Hello, <BR>My wife, son (4yr), and I are going over to Rome or Milan for a week on December 20, 1998 for the first time. Italy seems intimidating but we are going for it (we've only been to UK twice ). Could anyone advise me on lodging (~$50/double/day), whether to reserve or not; and taking a short excursion from Rome/Milan? <BR>e-mail: [email protected] <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>James <BR>

<BR>Do go for it! <BR>I first visited Italy in December 1995. I was uncomfortably cold (but then, I live in Miami), but it was great to see prime tourist attractions practically alone. There were more dogs than tourists in Pompei the day my daughter and I visited! <BR> Rome has MUCH more to offer than Milan. Unless you're vitally interested in something else, a week in that area, with an excursion to Sorrento/Capri/Pompei would be good. As an erstwhile historian and more recent student of art history, I found it overwhelming. Just ride a bus and see ancient Roman ruins and Renaissance palaces! Walk into a corner church and see great paintings! <BR> December is such a low season, you should have no trouble finding lodging.

I have not been to Milan, because everything I have ever read and have ever been told is that it has much less to offer than other cities and areas in Italy. I am not saying it doesn't deserve to be seen, just that I wouldn't make it my base. <BR>Rome has history, the Vatican, and many other "riches". You can also easily go elsewhere from there, either north to Florence or Venice, or south to the rest of the country. <BR>Venice is like nowhere else, can't say enough wonderful things about it. Florence might be too artsy for a four year old, but it is easy to get around in, it's small and charming. <BR>Unless I misundertand you, <BR>A budget of $50 per day for lodging is going to be extremely difficult, even if you mean $100 for the three of you. I have no recommendations, and I believe most of the entries in the "Cheap Sleeps" books are over that limit. I think you'll need to do some research on places to stay. Perhaps there are some student hostel-type places that can house families. Or search this site for <BR>Rome entries. <BR>

I've been to Italy 3 times, the last being this past Oct. In Rome, just go to the tourist info office in the train station and they will get you a room. I've had great luck with them. I've always gotten a room w/bath (double) and it usually runs around L120,000 ($72 at present rates). I heartily disagree with all those who tell you you can't get a decent room for less than $100. Outside of Rome, Venice, and Milan, you can find some great small hotels and penziones (w/bath) for as low as $30 (Sorrento) and around $60 in Florence. Go and have a great time, Italy is wonderful!

Sandy if you could be specific about the places you stayed at for around $70 a night I would appreciate it. I would love names, phone numbers and addresses.

I travelled to Rome and Tuscany in December of 1995 and loved every minute of it. Few tourists, decent weather (by comparison to northern Europe), wonderful food and culture. Try to the Hotel Margutta which is located about a 2-3 minute walk from the Spanish Steps. I'll look to see if I have an address and telephone number. We stayed in the nicest room, with a roof-top terrace, and it was only $75 U.S. <BR>I also have a few restaurant recommendations if you're interested.

James, <BR> Our family of 6 has been to Milan twice, that latest, this spring. While we have more children than you, age was a big factor in all respects. Ours are teenagers. Your 4 year old will not be a problem staying free in your room. <BR> We stayed at the Michelangelo, which is directly in front of the central station. It was a beautiful hotel close to the Duomo and other sites. The hotel tends to be pricey, however, don't make reservations. You find that they will drop the cost significantly to mare affordable rates. I believe the rates ran $100 a night. It was a bargain. We also have stayed at the Accademia, in the north west area. It was a very nice hotel but kinda far from the sites. They offer weekend packages, that include rate reduction, fruit bastets and yes, bottle of wine. <BR> Try eating at local cafes for the best food. <BR> I agree with people saying that a week in Milan is to long. Venice is just a 4 hour train ride and is worth the trip. <BR> As with any European city, you definitely need to find out if there are going to be any trade shows or expos. Lodging could be real hard to find anywhere.

Try staying at convents. Many of the sisters offer atmospheric, clean, safe <BR>places to stay. Some are listed in major guidebooks. A little Italian helps, but is not that necessary. My husband and I stayed in a lovely one in Venice a few years ago. The LA TIMES travel section ran an article about them last year, so check that out..it's worth it.