A quick Rome trip report!
Flights
We received $1000 AA vouchers from taking a voluntary bump MIA-PHL in March. That covered the economy seats. I used dh's Amex Gold credit and my Plat credit to upgrade those seats to Main Cabin Extra. The extra legroom was appreciated.
Lounges
On departure, we visited the PHL Centurion Lounge
We arrived at 3:30ish and found a table for two right away. It was pretty crowded in the section with the food and the bar---I didn't see what it was like at that time in the comfy chair section. The food was excellent, lots of veg options plus some really good chicken thighs. We each had 2 beverages, scotch for dh and 2 different IPAs for me. We were there for about an hour.
On the return, we visited the Plaza Premium Lounge, a Priority Pass lounge, courtesy of my CSR. This is the PP lounge that is upstairs---the other two are much smaller, apparently. It is HUGE, one very large space with sections of high back upholstered chairs, almost like wing chairs, sections of lower club chairs with tables between, couches (people sleeping lol), lots of different types of work spaces (long tables, individual cubbies, etc), and regular 4 top tables and chairs. The bathrooms were immaculate, and there are also showers (though I didn't see them). We were there at breakfast time---the food consisted of meats/cheese/vegetables, hot things like eggs, sausage, potatoes, breads and yummy pastries, yogurt and cereals, and fruit. Coffee drinks (and alcoholic ones) were from the bar, and there were self-service fancy coffee machines, juices, and waters.
Ground transportaion
A few days before we left, I convinced dh that we'd be better served by paying for a car transfer instead of trying to figure out the train situation while exhausted. We booked with Rome Cabs (currently top rated on tripadvisor). Our driver was waiting for us, despite our plane arriving 45 minutes early. We paid extra for a driving tour of Rome and a guaranteed English-fluent driver on arrival. She took us all around and stopped at several places we wouldn't be able to reach on foot. Our ride back to the airport was perfectly fine, despite the driver having no English. Rome Cabs is not on the UR portal.
Hotel
We stayed at Condominio Monti, a boutique hotel (maybe 25 rooms?) in the Monti district. It is literally on a street leading to the Colosseum---we could see it from our room when we looked to the left! We were able to walk everywhere---the Vatican, Trastevere, the Jewish Quarter, Borghese Gallery, National Museum of Rome. Everyone we interacted with, from the concierge, to the baristas, to the housekeeping staff, to the restaurant staff, was friendly and helpful. We booked directly (rate included breakfast) though it is available on the UR portal, last time I checked. Highly recommend.
...I'm going to need to continue tomorrow as life calls right now