Do most small hotels, B&B's, etc. have window screens? This may sound like a silly question but it occurred to me that this may be the reason so many people insist on A/C. We'll be in several places from Rome, Tuscany, Venice & Cinque Terre. Just curious.

This answer is no. Window screens are not common however the idea seems to finally be catching on. Thankfully, my husband's family has recently placed them on almost all of their windows. Helps with the mosquito problem too.

The sister of a friend of mine was renovating a villa in Italy and insisted on window screens. The builders asked her "how would the flies get out?"

HA! LOL! That is perfect!

People "insist" on A/C in Italy for the same reason they do here..because of the heat!

I'll bet the builder said that with a straight face. Very funny.

Just told the Italian husband and he is still laughing!!!!!!!

No, screens, but you will definately pay more for a place with AC. You can get a Vape from a local hardware/or discount type store for about 6-10 euro--they have plug in models as well as portable that run on batteries so you can take them with you. They work pretty well for the mosquitos.

I've never seen window screens in any hotel in Italy, even 4-star, although maybe they have them at chains like the Hilton or Marriott. OTOH, I've never been bitten by a mosquito in Italy either, and I'm very susceptible to mosquito bites. (My friends say when they are with me here at home in NJ they don't need OFF, as I serve the same purpose for them.)

M

Just read a suggestion that tulle (the stuff you use for a ballet tutu) and duct tape is an effective way to bring/make your own screen!

I don't remember ever having window screens in Italy, but I also don't remember having serious mosquito problems there.