Hi
When we did Italy a few years ago we thought the Hilton Garden Inn was one of the best airport hotels we have stayed in....super comfy bed and one of the most traveler friendly/efficient designs--not one inch of space was wasted--was very high techy. We arrived late so did not eat there but they had a restaurant/bar and a 24hour convenience store with snacks/drinks.
While doing all the usual suspects in Rome, try to make time for the Capuchin crypt--unusual burial caverns full of monk's bones arrayed in artful designs--it is tasteful and respectful and the monks did it themselves! eerie and out of the ordinary....
We are doing Venice to Fort Lauderdale transatlantic in October--coming up soon!
bon voyage,
margie