderful!!! So was the desk clerk Ellena!! Rooms were beautiful. The breakfast was well worth the extra 8-euros. Ivana makes the cakes, tortes and croissants!! Fantastic!!!! Gio gave us a tour in his 1953 Fiat which was the best value going. Wonderful people, wonderful town. We stayed two nights, went to Venice, and then went back for two more nights. Excellent!!

Worst: Hotel la Residenza - Venice
Why: The first thing that struck us was a rather unpleasant, sewer odor as we entered, Fortunatley you couldn't smell it in the room. The breakfast was minimal and the staff, especially the owner, were not very friendly. It's on one of the plazas and the area was noisey. The room was clean and pleasant and the lobby is impressive but we wouldn't stay there again.

Dan Gauger in Vancouver, WA USA 04/17/2006

Best: In Piazza Della Signoria, Florence
Why: Our room (The Beatrice) was more beautiful than the detailed photos on their website could possibly show. Warm hospitality, while still feeling like a classy hotel, rather than a B&B. Excellent service and food at breakfast.

Madge & Paul Mitchell in North Bay, ON Canada 04/14/2006

Best: B&B Villa MariaRosa, Piano di Sorrento
Why: What a find that needs to be added to Rick’s book. This historic, totally refurbished, and reasonably priced B & B is located in Piano di Sorrento, just two train stops (10 minutes) from Sorrento on the Circumvesuviana train. The B & B is only a 2-3 minute walk (about 4 blocks) from the station and Piano is a nice town, less costly, and not so touristy as Sorrento. Great husband and wife owners, good breakfast, spotless rooms, and really quiet and peaceful (they have their own lemon garden and a new pool!).

Worst: Hotel Giardino Rome
Why: Two reasons. 1. My single room was by far the smallest I have ever stayed in, and I've been in some small ones. 2. The rooms that face the street have double panes but don't stop the rumbling sound of the cars that pass over the cobblestones.

Jan Ligon in Atlanta, GA USA 04/12/2006

Best: Soggiorno Battistero
Why: Kelly's ease and sarcastic humor was perfectly complimented by Luca's peacefulness. Great clean rooms, absolutely unbeatable price. They actually "made" a double room for us at a reduced rate when no other double rooms were available. And you can't beat the view.

Alison Fields in Carrboro, NC USA 04/11/2006

Best: Alla Madonna del Piatto Agriturismo, Assissi
Why: The 14th century farmhouse is comfortable, cozy,spotlessly clean, w/priceless views from every room. Hosts Letizia and Ruurd provided great tips on where to eat, what to see, how to get there, shopping, throughout Umbria and Tuscany. We plan to return. Mary & Paul, Ithaca, NY.

Mary Berens in Ithaca, NY USA 04/11/2006

Best: Hotel Lancelot
Why: We stayed here for 5 nights in March and felt right at home. The room was clean and spacious and the location - so near the Colosseum - could not have been better. The staff was incredibly helpful and seemed genuinely interested in their guests.

Anne Hoganson in Halifax, NS Canada 04/10/2006

Best: Giulliano Basso's place in Vernazza Cinque Terre
Why: Incredible view, wonderful service, and perfect setting.

JG in Portland, OR USA 04/09/2006

Best: We stayed in a room rented by Francamaria overlooking the harbor in Cinque Terre; the seminary outside the walls of Volterra; and at the Agriturismo Poggio Salvi for three nights outside of Siena
Why: They were all outstanding recommendations for different reasons:

1. The Francamaria room was perfectly located and was what we thought was a good deal being off season (70 euro/night) 2. The seminary was the most basic accomodation we stayed at, but one of the most interesting. We had a double room with bath attached for 36 euro/night and b'fast for 6 euro (for two). We really enjoyed our stay there as well as Volterra (our favorite hill town as well). The other convenience was that they let us keep our car at the seminary until we were ready to leave in the late afternoon of the next day.

