Italy

Best and worst accommodations:

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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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.