As the only son, I am planning a trip September 2003 with my 81 year old Mother. The issue is lodging with my mother. I was hoping to get two twins as opposed to a double bed, but all the insights I have from the web suggest that doubles designed for &quot;couples&quot; are the about the only bed plans. <BR><BR>Any insights how I arrange lodging. We are looking at 2-3 star units. <BR><BR>We are planning to visit Lake Como, Venice, Florence, lower Tuscany and perhaps Naples in a three week swing.

Keith, I don't think that's true at all. In my experience there is no problem getting 2 beds in a double room. I traveled in Tuscany last year with a female friend and we were always given twin-bedded rooms without asking.<BR><BR>Many European hotels are set up that way for tourists who are not a couple. I can't tell you how many times my husband and I have pushed the twin beds together until we learned to ask for a double or queen. Have you emailed the hotels you are booking to check on this?<BR><BR>

PS It is so terrific that you are taking your mother on this trip. I did something similar and it was one of the highlights of my mother's life and gave me unforgettable memories.

Every place except some of the smallest B&amp;Bs have twin bedded rooms. A very small place may only have doubles - but some of those are actually kings that split into two twins if need be. You will have absolutely no problem finding the type of room you want.

Get an e-mail confirmation from each hotel or B&amp;B that you will have two (2)beds and bring the confirmations with you. That way you can gently insist without having to become irate if you only get 1 bed. It really helps and keeps everybody civil!

I have traveled many times with my Mom (Great Memories!!)<BR>When making a reservation i make it clear that I need a room with two beds as I am traveling with my mother. We have only had a glitch one time in Scotland and it was rectified with no problems whatsoever. Everyone was accomodating and it was a pleasant time for mom and me.<BR>Have a great time and give your Mom a hug for me!!

Be sure to specify that you want a room for 2 people and need 2 beds (twins). If you are clear enough in your reservation it should not be a problem. You might consider 2 rooms if the budget can handle it in order to give you both some privacy and downtime alone. Just remember to be very specific about the beds if you go with one room.

We had a harder time finding a single bed for my husband and I to share because most had seperate beds. I don't think you'll have a problem, just specify in your email and they will accomodate you.

Most hotels and B&amp;Bs in Italy have no win nor double beds. They just have BOTH! I mean, in most hotels, double beds are usually two twin beds pushed toghether and prepared just like they were one double bed, these beds are split on request (or pushed toghether on request). Just explain clerarly that you want TWO separate beds, and the room will be arranged according to your requests. Also, in southern Tuscany you will probably need a car. If you are planning to rent one, check out for an agritourism instead of a B&amp;Bs or a hotel. You will be lodged in a working farm. Many of these places also offer good dinners for very little money. My favorite place is in Radicondoli, agriturismo Fonte di sopra: clean rooms with toilet, good breakfasts (Italian style: coffee or tea, bread and homemade marmelades and jams), terrific dinners, nicest owner and low prices.