Honeymooning on a budget in Italy -- Where to stay?

Hostels would be the least expensive, but not very private for honeymooners.

Right. We'd want to be accessible to the main tourist attractions in Rome and Florence (by train, bus, or walking - walking would be ideal) and would prefer to stay in a hotel, but don't need anything too fancy. Are there any decent hotels that are not too $$?

Emily, have you discovered and reviewed the section called " heroic B & B ? There are tons of nice places listed.

PM me if you can't find it.

You should also at least consider Varenna on Lake Como and/or any of the villages of the Cinque Terre…romantic and great for honeymoon.

It would be helpful if you would share when you're planning on going, as well as for how long.

For Florence, I just got back from a trip to Florence & stayed at Il Bargellino. I definitely recommend it. (The walls may be a little thin, but I never heard neighbors).

It was around 85 Euros for a double with a private bath. Not a 5 star hotel, but more than adequate & very personable.

Emily, we just got back from Rome and spent three nights at the Beehive. It was awesome! It's a hostel, but you can also get individual rooms. Younger crowd there, but very quite and non party atmosphere. None of the rooms have their own bathroom, though, but there are many showers and toilets, we never had to wait and always felt like we had plenty of privacy. It was super clean, great people at the front desk. They have free internet downstairs and even their own little cafe. The location was the best, I thought. It was a 5 minute, easy walk from Termini station...and then you can walk back there to catch the metro to downtown or Vatican. Or you can walk downtown. The coliseum is only a 15 minute walk away. The rooms were clean and trendy, we loved it....and it was only 88E night for a double room. PM me if you choose this one, I can tell you about a GREAT little restuarant next door!

Check out Andy's B&B in the San Lorenzo neighborhood just north of city center. Spartan but clean, secure, and within a short walk to major sights. It's gotten good reviews (see Trip Advisor).

It is best if you give a rate that works in your budget and a season that you plan for travel.. Backpackers are best at hostels and campgrounds.

Consider renting an apartment. Often times more convenient than a hotel (you have a refrigerator, washer, kitchen, etc) and can find a centrally located place at a reasonable price similar or less than hotels. Google apartment or B&B for the city you're visiting and you will find multiple listings. My boyfriend and I are in Venice now, and will be heading to Rome in a few days staying at B&B in both places (most apartments require 2 or 3 night minimums) and have been pleased. Our B&B in Venice is $100 EU and quite central near the Rialto bridge (www.caloredan.com). I will write more next week to give a list.

Check out www.rentalinrome.com, www.veniceby.com, etc.