What are the real differences between 2 and 3 star hotels in cities like Rome and Venice? The price difference seems quite huge at times. Is it better to stay at a high-end of 2 star rather than a low end of 3 star hotels. We were recently there and stayed in 2 star hotels; except for the bathroom being very very small the 2 star hotel was fine for us in Rome. I am now trying to book some hotels for my parents and looking into something better than what we stayed in. Any feedback and suggestions for hotels (around $150-$175) will be helpful. Is the time around October 15th still considered peak time or should I expect to pay less than what we paid in June?

Thank you in advance for all your help.

It depends on what types of amenities your parents want.

I think October is low season

Here's an article that seems to explain "star" ratings pretty well:

http://goeurope.about.com/library/weekly/aa112702a.htm

Hi aurora,

Remember that the stars are based on amenities provided, not the quality of those amenities.

My own preference is high end 2* to low end 3*.

many times i havent seen any difference between 2 and 3 star hotels.