Sly

Hi- <BR> <BR>I will be in southern France and northern Italy in September. I was wondering if I should definitely make hotel arrangements several months before our trip or if we can just show up and find rooms. We will probably stay in mid priced accomodations. I was told September is the off season. Suggestions? <BR> <BR>Thanks for the advice.

Tony

I would definitely make a reservation for at least your first night. Saves a hassle if jet lagged etc. Apart from that you should'nt have any problems in September, except for Venice, and maybe Florence.

Joanna

If you are going to Strasbourg make sure you have a firm booking, esp. if its on a weekend. The hotels quickly fill with Germans having a weekend there. If the European Parliament is sitting it's also hard to get a room.

Richard

Our policy is to book the first and last nights before we leave. For reference you might want to use the Best Western directory, they have privately owned properties in many towns and cities in France and Italy. If you're driving you should have no problems finding what you want.

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Michael

September is only off-season for students and teachers. France and Italy will still be quite hot...there's realy no need to take a chance...simply book in advance and arrive without worries..

Lynn

How far north in Italy will you be? If you are going much north of Milan, it will be the off season, probably. In the Dolomites, get there the first two weeks of September, as the snows aren't far behind and the train and bus schedules change. I had no problem with finding accomodations. I agree, though that first and last night's is a hassle saving idea.

Mary Ann

On our first trip to Eupope several years ago in Sept. we followed the travel agents advice, no resevations (except for Oktoberfest) since it is the off season. BIG mistake, not only are there tons of tours still going on but many cities have conventions (Paris) being a big one. Since then, we book almost all our nights. We were there last Sept. In larger cities we were booking up to 9 months in advance (Paris, Venice, Prague, Budapest). Smaller cities about 3 months in advance( Chamonix, Riviera coastal towns, Beaune). Even with these time frames, usually looking for quaint, at most 3* Inns, B &Bs etc, with bath and clean, we were told choices were booked or close to it. While there we watched many people turned away. <BR> <BR>Yes booking does limit, but time lost searching is permanently gone. I would rather use the time before I leave, researching locations and places rather than waste precious vacation time hunting down a place. We usually requested info on best routes to their place as well as parking by email in advance. <BR>Note you will probably find equal number of people for and against reservations. A lot is personal preference (or peace of mind). Having been burned on the first trip, our trips have been reserved. Also note, if you are looking for mid priced, you may find rooms without booking but they may be outside of your budget, undesirable location, etc. Good Luck with what ever you decide.

Thyra

I second the last message. You would be better off booking in advance. It saves worries and you have the benefit of being able to "shop around" in advance for hotels/B & B's that fit your budget and are located in prime spots. There is nothing worse then getting into a town late, running around trying to find a room or waiting forever in line at the tourist info, then getting stuck having to pay ten time your budget for a room simply because nothing else is available.