I am looking for affordable (less expensive) lodging in Venice, Florence, Rome. My husband and I and 2 "post teen" daughters need decent beds and safe neighborhood.Our favorite travel accomodations were the B&B's in Ireland. We like to interact with the locals (in English). What do you suggest?

I don't know what you consider affordable but in Florence, I like the Hotel Casci (www.hotelcasci.com). They have a quad accommodation. It's a 2* hotel, run by a delightful family. It's clean and quiet with a very nice breakfast. In Rome I stayed in a quad at Santa CHiara and in Venice, Hotel FLora. Both 3*, both very nice, but pricier (Venice is the priciest in general of the 3 cities). All are in great neighborhoods, very safe.

Hi neure,

I can recommend the B&B Peterson in Florence. We stayed there for 11 nights last Sept.

www.bedinflorence.it

Neure, after reading your criteria, have you thought about staying in apartments? That's what we did in both Florence and Venice last summer and not only found them to be more affordable than most hotels, we also enjoyed our privacy and living like locals.

I can give you the contacts of the agencies we used if you are interested. It worked out really well for us.

www.lacalcina.com for Pensione La Calcina in Venice. Both rooms and apartments available. 3-star and moderately priced for Venice.

Hi neure. We found a great locanda (an Italian inn) in Venice at eurocheapo.com. It's the Locanda Montin and it's in the Dorsoduro neighborhood, on the picturesque Rio Eremite, and near the Campo Santa Margherita. Your daughters may like staying near that campo since a lot of younger people hang out there (there are a couple colleges nearby.)