16 books and venere and booking.com . Still can't trust it

The reviews on venere.com are more reliable than tripadvisor for the reason given above. I believe the same is true of booking.com. That said, there are fewer places listed there because the hotels/B&Bs have to pay a fee to be listed. But it's true that you're running out of time. Picture that you're standing on the edge of the high diving board. This is me coming up behind you and pushing you off. Just do it. :-)

Why not give us your short list?

Monique, in Milano I like to stay near the train station. Via Napa Torriani has several hotels in a row; I've stayed at Hotel Bernina a couple of times, it was about 50 euro for a single with bath, tv, a/c. There are many other hotels on this street, probably around the same price range. Hotel Augosteo is on the street. Another thing to consider in your price range is accommmodations at convents/monasteries (especially good choices in Rome or Assisi) - very simple rooms and there may be a midnight curfew, but everything you need for a quiet rest. I've stayed at the Santa Anna near the Colosseum, it was about 50 euro for a single with bath (breakfast included but instant coffee!) but no other amenities in the room. Lonely Planet is a reliable source. If you do book through an online service, be sure to read the reviews - especially the negative ones, which tend to be very specific.

What are you afraid of? I have used venere.com countless times and they are very good and reliable. I have never had a problem using them and they provide very explicit and useful info. When we are in Milano we always stay at Hotel Berna on Via Napo Torriano. They place is one of the nicest hotels we have ever stayed in anywhere. Buon viaggio,

I, too, use venere.com and like their reviews. They are written by people who have completed a stay so you can trust them. I've found many hotels through them and never had a problem. Your trip is coming up very soon so you should book something you feel comfortable with and stop waiting. Donna

Venice: Hotel Tivoli---inexpensive, with a good breakfast. Rome: Hotel Katty--inexpensive with free Wifi and an elevator. I've stayed at both more than once. The managements were English-speaking and easy to deal with directly via websites. No place is perfect--just make your reservations and GO.

i have stayed at hotel Selene in rome,, it was fine, clean budget place.
I would start booking and stop worrying so much,, other then clean what are you afraid of ending up with,, a hotel is just a bed for the night.

Thanks to everyone who posted names of places. The reviews are helpful on websites, I have been to Europe many times but did not want to start jumping into a pool but rather puddles this time. Its only the sneaky discos that they forgot to mention at hotels and the thin walls that I am hesitant about. So, 1st hand knowledge that is updated is the best. Any other hotels ? For Venice?:)....this is great thanks again for the help. I will post my places when I get there for any new ones.
P.S. I will book today, you are right its time.

Monique, are you using Trip Advisor to vett the places that you are thinking about staying? We always do this. You can also send the reveiwer an Email, if you have more questions. We also try to book directly with the hotel, etc, rather than thru Booking or Venere. One of our Hotels told me that he has to pay them a big fee, and that he could afford to offer me a discount since I had booked directly with him.

Monique, the reviews on venere are from people who have completed a stay at the hotel. After their trip they are emailed a link for submitting a review. If they don't stay at the hotel they don't get the email with the link. It's the same as coming here or going to TA and asking for hotel suggestions. Those people have stayed at the hotel they are reviewing and have been asked by venere, not by the hotel, to submit a review. I've done it twice in order to help others. Donna

Bite the bullet and book something quick. You're likely to have a hard time finding an open room during the busy time in Venice and Rome and you only have 2 weeks! You're going to be spending most of your time sightseeing and really only need a place to crash at night. Your budget is very low, especially for Venice. Go for clean and safe - reserve!

I agree with steve 100%. works great for me

I have often said that I feel a lot of the reviews on TA are suspect and I only read the ones from posters with a history. Those that have less than 20 posts I don't bother with as they can be done by the hotel. There is no way to check to see if they are legit so my method is to read those from established posters. This is why I like venere so much. You can only give a review if you've booked through them and completed the stay. Donna

I've used venere.com and booking.com numerous times over the years without any problems. I've found the reviews on venere to be reliable (although there is some variance depending on the travel experience of the reviewer). The only 'problem' I would attribute to venere and booking sites is the lengthy cancellation time frame; if your transportation falls apart, you may get stuck paying for a hotel you don't use. Also, to help other travelers, submit feedback to both sites when asked. Booking.com is a short survey. Venere also provides the ability to submit your own pictures of the hotels!

I wouldn't even bother trying to book at Rick's recommendations 2 weeks in advance, tons of people book those up a year in advance. Go with the online booking sites.

Monique From another post of yours it looks like you haven't yet settled on your hotels. It may be getting tight on time...

Venice hotel:
try Locanda Silva, very adequate, reasonable rates, good location.Not the friendliest staff, but they helped when I needed it. Don't know what the rate is for two, I was alone last year at this time. 80-90 Euros seems for Venice!

I always use booking.com and I really love that site. Once I had a serious problem with a hotel I booked and booking.com called the hotel and made everything right. When I called myself, the hotel didn't even try to solve the problem, but booking.com got on the phone and made it right for me. That is proof for me that these people really do their job right. Give them a try!

I am still booking my rooms. I am wondering if I should be seeing a small town, near Milan? Crema? Any suggestions for a small town with castles? I stay in Milan for 2 days and have a day to spare before Lido, close to Venice. I wonder if I should stay in Venice for 2 or 3 days..anyone have? Any advice ?

Thank you to everyone! I used Booking .com and booked a place for 3 nights in Lido, Italy. I hope that I don't get the basement, the reviews mention that they got stuck in basement. Villa Albertina Via Vallaresso 1a, 30126 Venice-Lido
We will see how it goes;).

You'll want to get a 3-day vaporetto pass to get you back and forth from the main island of Venice. Once there, be sure to wander away from the crowds in order to enjoy Venice. If you haven't yet, do buy the RS Venice and Rome books in addition to the general Italy book. That's where you'll find the self-guided tours. Have a great time.

Thankyou for the idea for the 3 day pass in Venice!