Yes water in Rome is quite safe.

As long as it doesn't say Non Potable - you are good to go.

It's also Roman law that you can go into any bar/cafe and request a glass of water free of charge - the water they use is from the tap.

* Big hotel chains are not really present (the only exception could be Best Western) so do not plan to stay at normal 6C, Hilton, Marriott and so on properties ... you could be very near to an airport and very far from everything else in the very best case.
Luggage... as less as possible is good but avoid purchasing something you forgot home ( X 4 ) is better and save your money

In Venice Starwood had at least four properties. We stayed at the Westin Europa and Eegina using Starwood points (12000 per night I think). There is also the Westin Excelsior and a couple Luxury collection hotels in historic palaces.

I totally agree with "Luggage... [I]as less as possible" in Venice since you have to walk to your hotel from the waterfront, trainstation or outside the city parking lot and go up and down the stairs for the canal bridges

I think you should try priceline, sometime I find good prices in Milano. I don't know about Rome of course but you should try anyway.

When at the bar/cafe tell them you want TAP water or they will charge you Euro 0.50.

Do we really have that law? I believe you, I've just never heard of it but that's very interesting anyway.

You can also find drinking fountains flowing all day, I think the tap water in Rome is one of the best in the world

Many Thanks For All Of Your Advice!
 

Many thanks for all of your advice! Will let you know how it goes on our return next month! Ciao!

I have been there serveral times and never knew about the "Free Water Law" Thanks for the info, I'll have to put it to the test next time!!