I have been checking availability of hotels for May 2004 via multiple websites (Venere.com, Italyby.com, etc.) A number of the hotels have been recommended on this forum, but they are coming up with no rooms available (even for August!). Is there a possibility that they don't release rooms this early for May 2004? I started thinking this because a travel agent friend said she couldn't check their American Express website for Italy until next month, so just curious on your thoughts....

It may be a bit early. Try emailing hotels you are interested in directly. They generally are very responsive that way.

Yes, it is possible that the sites you mention don't book rooms that far out, but that may or may not be true of the hotels themselves if you contact them directly. Some hotels book only up to 6 months in advance, some book a year in advance.

Most hotels these days have their own email, or at least fax machines.

I was able to obtain reservations for the hotels of our choice seven months in advance (Feb/Mar. 2004 is our trip) but I contacted the hotels directly.

Most hotels have their own websites and contact info if you can search through the other hotels.com type sites.

I research hotels on all of those websites and then search for their own website. Actually www.travel.it has hotels with their own website. When venere shows no availability, the hotel usually has room available. I always contact hotels with their own website because you can have direct contact with them.

Thanks for all your feedback! I will start contacting hotels directly.

Hi Tweeter,
Have found out that even when contacting the hotel directly sometimes they will tell you to get back to them in January. Others will go ahead and make the reservations. Good luck.

When planning this far in advance, I find it useful to e-mail, and ask them to MAIL you a brochure. Kinda serves as a sign of their willingness to fulfill your requests.

Plus, if this involves whole family input, you can pass them around and see what impressions other members of the family have.

Best wishes,

Rex