3. The most surprising and wonderful find was the Agriturismo in Poggio Salvi. We almost did not call because it felt out of our price range from what your book quoted. However, from Volterra we had tried calling the other two options you listed outside of Siena and a few places from another guidebook we were using and they were either already booked, way out of our price range, or not open for guests yet. Out of desperation, we called Poggio Salvi and Massimo was not only gracious and helpful, but allowed us to stay for three nights at 75 euro/night (he quoted 100 euro for just one night). The apartment we stayed in was one's fantasy of what a "rustic" farm apartment should be--charming but with all the necessary amenities (full kitchen, deep marble sink, clean and well maintained bathroom and bedroom). It gave us an opportunity to slow down from sight seeing and experiencing the Tuscan lifestyle. We went to the local grocery store and shopped for ingredients to make dinner and breakfast our first night. On our second day there, Mark ran out and bought bread from the local bread man who comes by every morning (except Sunday) in his bread van for the locals. We also were able to do take out pizza from a local pizzeria and take it home to enjoy, giving us a break from restaurant dining. Our regrets are not having the time to stay longer and not being able to do a wine tasting at the local winery up the road (owned by a friend of Massimo's). There is much more I could say about the Agriturismo, but I'll just sum it up in saying that it is a very special find and we hope to return to it again in the near future. Thank you for putting it in your book.

Caroline Lee in Woodstock, VT USA 04/08/2006

Best: Pension de Calcina, Venice
Why: Fabulous location on Dorsodura. Close to water bus transportation yet easy walking distance to San Marco Piazza. Beautiful appointments in the room, and a lovely restaurant that offers a special rate for hotel guests. There is no lift. But the bell man carried our luggage and the stairs were not a big deal.

Judy in Edina, MN USA 03/28/2006

Best: Hotel (Albergo) Milano, Varenna Lake Como, Italy
Why: Excellent, personal, friendly service. Great scenic location. Comfortable rooms and beds, nice bathrooms, excellent breakfast. Reasonable value price for the quality, location, and popularity of Varenna. Possible fixed price dinner was excellent.

Worst: Villa Clelia B&B, Levanto CT, Italy
Why: This B&B was not our first choice. We found it in the 2006 Rick Steve´s Italy guide. We went to the CT area in mid-March, which is a few weeks early for other accommodations (we wanted to stay at the Hotel Garden or Hotel Nazionale but neither were open yet.) We emailed Villa Clelia for information and very specifically requested a NON-smoking room. We did NOT get a non-smoking room and they never told us they did not have any non-smoking rooms. We had to sleep with the door of our room facing the outside courtyard wide open because the room was so incredibly infused with over-powering smoking odors. As bad as any night club at 1am... The double room was vaguely okay, though the bed was old and springs were very noticeable. Breakfast was a packaged bun/roll (but the date on the package was almost past!!!), also yogurt, and instant coffee or tea--so breakfast was a bit disappointing). The location was okay, but right next to the village clock tower which rang out every quarter hour all night long, and with the door open, well, we had to sleep with earplugs in. The "garden" courtyard was okay, but the loaction is not at all close to the beach. It states on the web site or guide book that it is 50 meters to the sea. Try more like 500+ meters.

Levanto is a nice small town, bigger than the other CT towns and has a nice beach. It was easy to reach the next town of Monterosso by train. Levanto itself was great and I recommend it if you want a town with a good beach. The hike from town to town was great and we felt that other than our sleeping arrangements (which left us feeling wheazy and congested waking up), we had a great visit in the CT area. Excellent food in the local restaurants - especially fish, seafood, pesto, gnocchi, and the local white wine were fantastic.

C in K, MD USA 03/26/2006

Best: Hotel Davanzati in Fierenze
Why: Great location, clean accommodations - Tomasso and Fabrizio were excellent hosts who gave us great advice and made us feel at home.

Alonna Travin in New York, NY USA 03/21/2006

Best: Franco's B&B in Civita
Why: While the accommodations were basic, the whole Civita experience was fantastic.

Pat Manganella in Hico, TX USA 03/20/2006

Best: Hotel Gerber
Why: It was really close to the Metro and the desk help was great. Breakfast was really good (normal bread, yogurt, and cafe latte). The room was clean and pretty spacious.

Aleesha in Marysville, Wa USA 03/02/2006

Best: Cortecampana B and B in Venice
Why: At Cortecampana, Riccardo makes good relationships with guests a high priority. Our visit to Venice was not only effortless but quiet and restful (during Carnival no less). We stayed in a bright spacious two room very private ground floor newly renovated apartment with kitchen facilities (not shown on the website). Thank you Riccardo.

Roger, Lynne and Grace in Mebane, NC USA 02/28/2006

Best: alpi di Siusi, Dolomites
Why: Beautiful setting, down comforters, fine food and sweet, friendly hosts.

Worst: Hotel Aldobrandini, Florence
Why: Men urinating just under our second floor window. Shower totally flooded bathroom.

