Rubydo

Thanks will look into all info given

mentalist

Have you tried posting on the Italy Forum? I suspect that expats living there may know a little more about getting around Italy than us lot.

Rubydo

No didn't think of that thanks, I've got some great info from this forum for now tho

scrubbedexpat141

Was just about to say this.

Pica

Hotel Forte 872
Spagna, Rome (in city center) – Subway Access

Just a 3-minute walk from the Spanish Steps, Hotel Forte is located in Via Margutta, made famous in the movie Roman Holiday. It offers traditional, air-conditioned rooms with LCD TV.
Stayed here for 2 weeks in 2009 at Easter. Minutes walk from the Trevi, Spanish steps etc etc. Small rooms but hey you're only sleeping there. Noisy at night due to revellers going home late but very comfortable.

Bahtatboy

Stayed in Tuscany a few years ago with my family. 5 nights in a converted farmhouse: great on-site restaurant, plus a few small towns in the vicinity, all with great restaurants and other attractions. Then 3 days in Florence, found an apartment near the river--was great for us since hotels get expensive with 5 of us (usually 3 rooms). Can't remember how I found them, 'cept it was on the internet (useful, hey?).

Absolutely beautiful part of the world, and Lucca's entrancing.

Driving's not so bad--a local explained that much of the madness has gone as a result of strict rule enforcement and Italy's economic problems. Get a satnav, though...

Rubydo

Thanks, much more useful than some :-)
Will be staying in Florence but just need to decide where, I'm looking at two places but can't remember their names ha.
As for driving, thanks filled me with much more confidence, will have a drive to Lucca as it looks stunning

hnd

For a hotel in Rome you could look here but It's a long time since we stayed here but if it's still as reasonably priced as it was then it's in a great situation just off the Piazza della Rotunda ( or whatever it is called, the square by the Pantheon). Used to just be a B&B hotel, very popular with politicians so was often good value at weekends when they went home:

Albergo Hotel Santa Chiara Roma

You can walk everywhere you want from this hotel because it is really well situated. As I say, it's been a long time since we stayed there but it was good then so,could be worth checking out

MAV_DXB

If you're going to drive, I wonder if the App called Waze is available in Italy, just back from 3 weeks driving around the western side of the US, it's a great app.

I'm off to Rome in August, will be staying here for a week - Rome Cavalieri (I'm not paying the bill though )

Rubydo

Thanks will check it out 😊

Rubydo

I will download the app and then see once there if it works. Google maps is usually pretty good when we go away but will see if the one u suggested works. Not heard of it b4.

Nice to not be footing the bill. Most hotels I've found are reasonably priced to be honest

Rubydo

Thanks all for the suggestions, 1st hotel booked in Rome :-) Navona Colors Hotel, Via Dell'Orso

37100

Why not post on the Italy forum? Several members run holiday let's etc.

Rubydo

Thanks a few people have suggested this too. I've got some good info thus far but if I become unstuck I will post on there. I have the airbnb app but not keen to be staying in what look like people's houses , but that's probably just me being strange

Pongo

Don't stop at a red light, the Italian behind will not be expecting it...