Planning first trip to Italy for me and girlfriend. Arrive in Milan early early Sept and need recommendations for accommodation. Tight budget but must include several days in Milan and Florence and maybe trip to Siena and few days chill out. Will be using campsites/hostels and low cost B & B's.

The number of hostels in the places you are going is extremely small, so just use google to find out their names. Likewise campsites. You might also do google searches for convents. There are some websites that specialize in reviews of hostels, but I'm not sure you're going to have many choices even if the reviews are negative.

Milano is one of the most expensive cities in Italy -- perhaps the most expensive. In Firenze and Siena you can expect tourist prices. In September, the small city of Siena is still crammed with tourists. If you are looking to chill out, you might consider Pistoia or Impruneta instead, or other smaller, lesser known places. Pisa has a large student population, and might make a much better base than Firenze, because you'll more readily find budget-friendly prices.

You can possibly lower your Milan costs by staying out of the city center, or out of the city entirely (Pavia?) and taking the train into the city. There may be campsites in the direction of Lago Maggiore.

You should look into passes and discounts in Firenze through the tourist office if you are going there to see the major artworks.

Lonly Planet's Thorntree website is probably better suited to hostel questions.

Also, the catholic church runs a good number of hostels, pensiones etc. Those are typically less expensive.

There is listing of backpacker oriented hotels but I can't remember the name.

There are many campgrounds and many have bungalows to rent very cheap. Some have pools and other amenities.

http://www.ecvacanze.it/new/index.htm

http://www.camping.it/

http://www.campeggi.com/

http://www.campeggi-italia.com/

http://www.campingitalia.net/english/indice.htm

What is your price range?

ky,

Using your links, I was fascinated to find a Milan campsite with bungalows with kitchens, and pool, reachable by public transport from the city center. Looks better than a lot of 2* hotels in Milan.

http://www.campingmilano.it/index.asp

The Archi Rossi hostel in Florence is excellent and has a great location near the station. It's a clean, sedate sort of place - not wild at all - with a nice patio for downtime. We had a private 3-bed room with bath and were enormously content there.

Definitely take a look at Lonely Planet, Rough Guide and Let's Go guidebooks - try the library or buy a cup of coffee and read them at your local bookstore.

Some helpful websites - eurocheapo.com, venere.com, hostels.com. Also, have a look for one of the guidebooks to monastery accommodation.