Hello,

I'm set to leave for Italy on April 26. I've rented a car and plan to spend a few days in Rome and return home from Pisa. Although I don't have lots to time to see everything I want, I need suggestions on where to stay in Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre. possibly also Siena..and any other suggestions. This is my first visit to Italy for me and my boyfriend.

Also, is it a bad idea to NOT book hotels before I head to Italy ?? (besides Rome, which I'll book for sure). I would just like to drive from one place to another and find places to stay but I have no idea if I will be left out in the cold, so to speak. I don't want to rough it but I'm not super fussy on accommodations. Nice and clean with parking will suffice.
Please any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,

Haven't been to Italy - so can't help you.

But I suggest giving a more descriptive title to your post. "10 day trip" doesn't tell anyone anything and someone with expert advice to give may pass it up.

Something like "Italy- 10 day driving trip - need hotel advice" would do more to attract the folks "in the know!"

You're leaving in 5 days?! If I read that correctly you don't have time to research everyone's suggestions.

I think your best option is to use sites like
venere.com
laterooms.com
or expedia, orbitz, etc.
(I'm sure there are others)

Good luck.

I agree...since you have little time to plan you will knock yourself out by getting suggestions only to find the best hotels booked. I would start with Venere.com....run...do it now. You really don't have time to waste at this late stage.

Thanks! this helps me out. I now have a good itinerary and only a few more nights to book.

Any suggestions on hotels in Florence that are not expensive?
ciao

Lovely hotel:
http://www.ilvillino.it/home.cfm

Looks like a great hotel but it's a bit over my price range..also looking for a place with parking.

Thanks,

A hotel with parking may be hard to find in Florence, especially last minute.

You are sort of up a creek w/o your paddle here - - -

It is VERY late to be asking for suggestions - and most places recommended here are recommended for a reason so are usually popular - i.e. booked up.

Plus you need parking.

So I would DEFINITELY re-post w/ a title saying something like "Urgent. Need last minute hotel in Florence w/ parking"