Hotels: Venice, Florence, Rome-- 3 people?

The Lido is across from the main sights; it's a commute, you will get your money's worth out of a vaporetto pass. If you don't mind spending the extra time, go for the bargain.

You can find triple rooms (try booking.com for Lido), or you might want an apartment for some extra space.

Currently staying in Hotel Commodore in Rome. Down the street from Termini Station and within walking distance of almost all the sights, with the exception of Vatican. But there is a bus that goes straight from the station to the Vatican and the front desk is more than happy to direct you! :)

You could also look into renting apartments in these cities. Some will rent for as little as three nights. You just have to do your research.. I just returned from Venice and Florence. The most I paid was 115 euros a night and they were in great locations with everything I needed. The apartment in Venice was even two bedrooms.. I thoroughly enjoy having the extra room that no hotel will provide.

Apartments are a great idea, but it does take some time to find them and choose one.

I just put random dates in June into the "vacation rental" section for Venice on Tripadvisor. They came up with lots of apartments that will work for a three-night stay. The least expensive for one with sleeping space for three people is $151. For a bit more, you could get this one:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g187870-d2110775-Balcony_in_SS_Giovanni_e_Paolo-Venice_Veneto.html

I like that it has lots of reviews, is well-located (out of the tourist crush but in a nice area) and has a balcony right on a canal.

In Florence, if you don't like the idea of an apartment, I can highly recommend Casa dei Tintori, a lovely B and B in the "dyer's district" not far from Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizzi. This is a great location for walking to the main sites on pedestrian streets ( not choked with traffic). Their Green Room is perfect for a small family, as it is sort of divided into two areas, one with a large double bed and a higher area with two single beds. We shared that room with our two teenage daughters and it felt quite private for everyone (although not as private as two separate rooms). There is a great little restaurant frequented by locals a half-block up the street, and a small grocery store right across the street.

You don't want to stay close to the train station in Florence; it is not the best area.

Staff answer is on the earlier posting.

I stayed at Hotel Paris last year in Florence, a block from the train station just south of Santa Maria Novella, it was great.

Thanks so much for all the great hotel ideas. All those hotels on the websites look great and the booking.com & hotels.com sites are very good references. Unfortunately most of the triple room rates are over our price range. We probably need to take it down a notch from 4-5 star hotels. We might have to compromise a little on location or room size possibly?? We will keep looking.

Just wanted to mention that the "star" ratings for Italy hotels are not quite the same as you would see for star ratings on hotels in US. I believe Italy hotels just get their stars for having certain things- elevator=1 star, 24 hour desk=1 star, etc. So plenty of 3 star (or less) ratings in Italy are actually just as nice as what would be a 4-5 star expectation.

We were recently in Venice-- we rode around on vaporetto out in lagoon- and Lido would be way too far away from actual sights for me.

Last year we had a triple room at the Hotel Accademia in Florence. It's an easy walk from the train station, the room was comfortable, and the prices seemed reasonable.

We stayed In triples last Summer. Here's my two cents. Venice - hotel Tivoli. Has stairs to hike up. Clean, basic room with small private bath and decent breakfast. Does the job without any frills. Friendly and helpful desk clerks. Good location - can walk there from train station in about 15 minutes or San Toma boat stop. If you decide to stay here - write back and I can give you tips for finding it. Florence - we were very happy with Hotel Pendini. Great central location. Ask for a quiet room. Lovely, European style breakfasts. Friendly staff and helpful. I would stay here again. Rome - hotel delle Torre Argentina. Only issue for you - don't know how comfortable your teen would be on the fold-out sofa. We had room #310 and the fold-out sofa was fine for our young daughter. Room 310 has a very large bathroom, large bedroom with a mini fridge and fold-out sofa. Great location.

When we were in Venice we stayed in a great apartment Ca Vecchio Pozzo. 3 bedroom two bathrooms. About a 3 minute walk from
San Marco. We saved a lot of money by eating breakfast and lunch and an afternoon prosecco in the apartment. The apartment has a beautiful view of three canals.

In Rome I stayed at the Hotel Aberdeen. It's very nice and reasonable for Rome. It's a RS recommended hotel in the Termini train station area close to everything.

Hi,

One advice regarding Venice. Don't stay in Mestre ( Mainland). Although it is cheaper it is industrial area and you will not enjoy the city as much as you should. Another tip is don't stay in Lido either. I know that hotels in Venice can be expensive but it is smart to stay in the city because you will enjoy your trip much more.
If you have time research the web and try to find an apartment. it can be more complicated but it is slightly cheaper and you still get to stay in Venice.
Venice has 6 city quarters or sestieri ad they are quite different. San Marco is the busiest part ( and also most expensive).

My favorite part is Dorsoduro. Very close to all the main attractions but not as busy as San Marco and you get to see more locals ( not just tourists).
This is a great article in Guardian describing Dorsoduro.
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/jul/05/-sp-venice-city-guide-a-day-in-dorsoduro
You can also check different districts of Venice here.
http://www.traveltovenezia.com/where-to-stay-in-venice/
I am not sure how big is your budget but I would try to get at least 4 star hotel in Venice ( just to feel the city).

I envy you. Venice is a great city to Visit.

We stayed in at Palazzo Guardi in Dorsoduro with our college age daughter and niece. Perfect for us.For a unique and unforgettable experience, check out RowVenice. The best thing we did in venice.

Try Cross Pollinate website and CaRicio was great in Venice last June