Anita Ferman in Arlington, TX USA 02/22/2006

Best: Albergo Guerrato, Venezia
Why: Roberto, Piero, Giorgio & Monica! The best hosts & hotel experience ever, but you guys already know that. Since I first stayed there 10 years ago, I have sent about 40-50 guests their way. The perfect lodging and hosts, in the perfect city...

Cynthia Cushman in Ross, CA USA 02/09/2006

Best: Patrizia's Apartments in Vernazza
Why: Wonderful private apartment. Best room my wife and have had in Europe. Ms. Rina who was our landlady did everything just right. Would use Patrizia's again.

Worst: Hotel Speronari in Milan
Why: Great location. Very basic hotel at reasonable price. Extremely noisy due to bakery downstairs and courtyards which amplify all noises. Keep expectations low and its fine.

Joe D'Amico in Sanford, FL USA 01/29/2006

Best: Corte Campagna
Why: It was perfect! We were three 20 yr. old girls traveling alone, lost in Venice....and then we looked in our Rick Steve's book and called Riccardo because we had no place to stay. He defintely rescued us! He talked us through directions to the B&B on the cell phone all the way there (which was only about 2 blocks from San Marco Square). We were welcomed by enregetic, friendly Riccardo to a beautiful room that had plenty of space and a nice bathroom. Included was also unlimited free internet and a great breakfast.It was such a relief compared to the scary hostels and stuck up hotels we had been staying in. Riccardo gave us great tips on where to eat and what to see and he really made us feel at home. Definetely a great value! I would reccomend it to any one from college age travelers to big families.

Emily Crow in Sherwood, AR USA 01/27/2006

Best: B&B Al TEATRO San Marco
Why: Eleonora, our hostess was welcoming and friendly and she was extremely helpful in helping us decide where to eat, what we should see, etc. The room had several windows which overlooks a canal where you can see gondolas going by. The rooms are air conditioned (thank heavens), was very comfortable and very clean. We stayed in several B&B's and we probably enjoyed Eleonora's Breakfast the best. The B&B is very easy to get to and Eleonora's directions were perfect. The B&B is walking distance from San Marco.

Jackie in St. Luis, Mi USA 01/27/2006

Best: Didn't use any listed
Why: Stayed in convents and monastaries in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Great deals!!!

Susan Harper in Atlanta, GA USA 01/26/2006

Worst: Hotel Accademia - Florence
Why: I am so upset with our experience with this hotel. I would never recommend it for the following reasons:

1. We had a reservation for 30, 31 December 2005. As a result of the worst snowstorm in Tuscany since 1986, we were unable to get out of the city of Siena to keep our reservation for the 30th. The main road to Florence was closed. We called and explained our reason for not being there, but were told we would be charged for the room regardless.

2. We used our room telephone to call the states three times, following the dialing instructions on the card by the phone. Today, I got the bill for those calls - $120, for less than a TOTAL of ten minutes use. I asked my credit card agent how this could be. It seems, the hotel uses an outside long distance carrier, which I am informed is very costly. This WAS NOT explained on the dialing instructions the hotel provided.

3. The management staff was surly and rude. (The room attendants were pleasant, however.) When we checked in, we were nearly lectured by the owner about not being able to keep the prior night’s reservation and again informed us we would be charged for it. I didn’t need to be reminded. Plus, we had to wait for a room to be prepared. Since I had to pay for the previous night, it is my belief there should have been an empty room waiting for me to immediately occupy. It is obvious the room was used on the 30th, letting the hotel collect two times for one room.

4. At checkout, I was prepared to pay cash for two nights to receive the discount as outlined in RICK STEVE’S ITALY 2006. We could have it for the night we used, but they had already sent the prior night’s charge to my credit card – no discount for that one. Also, while standing at the desk to pay, a couple came in and inquired about a room for that night. Instead of asking them to wait while she finished with me, she proceeded to take care of them, making me stand there and wait, adding insult to injury.

I do not claim to be the savviest of tourists, but I know bad service when I am the recipient. I wish you would rethink your recommendation of this hotel.

Ann Barnes in Huntington Beach, CA USA 01/13/2006

Best: 1. Hotel Settimo Cielo, Sorrento; 2. Residenza Dei Pucci, Firenze
Why: 1.Excellent service and view for an unbelievably good price. 2. Great location, big and cozy room (the toilet will suit a tall person [not me]).Good price.

Worst: Navona Apt./Apartment Residenza Teatro Pace
Why: Both the agency that books and the apt. itself: huge gap between what they promise and what you get. No service at all, you are booked after you book with them.

Herzel Yerushalmi in Springfield, NJ USA 01/09/2006