Guys new to fodors but looking to enjoy Italy using following iternary... travelling with a 3 year old kid. Any thoughts. Also what the best (not too expensive) hotels to stay in these towns.

Date Town
May 25th Malpensa  Arriving @ 23:00
May 26th Venice
May 27th Venice
May 28th Venice
May 29th Rome
May 30th Rome
May 31st Rome
June 1st Rome
June 2nd Florence
June 3rd Florence
June 4th Florence
June 5th Florence
June 6th Malpensa  Departing @ 18:00

Congratulations on a good itinerary! I wouldn't change a thing. Is this trip beginning next month? If so, you had better get your hotels booked ASAP. You can use www.venere.com to search by $$. You might also consider renting an apartment for either Rome or Florence, since you are going to be there 4 nights each. Slowtrav has good reviews.

Thanks!! Any suggestions of hotels that people have stayed in?

What price can you pay and for how many people--just you and the child? "Not too expensive" is a relative term in these popular cities.

Me, wify & the kid. Anything between $100-$120/night

Most of the B&B or Hotels on venre that are showing up with better guest ratings are on Lido in place of the main island. Any suggestions for/against Lido located hotels? also if the ferry is free (with some kinda pass) between Lido and the main island or thats would be an extra cost which means might be better of staying at a more expensive place in main island??

I wouldn't stay on Lido, especially with a three-year-old. The ferry (water bus/vaporetto) is not free and costs 6,50 per ride, or you can purchase and unlimited travel card. See prices here: http://www.actv.it/en/movinginvenice/movinginvenice

For me, I would prefer to stay on the main island for the convenience rather than have to ride a boat every time I wanted to visit a sight.

There are plenty of hotels with good guest ratings on the main island. My favorite, Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo, is a smaller hotel with reasonable prices and excellent reviews. Because of the good reviews, it may not be available on such short notice.

Your budget is very low. If you are looking at hotels, do you need a bathroom in the room - or would you be willing to share (may be your only option at that budget).

We just booked with Green Apartments in Rome - it was 120E a night though - which would be over your budget. With a little one - you might want to think about apartments - check out VRBO.

oops change the currency to GBP for that!!

Ca Formosa, Locanda Antico Fiore,Hotel Città di Milano- anyone stayed any of these??

or Bed and Breakfast Santa Sofia - Venice

Thanks illnative!.. have sent a few interests on VRBO..lets see.

also folks any help with Rome & Florence would be very much appreciated as well.

You do realize you'll have to spend the first night in Milan...? The first train you can take to Venice departs at 6:35 a.m. on May 26th, although you won't get to your Milan hotel until 1:00 a.m. or later. Look at the Hotel Stazione Milan which is across the street from the main train station.

http://www.hotelstazione.com/

actually I am planning to spend first night at Malpensa itself.

Probably a good plan with the kid. Have a great trip!

Alright booked the hotels. Had to adjust a few dates & little change in plan. In place of staying @Florence..I changed the base to Panzano. plan is to take day trips to Sienna, Florence & Pisa.

also anyone has any input/experience with:
Hotel Milton Roma @Rome
Hotel Spagna @venice
Resort Villa Rosa di Boscorotondo @Panzano

and now finfers crossed and wait begins.

Also can I drive there if needed on a US driving license?

Hi there,
From what I have searched on previous posts (here it's best to go to AAA and get an international driver's permit. Take 2 passports photos, driver's license, I don't think you need a passport. Apparently the fine is rather stiff if they catch you without the IDP. (I may have my initials/words wrong).