Access Rome 7e

Rating:
Summary: Like getting recommendations from a friend
Review: I've used various Access travel guides and find them to be consistently witty and on-track. I like being able to focus on a neighborhood, and see what restaurants are near the attraction I'm visiting. The color-coding (red print for restaurants, blue for hotels, black for sights) makes it particularly easy to scan for an entry. Although there aren't extensive hotel listings, the information provided is useful to determine what area I'd like to stay in. You may need more detailed maps than those in the book, however.

Rating:
Summary: Good approach and pleasant, but needs updating
Review: Neighbourhood-focused approach is a pleasure, and color-coding works fine too, but they need to update the book more thoroughly (I know it costs money, but it should not be an excuse, they charge good money for the book).

Text is very readable and visually relaxing; while sparing use of colour illustration and old-fashioned drawings are pleasing in a strange way. Descriptions and background are a bit lightweight, but overall this is a pleasant book - perhaps as the second guide, to compliment Fodor's or Frommers.

Rating:
Summary: Make sure you check addresses and hours before you go
Review: These books are always really well-organized by neighborhood, but this new edition is riddled with errors. They still describe things in Lira even though they tell you Italy has converted to the Euro and information on many stores, sites and hotels is incorrect, especially hours. We went to many churches that were closed. Some stores no longer even exist. Also, lots of missing information, particularly on new hotels. Use this book for it's useful maps and reviews, but check addresses and hours carefully before you go anywhere.