Frommer's Italy 2004

Rating:
Summary: Needs to enter the 21st century
Review: It takes nerve for them to put the date "2004" in the name of this book. There's a lot of stuff that's clearly out of date. One small but disturbing example: they say that Harry's Bar is the best restaurant in Venice. I GUARANTEE you no one from Frommer's has been there in the last ten years. For longer than that Harry's has made a business of fleecing tourists. The Frommer's recommendation is a disservice to travelers who trust their advice.

Rating:
Summary: Needs to enter the 21st century
Review: It takes nerve for them to put the date "2004" in the name of this book. There's a lot of stuff that's clearly out of date. One small but disturbing example: they say that Harry's Bar is the best restaurant in Venice. I GUARANTEE you no one from Frommer's has been there in the last ten years. For longer than that Harry's has made a business of fleecing tourists. The Frommer's recommendation is a disservice to travelers who trust their advice.

Rating:
Summary: These guys get around
Review: Just click on the names of the writers listed above. It's mindboggling to see the other books they write. Frommers Germany 2004, Frommers Spain 2004, Frommers France 2004, Frommers Bermuda 2004, Frommers Bahamas 2004 ... and a lot more. I'd love to have their frequent flyer miles! I'd also buy a book by them about how to pack or how to get around the airports of the world. But there's no way I'd use one of these travel guides. I looked at this book but didn't buy it before making a two-week trip to Italy. When I got back, I looked at it again the next time I was in a bookstore. All I can say is, I didn't regret my choice. It's a big world out there. If you want to take a trip to Italy (or Spain or France or Bermuda), you can end up having a great time or a lousy time depending on what kind of information you have. These guys are stretched too thin. The Italy book, at least, is full of tourist traps and stereotypes.