So on a budget of 100 Euros, or thereabouts, a night for a double is it possible to find that perfect abode for the night that has charm, cleanliness and in some cases a nice view. I'm finding the italian charm factor is lost in most budget accommodations in Venice, Florence and Rome and although I don't plan to dwell indoors, arriving back at nice accommodation would be a treat. Cheers.

Well Venice is particularly expensive but I think you might be able to find something that fits the bill in Rome. You can likely come in a little under 100€ in Florence (I know ira has a great rec) and maybe put the savings toward Venice.

Some convents are very attractively furnished in the common areas. Like this one in Florence: http://www.fmmfirenze.it

I've heard of similar options in Venice. I can't say anything about the charm factor of Rome convents.

When are you going? Prices vary widely based on time of year.

Anyway, here's one possibility in your price range if you don't mind staying on Murano.

http://www.venicehotel.it/

With no offense meant, but one person on this board who knows cheap travel would be ira.

He'll recommend a few lodging when he comes upon this thread.

Although some hate it for it's more modern sensibility, consider the Lido while staying in Venice. Hotels in Venice were expensive and I found things in the lower price range definitely lacked charm, also lacked AC and with the windows open at night I was eaten alive by the mosiquitos. The Lido reminded me of southern california, in a nice way. A better room was available at a cheaper rate than Venice proper. It also seemed like an area of more European family tourism.

Don't go to Italy in Summer without AC, it's a must ! Maybe I'm not a hard person but when I'm absolutely fed up of walking I need a good rest and that's not possible there without the AC unless you are in the countryside where temperatures go down in the night.

In Rome the Hotel Oceania it) and in Florence the Hotel Bellitini ([email protected]). Ask for the Rick Steves special.

These two hotels are great. Do a search on them. However, you are right that you can find more charm in the smaller towns.

oops...I'm going in September which is peak season I believe. Thanks for the replies.

Hi blue,

The B&B Peterson in Florence is not charming, (well there was a cute, colorful fish on one wall) but it is clean, in a safe neighborhood, has fairly new plumbing, and AC that works.

www.bedinflorence.it

PS,

In Venice try
http://www.veniceby.com/campaniel/pages/booking.htm

http://www.hotelbernardi.com/en/hotel.html

http://www.guestinitaly.com/hotels/venice/v023.htm

Also check out http://www.eurocheapo.com

Try this address for the Bellettini, mentioned above.

http://www.hotelbellettini.com/

See www.eurocheapo.com for additional ideas.

Best wishes,

Rex

I can suggest one each in Rome and Venice within your budget (if you're traveling in low season particularly, which is August).

Hotel Apollo in Rome, on the Via dei Serpenti, just down the street from the Colosseum, with nice rooms, spacious bathrooms good a/c, minibar, safe and a lovely rooftop terrace-you can find it on the hotel search engines, and its own website: www.albergoapollo.it.

In Venice, the Locanda Ca' San Marcuola, about 50 meters from the San Marcuola waterbus/vaporetto stop, right by the San Marcuola church-lovely square, the most Venetian of areas-with plenty of great little osterie/bacarie all around the immediate area, on the canal San Marcuola. You can look up both of these places on tripadvisor.com.

ttt

When are you going? That will make a difference. Last summer I stayed at the Hotel Desiree in Florence which is in your price range and I highly recommend. In Venice I stayed at the Hotel Violino d'Oro which in July last year was under €100 for a double (my single was €60). But their prices are much higher in spring and fall than in July/August. Hotel Canal & Walter in Venice is another that I stayed in (three summers ago). All these have AC.

Stayed at the B & B Peterson in Florence last August based on ira's recommendation. He is right, clean, safe neighborhood, no ambience. It has a/c but it has a preset low so our room never got "cool", even at night. We ended up opening the window & didn't sleep b/c of the street noice. For Venice we stayed in Hotel Bernardi. Loved the location, not far from Rialto Bridge or St. Mark's. Quaint & gorgeous Italian view from our window in the Annex. We spent just under 100 euros/night for both places. Hope this helps!

Hi starr,

>[B&B Peterson] has a/c but it has a preset low so our room never got "cool", even at night. <

Sorry to hear that. When we were there, we could set our own temp.

Hi,
Was just in Venice this past March and stayed at http://www.campiellogiustina.com/framese.html The owners Franco and his daughter Silena were terrific hosts. In Florence we stayed at http://www.fmmfirenze.it/ which is a convent. Hope this helps.

Thanks for all the great responses I've been checking them all out Any ideas for a room with a view of the Arno in Florence? I've been thinking about priceline but not sure if I want to stay in a 4 or 5 star place.