A family of 4/2 adults and 2 teen-agers need a hotel for a couple of days in August in both cities. We prefer to be in town and not out by the airport. Any recommendations? Antico Panada in Venice looked reasonable, but reviews not very good. Any help is appreciated.

What's your budget?

1 room or 2?

You need to give us a specific amount in euros - and keep in mind that in europe the standard room is one double bed for 2 people - and one with 2 beds for 4 people is an upgraded - more expesnsive - room.

As for the hotel - I would look at the cleanliness ratings. Noise - it's a city - there will be noise at night - not getting around it - not a legitimate complaint. (I can't stand all those birds cheating in the AM in the country.)

We like the Berchielli in Florence, right along the Arno and easy walking distance to city center.

At that time of year, be sure to pick hotels with air conditioning.

FWIW, I don't like the location of the Hotel Panada in Venice. Many people like to stay as close to Piazza San Marco as possible, and hotels charge a premium for that reason, but I prefer a little distance from the most crowded place in the city. Some of the reviews of Panada mention hearing the bells from the Campanile, and that would be a deal-breaker for me.

One room for 4 people would be great. Hopefully, $250 would get us one.

I would suggest checking out booking.com website. You can indicate your dates, that you are looking for a room for 4 people, and that you have a price limit. The properties are reviewed by people who have stayed in them, and I have found the reviews to be very reliable.

If you have any questions about a specific property that you find, you could post your questions (e.g., location?) here.

Take a look at Residenza il Carmina. Its a ground floor apartment complex with three or four units around a garden. I've stayed there several times. I don't know if they have a two bedroom unit but its clean, in Oltrarno and is not expensive.

That is a very low budget for a quad room. (at least for Venice - not sure about Florence)

How old are the kids? Unless they are young teenagers they will be treated as adults re room rates.

Hotel Casci is a very clean, family run 2 star within walking distance to the major attractions. We also loved Residenza Carmine across the Arno. We would not hesitate to stay at either again.

We just stayed at Hotel Piazza Bellini and really liked it. Clean, good location and a great breakfast was included. We booked direct with hotel using their website. They have a few different room setups, including quads.

http://www.hotelpiazzabellini.com

Sorry, that was our hotel in Naples!

We have had luck booking in Italy on Venere.com.

We had a vast room in the old part of the Hotel de Paris, which is conveniently located between Santa Maria Novella ( both the church and station) and the Duomo. It was well within your price range, but that was not in August. The air conditioning worked.