zeppole

What I've been puzzling over is why you say you averaged $220 per night on accommodations. I haven't googled up your stays, but the ones you talked about were less -- although the exchange rate was worse when you traveled, yes?

PeaceOut

I just said I did NOT do the math, I guessed at the $220 stated in my first post. That may have been the most we paid. But having a lift and A/C does add to the price, and we also wanted breakfast, charm, and location, location, location.

I can't find the exact price we paid in Rome. but it was probably the most expensive city, at about 180EUR (in early May 2007). I don't actually remember the exchange rate at that time.

Regardless, I am saying there are plenty of good, little hotels in Italy. Visitors can find one to fit probably any budget.

cathies

Zeppole is absolutely correct re hotels in Italy! We have stayed in quite a few places now and set a limit of $150 Australian dollars per night. We had absolutely no trouble finding clean, comfortable accommodation for considerably less than that. Except perhaps Venice, I can't remember just now.

In particular, as soon as you are out of the major cities, good accommodation can easily be found for about 80 euros max per night, private bath and breakfast included. The same applied in France, with the exception of Paris.

I think that travellers miss out on a lot by only exposing themselves to a generic hotel experience, where they could be staying in any city anywhere in the world.

PeaceOut

Out of curiosity, I researched the 180 EUR at Domus Julia in early May 2007. The EUR was 1.35399 to the U S dollar. That made it $244/night for us.

zeppole

Sure, although what I think raises the price is not so much the amenities as whether the hotel is family owned and operated, or whether they have to hire staff.

For instance, here is the Michelin Green Guide recommended Pensione Barrett -- which simply could not be better located in Roma. It's just off the Largo Argentina. It's got AC and breakfast (plus bathrooms with Jacuzzi), and it is loaded with charm, and it is 130e for a double. Maybe an elevator would push the price up, but even then I don't think another 50 euros per night. Friends of mine stayed here last November and they were one Italian newbie and one Italian resident, and they both were very happy.

http://www.pensionebarrett.com/Serviziuk.htm

zeppole

And I wanted to add that while I have never stayed here, I probably will the next time I go to Rome. Since I know the layout of the town, I know this is a great location for everything I want to do, except visit the monuments of antiquity (and that's a 10e taxi ride) -- and I actually prefer this location for restaurants than most of the rest of the centro.

It has an elevator and private bath. I'm not sure about AC. It has a roof terrace. And it's 80e per night for two.

http://www.bb4thfloor.com/description.htm

PeaceOut

"Sure, although what I think raises the price is not so much the amenities as whether the hotel is family owned and operated, or whether they have to hire staff." I'm thinking you're arguing with the wind here. Not sure why you don't see that we agree on the premise that Italy has wonderful and inexpensive lodging. Giving up now.

zeppole

Actually, I made a mistake in saying the 4th Floor apartment has an ensuite bath. It now appears to me it may not.

However, this place really appeals to me, and I also like the location (and the price, at 90e)

http://www.travel-library.com/b&b/eu...y_village.html

zeppole

I wasn't arguing with you, PeaceOut. I was speculating that it isn't amenities like lifts that raise the price. I was suggesting that people who want good amenities at an Italian sleep plus a good price should focus on family-run places.

PeaceOut

Oh. Thanks for clarifying, z.

nytraveler

zeppole -

I'm not saying what people have to do or not do. I'm simply pointing out that hotels in europe are - except for the large chain hotels - very different that what many people expect based on hotel experience in the US.

If you know what it's going to be like going in - that's fine. (And I like older, interesting holtels versus new chain hotels. Just with more amenities/services.)

But if you get there and find what you get is very different from expectations that can be disappointing.

(There was a post, not sure on this board or another, where someone was asking if al the hotels were dirty. And they were responding to photos of hotels with traditional - or old-fashioned - style furniture, draperies etc - versus very minimalist that you find in many US chain hotels. They interpreted the older style as run down and "dirty" - not realizing it was likely very recently redone in a traditional style.)

Mimar

Another recommendation for a terrace room at the Hotel Casmona in Camogli. It's been a few years, but I remember it as one of the most satisfying hotel stays of my traveling life. It was actually better than the photos on the web site, a spacious terrace right on the seafront with a great 180-degree view. And a flight of stairs up to the train station with easy rides north to Genoa, south to SML and Portofino and the Cinque Terre. Not to speak of the boats. Check out San Fruttoso, a tiny hamlet not reached by a road.

And while small, Camogli has quite a few restaurants.

scatcat

Well, Hotel Casmona is fully booked too. But I finally emailed Hotel Tigullio & De Milan and luckily they had a cancellation. I grabbed it. It is a 3* and is an affiliate of Hotel Jolanda. It is obviously going to be crowded all through the Italian Riviera.