My husband two daughters age 17 and 20, and I will be driving from Florence to Venice. We will stay one night in either Sirmione, Verona, Vicenza or Padua. I would like the opinion of the people who have visited these places to let me know where they think we should stay. We will probably get there about 4:00 in the afternoon and have to leave by 11:00 a.m. Also, we will need the name of a hotel which isn't more than $200.00 per night for a quad. We will also need parking. Thanks for your help.

don't ahve a rec on the hotel because I stayed at a business hotel at the fiera in VIcenza but I will vouch for the charm of the town. Beautiful for just walking around and great food. Do stop in Padova for the Scrovengi, San Antonio and the Matenga fresco fragments at the Ermitage(?).

In 1990 I stayed one night in Sirmione before heading to Venice and loved it. I was traveling with my cousin and we were ready for single rooms and found one about 3 blocks from the fort at the end of the town for $35. Too good a bargain to pass up but I don't remember the name; however, I believe there were several hotels there. There is an old fort/castle at the end that has been turned into an eating/shopping/musical performances area that was a lot of fun. I would definitely go back there again. We stopped at another cute town on the lake for lunch on the way out.

You do not say the time of year, but I would choose Sirmione--a very pleasant respite from the typical Italian scene.<BR>The Hotel Eden is my fav, but the Hotel Sirmione is also very good. Have fun !

Thank you for all the information. We will be travelling April 16, 2002.

Phyllis, last September we drove into Padua (Padova) in the late afternoon and just drove around following the signs to the centre of town (a white sign with black concentric circles). Luckily we came across a carpark, left the car with the attendant and headed off to look for a hotel. We ended up at **** Majestic Hotel Toscanelli in the old part of town and had a corner quad room (101)for 440,000 ITL. Our room was well appointed with a modern bathroom. If interested their email is: [email protected] We could easiliy walk from there around the centre of town. The square comes alive about 7pm for about an hour when young people gather for a drink. It was a great atmosphere. We could imagine living there centuries ago. From there we drove to Venice but the motorway was under construction which meant a big deviation 'round the city. By now that may be finished.<BR>

Don't see how you can go wrong with Sirmione nor Verona. Lake? or city?<BR><BR>And it seems likely you can do fine window shopping - - and booking at www.venere.com - - good for all of Italy.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

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Don't be surprised if that one overnight car rental is exorbitant in price. Might be a good reason to take the train.<BR>

I vote for Sirmione. Verona makes an okay stop for 2-3 hours if you feel like it.<BR>