Rome: Hotel Raffaello http://www.hotelraffaello.it my FAVORITE. Always try to book it when I’m there. Reasonable, unique, amazing service (which can be rare in Rome)… staff gives the best restaurant recommendations.
Venice: Albergo Firenze http://www.hotel-firenze.com is tucked away in a small courtyard just off St. Mark’s Square. Other hotels in the area go for quadruple the price. Rooms are small, but nicely decorated. Ask for a room on the top floor with a little terrace. Best part of this hotel is the free breakfast, delivered to your room each morning.
Paris: Hotel Littre http://www.hotellittreparis.com massive rooms (and bathrooms, always a plus in Europe), very friendly staff, close to bus and tour lines, off main road so easy to catch a cab, and just around the corner from a fantastic brasserie/brewery where I had one of the best meals on my trip.
Now, if I can be so bold as to make a couple restaurant recommendations…
Venice:
Trattoria da Nico (wonderful for dinner)
http://www.trattoriadanico.com/eng/ristorante.htm
Al Calice (great for lunch- in major tourist area, but food really good and reasonable)
San Marco, 1502
Frezzeria
Phone: 041 526318
Taverna San Lio (haven’t been, but have heard good things. Passed frequently & looks very nice)
http://www.tavernasanlio.com
STAY AWAY FROM A La Bricola
Rome:
Er Faciolaro (good trattoria- amazing meat, house wine)
Via dei Pastini
If you take any day trips (which are easy, especially from Rome w/ buses) I’d recommend Tivoli (less than an hour away). Pretty hill town with lots of beautiful and historic architecture and gardens. If you go, eat at…
Antica Osteria del Borgo
Via San Valerio, 3
Tivoli
…incredible.
I live in Italy, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Buon viaggio!