Rome, the ancient city of ruins, the Sistine Chapel and of course, a city within a city, The Vatican. Filled with history at every turn, stroll the streets and piazzas and discover the wonder of the Colosseum, the Forum, make a wish at the Trevi Fountain. Sit at the beautiful outdoor cafes of the Piazza Navona and eat a chocolate Tartufo. And what’s a trip to Rome without stopping in the world famous boutiques and stores of the Via Veneto.

And after a fun-filled day of touring, enjoy a wonderful dinner at a local trattoria for pizza or pasta, and of course a glass of chianti!

We selected some of the best hotels in Rome. Here is a sample of our selection :

Hotel de Russie
one of our favorite hotels in Rome

The Hotel de Russie is located in the heart of the city between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo and is within easy walking distance of the key sights, fashion houses and Via Condotti.

A stunning feature of the hotel is its extensive, terraced gardens which provide a tranquil oasis amidst the bustle of central Rome. The hotel also boasts a health club and spa with hydropool, Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish steam bath, beauty treatments and gym.

Hotel Eden
Certainly not a common hotel

The Eden is a peaceful island magically set in the very heart of the Eternal City. Surrounded by the green parks of the Ludovisi, Borghese and Malta Villas, between the famous Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps leading to the Trinità dei Monti, the Eden is only a short walk to the best Italian Haute Couture shopping in Via Gregoriana and Via Condottti.

Westin Excelsior
Elegance at its best

As Rome's most celebrated avenue, Via Veneto is the cradle of "la dolce vita" immortalized by Fellini. It is also home to the recently refurbished The Westin Excelsior, Rome - its most distinguished address. Named to Condé Nast Traveler's 2002 Gold List, this hotel is a monument to turn-of-the-century style. The spacious guest rooms boast rich custom fabrics, Imperial, Renaissance and Biedermeier style furnishings, as well as walls and ceilings hand-decorated by master artisans.

Florence, the ultimate Renaissance city famed for its unparalleled art and architecture. One of the most important collections of paintings in the world is housed in Florence’s Ufizzi Gallery, with Boticelli’s Birth of Venus on display. And of course the most famous sculpture of all times, Michelangelo’s "The David" can be found at the Academy. This is truly an "art lovers haven". And not to be missed of course is a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, one of the most famous and picturesque bridges ever built. And what would a trip to Florence be without a visit to its magnificent guilded Duomo and a walk up its tower for a simply superb view of the city and its surrounding coutryside.

Two of the best hotels in Florence:

Hotel Lungarno
Your home away from home

The meticulous refurbishment recently completed, has enhanced the character that made it famous over the years. The view on the Arno River and over the city is a unique experience. In the bedrooms, the guest will be surrounded by exquisite objects, antiques and original paintings.

Hotel Lungarno: 69 bedrooms, including 12 suites. Air conditioning, direct dial telephone, fax and modem line, satellite TV, pay TV, meeting room, limousine and garage service.

Gallery, Hotel Art

The Salvatore Ferragamo fashion group has launched an entirely new urban hotel experience. You are the protagonist. The scenery, a constantly alternating art exhibit. Contemporary, Ethnic, Photographic - art in all its forms. Plop down on the pouf. Contemplate the artworks. Dislike them, Adore them. That's the point.

Snuggle up in the Library to a book from our collection of over 400 volumes. Michelangelo to Mario Testino. Shakespeare to Danielle Steel.

Belly up to our sleek Lounge Bar and enjoy a cool grappa while rubbing shoulders with the Florentine elite.

Challenge the staff. Ask them everything, they know the answer. Ask them for anything, they will find a way. Slip up to your room and chill. Leather headboards, wool bed shawls, 200 thread-count sheets, Bulgari Bath products. Michelangelo can wait.

Gallery Hotel Art, a new genre of art awaits you.

What city conjures up more excitement and romance than Venice? It’s enough to just wander its narrow streets and charming bridges and canals to be transported back to another time and era. But you can’t miss the dramatically beautiful piazza, San Marco’s Square, where you will find outdoor cafes and orchestras playing classical music as you sip your Italian espresso. The romance of Venice will seduce even those on their 2nd honeymoon!

Two of the best hotels in Venice:

Luna Baglioni

Near the Piazza San Marco and moments away from the most important museums and monuments of Venice, the Luna Hotel Baglioni is the oldest Hotel in the city. In fact, chronicles from the 15th century refer to the Locanda della Luna while in 1118, the Knights Templar stayed in a building on this site during their visit to the Venetian Republic.

Westin Europa & Regina

An architectural landmark on the Grand Canal, just steps from Piazza San Marco, The Westin Europa and Regina, Venice offers an ideal combination of traditional elegance and modern technology. New rooms in the magnificently restored, centuries-old hotel feature the same Grand Canal views that inspired Monet, who painted the city while visiting.