Italy and UK hotels

My two daughters and I stayed in three hotels in September-October ’11. (All prices given are current as of September ’12.)

• In Rome, Hotel Papa Germano (Via Calatafimi 14/a, 00185 Rome, Italy; phone +39 0648 6919, fax 0647 825202) is a 5-minute walk straight down from Termini train station. The rate for a triple room is €110 (near $143).

The room was small but clean, with a bathroom. The included breakfast was really good — more than just coffee and a roll. Internet access was free, and Papa was usually around to give you any information you needed. He even gave us a bottle of wine our last night as a farewell gift.

• In Florence we stayed at Hotel Montreal (Via della Scala 43, 50123 Florence, Italy; phone +39 05523 82331, fax 05528 7491), which was just around the corner from the main train station and convenient to everything.

The hotel has a lift, Again, we had a triple, now €119 ($154) plus tax per night, including a Continental breakfast. These rooms were bigger than those at Papa Germano, and we had a huge bathroom.

I would return to either place anytime.

• In London, I spent one night at a small, inexpensive place by Heathrow Airport, Heathrow Lodge (556 Old Bath Rd., Longford, Heathrow, UB7 0EF, U.K.; phone +44 [0] 1753 68670, fax 1753 686900). Only £35 ($57) for a double, but the main thing was that it was so close, with a free airport shuttle. The room was big and clean, with an en suite bath. What more can you ask for in London?

CARYL MIKRUT
Plainfield, IL