I just came back from Italy a few weeks back but didn't visit Venice or Rome this go around. Remember that you are traveling during the period when all Italians go on vacation though mostly to beaches. All the places will be crowded. In Venice, I can recommend Hotel Flora which west of San Marco's square. I would also highly recommend taking a boat from the airport to San Marco's square. Especially if it is morning,the city of Venice is a sight you won't forget easily. You will want to get water taxi pass as you probably want to get to the train station via water taxi. Usually Venice rivers don't smell but sometime in the summer it might. In Rome, there is Hotel Imperial near the American Embassy but this was few years back. There is always Excelsior but this is very expensive. Yes, indeed Jack of TOTV lives in Rome so he can give you current advise. Also, you should get Rick Steven's Italy as I trust his judgment on hotel recommendations. Don't know where else you are traveling to but Cinque Terre, Tuscany or Amalfi Coast I can give you more information.
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