Milan & Rome Hotel or B&B on a Budget

Can't help you on Milan but check out The Beehive in Rome. It's exactly what you're looking for and gets great reviews on this site. The Beehive Rooms and Rates March rates are 100 euros for a double room with ensuite bathroom, 90 euros for double room with private bathroom next door (you have to step into the hall for access, but it's all yours). Even lower prices for a shared bathroom.

Hi Gil,
I am going to Rome for the first time. I called a relative who has spent much time in Rome. He recommended this place for us. Flamini Domus Charming Suites in Rome. Only it's near Piazza Navona not Roma Termini. It's a close walk to many things in Rome. I booked this place for ourselves, but have not personally stayed there yet. You can look it up on Booking.com. No breakfast is included. But, this place offers use of a small kitchen near the room. You could take a bus to it or a cab. Rome has a lot of choices. You can sift through hotels.com or booking.com with a price filter and read the reviews to find something in your price range. You may have to raise your budget a little to $160 - $170 USD/night though. Depends on what you can live with or without. You can also take a gamble and wait about 3 weeks before going to see if any hotels are listing unbooked rooms at a discount to fill the hotel. In March, you should be able to pick-up some good prices for a 3 night stay on a double. Buon Viaggo!

In Milan I looked a very inexpensive places on Tripadvisor and didn't like the reviews from other guests. But I did find a deal at Hotel Garda - it is in the RS book and was a great price and perfect location. It is about 2 blocks from the main train station, and there is a large metro station at the corner. I am an avid walker so I was able to walk from the Duomo back to the hotel, walking thru the main city park. The rooms were clean, quiet, and optional breakfast. In Rome I always found that the Beehive was full, but I stayed at the Hotel Contilia near the main train station - it was about $90 for a single - Rome is more expensive IMHO.

I stayed in Milan a bit less than a year ago at The Monastery Hostel in a private room which would easily fit your budget. Its a short walk toward the historic center from Milano Centrale. It was adequate and the guys were helpful. My guess is you could do a bit better for a few more bucks but if other options are booked and you want to maintain your budget you could look into it. Two other trips (one week each) I have stayed in Rome at Hotel Cervia Roma which is a handful of blocks further away from Termini than the Beehive (always booked but I would like to stay there given their reviews). It also is ok.. the staff are so so... the two owners are great. I like the location slightly better than the Beehive as its a few more blocks away from the bustle of that station. My last two trips I have done a tiny apartment by Campo de Fiori (through the Beehives owners) and will do that again on all my visits. The owner is great and the price can't be beat for the location. After a number of trips to Rome, I will likely not be staying in the Termini area again, not because its bad but just because stepping out at 6am in the historic center for my morning walk is epic! In any event, the above suggestions will put you well below budget but Rome at 100 Euro a night does require realistic expectations. You can get a clean and safe place easily though with advance planning.

Three weeks ago in Milan we stayed at Hotel Florida for 100euros per night. It's about a block from Milano Centrale, small room but clean, breakfast was typical. I'd say the lobby, bar, and breakfast area have been spruced up, while our room was a bit rough around the edges. Have a great trip.