Italian Etap?
Dec 14th, 2009, 08:20 PM
#3
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No.
There are Campaniles in Turin and Padua, and a handful of Ibis hotels. Oh, and Holiday Inn Expresses
Otherwise, if you're looking for cheapo hotels you have to search online city by city. If you're driving and just want a cheap place wherever you might hit, you can't look for a brand as you can in France: look for an illuminated HOTEL sign on the roof and just decide.
FWIW, I've never hit a truly awful roadside hotel in Italy chosen that way - though I've only ever been in that situation through poor planning, and I'd never want to do it without a red Michelin in the car
There are Campaniles in Turin and Padua, and a handful of Ibis hotels. Oh, and Holiday Inn Expresses
Otherwise, if you're looking for cheapo hotels you have to search online city by city. If you're driving and just want a cheap place wherever you might hit, you can't look for a brand as you can in France: look for an illuminated HOTEL sign on the roof and just decide.
FWIW, I've never hit a truly awful roadside hotel in Italy chosen that way - though I've only ever been in that situation through poor planning, and I'd never want to do it without a red Michelin in the car
Dec 15th, 2009, 03:22 AM
#4
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There are only a handful of hotels that are chain-owned that ring some of the major cities, and they all face stiff competition from the family-owned, high quality and usually cheaper and cleaner b&b's, locande, and alberghi ristoranti that you can easily find anywhere you go in Italy. The city of Milano is about the only Italian city I can think of with poor hotels in the budget range.
Tripadvisor has up to date reviews of bargain accommodations in all Italian cities. For a road trip, the red Michelin guide is very useful as suggested, but you can even just wing it and it will be rare not to be housed well. Every town -- even very small ones -- has signs at its entrance pointing to where you can find a bed for the night.
Tripadvisor has up to date reviews of bargain accommodations in all Italian cities. For a road trip, the red Michelin guide is very useful as suggested, but you can even just wing it and it will be rare not to be housed well. Every town -- even very small ones -- has signs at its entrance pointing to where you can find a bed for the night.
Dec 15th, 2009, 05:29 AM
#5
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Italy doesn't really go for no-frills budget motels that proliferate in France, for example. Italian motels are generally rated 3 star, such as AGIP or Jolly, and have restaurants, air-cnditioning and other amenities not usually found in budget category. Why this is so I don't know, as I'd have thought there is a demand among motorists for a 'pit-stop' type accommodation that doesn't cost the earth but is conveniently situated near major road junctions with free parking. There may be a planning issue due to strong lobbying by the hotyel industry.
Dec 15th, 2009, 07:32 AM
#6
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B&Bs are proliferating in Italy - i stayed at a nice one just near the Florence train station recently for 35 euro - including buffet breakfast and en-suite facility - this was in winter and that room would be doulbe in summer but still a great budget option for Florence. I have stayed in similar ones in Rome. B&Bs seem to me to be a reincarnation of the old pension - re-labeling with the more attractive B&B name?
