I keep seeing references to "book early", etc and that more than a year is definitely not too far in advance. Most sites I find do not offer such early booking....must I call each hotel directly? Is there a site where early booking is available? How early do I really need to try to get a quad room/suite in a moderate/affordable hotel in Italy's most popular areas in absolute peak season? Thanks!

"How early do I really need to try to get a quad room/suite in a moderate/affordable hotel in Italy's most popular areas in absolute peak season?"

With all those caveats I'd say 6 months ahead.

Like you i'm an early booker, but it really depends where & when you want to go. For Rome last easter, I couldn't book until the easyjet schedules were published [in August, i think] and we had loads of choice [2 bedroomed apartments]. in fact, it wouldn't have mattered if we'd left it much later as the owner cancelled and we only had a month to find a replacement. we did and it was great.
THere may be a few places where you need to book 12 months in advance, [?Oberamergau, every 10 years?] but usually 3-4 months will suffice. Basically, if they aren't taking bookings, you don't need to book!

Send a fax to hotels you're interested in and ask when the earliest date is that you can book rooms. Often rates change in January and hotels won't give you a response until those are available.

You can try e-mails, but often a fax gets a quicker answer.

Hi t,

Depends on the hotels.

I just booked one in Salzburg for May, 2007.

Another hotel I'm interested in told me to call back in January.

As noted, Fax the hotels that interest you and see what they say.

tinamidon -

I'll be in Italy June '07, Amalfi Coast, Tuscany & Venice and I too read to reserve early since it's high season. There were certain hotels I wanted...just reserved my hotels for Venice & Tuscany. The other hotels told me to reserve in August. All were
booked directly with the hotel.

Happy planning.