Hi all,<BR><BR>This site has been invaluable in planning my trip. There is one aspect that I am totally confused about. I am trying to book places to stay in Tuscany, Amalfi and Capri. I have no clue if I should stay in a hotel, a B&B or a Farmhouse. Can someone tell me what the differences might be between a hotel and B&B? The B&Bs seem so much more reasonable in price. The farmhouses look gorgeous, The hotels all look good and I cannot tell much except price differences. Is it really worth paying up for a nice hotel when we are going to be out and about in the towns?<BR><BR>Thanks in advance for your help

In first place, consider the Agriturismo (farmhouse) option only if you are travelling by car: these kind of places are usually quite far from any "civilized" place. They are farms in the middle of nowhere and often you can enjoy, beside a clean room, also good quality food (mostly homegrown) and some activity such as horseriding. On the other hand an Agritourism is the perfect place where to stay in Tuscany, which is best if toured by car. Bed and breakfast are relatively new in Italy, but often are very nice and comfortable. yet a hotel might offer more services, while a bed and breakfast offers the bonus of actually being in contact with some Italian people.

Shelley: It really is a matter of personal preference. Each has its advantages. We usually mix it up on the bases of what is available. If we find a great hotel, B&B, farmhouse, etc., we stay there. Each provides a different experience and can add much to your trip if chosen with thought and good information. Hotels don't have to be overly expensive. Some of the best experiences we have had in our world travels have been at modest little hotels that were reasonably priced, but came highly recommended. When we have stayed at an expensive hotel, it is because that hotel offers some special attribute that makes it a must stay. Otherwise, we subscribe to the philosophy that the more you spend on lodging, the further you place yourself from the people of the country you are visiting. You are going into a great area. Have a great time.

It does depend on your personal preferences. <BR><BR>Do you prefer the privacy and services of a hotel? Or, would you enjoy the interaction with your hosts and fellow travelers at a B&B? Do you want to eat breakfast with "strangers", or do you consider them friends you haven't met yet?<BR><BR>The transportation/location issue is also important as mentioned above.<BR><BR>If you have never stayed in a B&B, you might want to try a weekend near home & see how you like it.<BR><BR>Buon viaggio!

Thank you for your advice. I have stayed in B&Bs in America, so understand the eating with strangers, etc. It sounds like a B&B and hotel in Italy are very similar to the experience one would get in America. I think I shall take the advice to mix up my trip and stay in both. <BR><BR>Has anyone stayed in a particularly wonderful B&B in Tuscany, Capri or Amalfi Coast?<BR><BR>Thanks again,<BR>Shelley

Shelly, in general, we prefer b&bs and farmhouses when in rural areas, hotels when in the city. It can be a lot of fun having breakfast with other travelers form around the world, sharing tips and experiences. We stayed at a very nice, small b&b in Panzano (40 minutes south of Florence) called Fagliori. It was in a picture perfect Tuscany setting, almost too beautiful to believe!

Shelley,<BR><BR>We just returned from a 10 day trip in Tuscany. We stayed in 5 star hotels and at an agriturismo for a week, here is my opinion. The agriturismo is the only way to go, but keep in mind they are usually only available from sat- sat. The hotels were disappointing for us. If I needed to book a room for a few nights I would definitely stay at a B&B or rent an apt for a short stay - check out the charming hotels website - they have a good B&B offering and apt. offering. As for the farmhouse thing, we found ours via the internet and could not have been happier with the accomodations, (le Miccine, Gaiole) they make fabulous wine - a boutique vineyard. They had a gorgeous pool for us all to ourselves overlooking the hills and vineyards, beautifully appointed rooms and fabulous bathrooms! Also, there is the security issue in a hotel - at an agriturismo that element is eliminated. good luck!

There are plenty of agriturismos that do not require a 7 day stay. Just to further complicate the farmhouse issue; there is also a difference between staying at an agriturismo and renting a farm house.

Here are a few websites to check out:<BR>http://www.agriturismo.regione.toscana.it/<BR>http://www.tuscany.net/accommod/choose.htm<BR>http://www.initaly.com/regions/tuscany/tuscany.htm<BR>We just booked a room for 5 nights in September at a Fattoria in Monteriggioni. This will be our first B&B experience.

Shelley, I would also like to suggest that you find out as much as possible about the places you have selected. Ask questions, lots of questions, about whatever issues or concerns you may have - don't assume that everything is just the way it looks on a website. <BR><BR>Also, just because a certain place is listed on one of those "charming hotel" or "charming B and B" websites doesn't mean it will be "charming" to you. <BR><BR>We recently were greatly disappointed at a place we selected. It was listed on a "charming" website and was highly recommended on this site by several people who said they had stayed there. The photos looked great and the description read well. We never asked if access was difficult - which it was - down a steep, twisting, very long edge of the hillside, one vehicle wide driveway (long enough to be called a one lane access road). Charming? Definitely not! Gorgeous view? We didn't see it! <BR><BR>Needless to say, we left immediately - holding our breath all the way and hoping someone else wouldn't try to come down the driveway as there was absolutely no room for two autos. We lost our deposit of several hundred dollars. Luckily, however, we were able to find a lovely hotel in a central location with rooms available and a beautiful view!<BR><BR>So, ask those questions about everything you want to know, don't just go by how the place looks on those "charming" websites or in the guides and don't select based on a few people's recommendations. Get everything explained to you before you send the money.

Hi Shelley.<BR>Look at www.tuscany.net. Go to the Chianti area and look for a farmhouse called "Agriturismo Cassabella". Beautiful place, very nice people and very cheap!

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Mari: Good ideas. Sam