We want to stay in or near LUcca for three nights in order to do some day trips. I am having difficulties finding somewhere to stay for three nights that is within our budget (200 a night for family of 5). Any suggestions would be great! Thanks, Sandy

Hi rootcher,
Have you been to http://www.knowital.com/html/lucca_-...modation_.html

I don't know how many rooms you need, but a double is 104 euros at the Albergo San Martino in Lucca. It has nice, modern rooms, a good breakfast and helpful staff. The website is www.albergosanmartino.it.

Thanks to you both! The website looks great and I will also check the hotel out. We have 2 1/2 days. Planning on going to Cinque Terre for 1 of those days. Trying to decide where else we will go. The kids will definitely get a kick out of a quick stop in Pisa. Other suggestions?? Sandy

A day trip to the Cinque Terre would be a lot of travelling in one day. If you can swing it, try to spend one of your nights there.

Hi,
Unless you're really ambitious, visiting Cinque Terre, Lucca and Pisa in that amount of time is good enough. If you have extra time, linger around Cinque Terre (you can go to the beach in any of the towns, though a few are better-sorry I forget which ones). It's worth it!

All three areas are pretty well-touristed so getting deals may be more difficult. If you book in Euros you may save ~ 10% by summer if the dollar gets stronger (big if).