Having returned from a great visit to Europe that incorporated one of LL's most popular hotel packages, I thought future bidders or independent travellers might enjoy some of our observations on the three hotels bundled into the Exquisite Journey of Italian Cities package.

Overall, we were thoroughly satisfied with the hotels in each of the three cities -- Florence, Siena and Rome.  While each had their strengths and minor flaws, they all provided comfortable and welcoming accommodation in the heart of each city. Not having travelled like this before, I didn't know quite what to expect.  Would we be treated like just another member of a tour group, or would the service be personal and up to the standards presented?  I am happy to report that the latter was certainly the case with us.

The first hotel visited (we travelled by train, by the way -- really the best way to get from city to city in Europe as you get to see the country your in and you are generally plunked right into the heart of the town) was the Hotel Helvetia and Bristol in Florence.  After picking our way through narrow roads lined with motor bikes, we walked into the gorgeous lobby.  A little tentative about our reception (see above), I was immediately put at ease by the warm and gracious welcome from the desk staff.  I was really impressed when an impeccably dressed man approached me and introduced himself as the hotel manager, personally welcoming us to the hotel.  He gave me his card, asking me to contact him directly if we had any concerns or needs.  This was not your average bus tour reception.

All arrangements were in order, and we were quickly escorted to our room by the welcoming receptionist.  And what a room it was.  We had a two-room suite, beautifully decorated and appointed, with high ceilings and tall louvered windows.  A delicious bottle of prosecco, accompanied by local fruit, was waiting for us on the coffee table.  For the two nights we were there, we were treated to outstanding service, including arrangements for our (included in package) tour of the magnificent Uffizi Gallery.  Out dinner the second night (also included at each hotel) was a little lonely in a nearly deserted (but magnificent) dining room, but the food was top notch, including a chocolate souffle for dessert that had us both swooning. 

Interesting incident: Not sure how the "bottle of local wine" included in the dinner was to be acquired, we simply ordered by the glass (including an extraordinary dessert wine called barolo chinato that really did go well with chocolate).  When I was presented a bill for the wine at the end of dinner, I simply signed it, assuming we had voided our bottle rights.  But when I mentioned it to the desk manager the next morning as we were checking out, he assured us that we should not have paid.  I just smiled and shrugged, but he insisted that we take a bottle with us.  He called the dining room, making it clear he was not happy with their billing, and pretty soon a woman brought us a beautiful bottle of local white, which we enjoyed that night.  What service!

Unlike most uropean cities, the train station in Siena is a considerable distance from the centre of town.  We took an informative taxi ride (cheap) to the Grand Hotel Continental Siena, smack in the middle of this beautiful medieval city ("Pickled" is the way Rick Steves describes it).  Again we were courteously and warmly received.  The desk manager took us to our room, more modern and without the grace of the Helvetia and Bristol, but still very comfortable and, as advertised, with a lovely terrazzo overlooking the city's tiled roofs where we sipped wine and watched the sun set over massive Church of St. Catherine.

The real highlight of this stay was the superb dinner we enjoyed at the hotel.  We were greeted by the maitre d', Maurizio, and immediately we knew we were in good hands.  He insisted on choosing the best wines to accompany each course, and they were superb.  His attention was personable and helpful without being unctuous or -- as is too often the case -- snobbish.  He really wanted us to have a great dinner in his restaurant (again, sadly empty for such a fabulous place), and we did.  Every dish was great and beautifully presented.  A truly memorable evening.  Thanks, Maurizio!

Our last stop was Rome, where we were booked into the Hotel d'Inghliterra.  Though a lovely hotel perfectly situated just off the Corso, this was the only place where we felt the service left something to be desired.  In a cramped reception area, the personnel seemed constantly busy but also a bit remote.  Perhaps this was because the Inghliterra is a larger property, or perhaps because it's because they take in a lot of high-end bus tours.  Or maybe it was just because it was Rome. 

In any event, the bell man took us to our room, which again was at least as nice as advertised.  Large and nicely decorated (though the carpets could use a good cleaning), we were on the top floor with a door that led to another terrific terrazzo with a semi-view of Rome.  Our prosecco was waiting, and we settled into our comfortable king bed.

Our dinner at the Inghliterra was not up to the standards of our Siena experience, but the maitre d' was gracious and helpful, and the food excellent, as it was at all three hotels. 

So that's it.  We had a wonderful trip, and these beautiful, truly luxurious hotels contributed to the fun.  As new customers, were we satisfied?  You bet.  Did the hotels live up to their billing on the LL web page?  Absolutely.  Based on this experience, would we book through Luxury Link again?  Yes indeed.