In September, my husband and I traveled to France for two weeks to celebrate our 10th anniversary and loved every minute of our first trip to Europe. In Paris, we stayed at the Hotel d?Aubusson, le Chateau des Alpilles in St. Remy de Provence, the Westminster in Nice and the Chateau Montvillargenne in Chantilly (for our last day). We had such a good time, we?ve started planning a September 2005 trip to Italy. However, since we?re not celebrating anything this time and who knows what the exchange rate will be by next summer, does anyone have recommendations for hotels under 150euro in Venice (San Marco), Florence or Siena, Rome (Piazza di Spagna), and Taormina/Siracusa? Thanks tons.

In Venice, as soon as we got off the train, there were men holding signs looking to book rooms for tourists. We approached one man, told him our requirements (price range & within walking distance to the station), and he walked us to a hotel nearby, bags in tow. He also checked that they had a room for us and made sure we were satisfied with the place. In Florence, we had pre-booked our room before leaving the US; now I wished we didn't. We were a little disappointed in the location after we got there. There are tourist desks (offices) inside the train stations throughout Italy that can help you, or travel agents such as the one we found inside the Venice station. I think you get a better selection that way, especially if you are looking at the 150 EU price range. It was late spring when we were there-I don't know how busy it is during peak summer time. It was a lot more fun traveling in Europe without a pre-set hotel itinerary. By the way, the little hotel we stayed at in Venice was named Florida Hotel. I can't forget it--I thought that was a funny name since my husband grew up in Florida.

I like to know where I'm going to stay ahead of time. "Winging" it is a valid way to travel, but I don't like to spend the time when I get to a new city looking for something. Plus I think you can often get a better deal booking in advance.

In Venice the Hotel Violino d'Oro was wonderful and just behind San Marco, close to a vaparetto stop. In July it was only €60 for a single but at some times of the year it can be much more expensive. www.violinodoro.com

In Florence the Hotel Desire (www.florence.ala.it/desiree) was where I stayed and I'd stay there again. It was also very cheap in July (€45 for a single) but the rates are a bit higher at other times. It's close to the train station but on a quiet side street with all hotels/flats and walking distance to everything.

There are hundreds of posts on that topic if you search above. Just enter " Rome hotels" etc and you will get more advice than you can imagine.

I use to wing it when I a student but simply do not want the hassles now.

You are able to prepay hotel reservations on many sites, this locking in the current exchange rates. I have started doing this since the Euro continues to decline.

www.italyby.com has all types of accomodations listed with excellent photos and details.