Rome, Tuscany, Sorrento, Venice hotels for early Oct.

With all of those question, seems you should start by getting Steves' guide book for Italy. Then ask specific question once you have done a little homework. Some of your criteria does not fit well with lower prices. Something in the middle will always cost more than something a little further out requiring walking or public transit. Breakfast is fairly standard with more places. Again, guide books and local TI is your best source for tour companies. We have always had very good luck with the local TI and the specific recommendations in Steves' guidebooks. 120E in most of those areas is a little low.

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't make myself clear. I meant $300/ night for EACH room, totaling $600/night.

We thought Maison Tofani, in Sorrento, was fabulous. Really central, about a one block walk off Piazza Tasso. Wonderful breakfast. Great, friendly service. See my review and others on Tripadvisor for more details.

We thought Maison Tofani, in Sorrento, was fabulous. Really central, about a one block walk off Piazza Tasso. Wonderful breakfast. Great, friendly service. See my review and others on Tripadvisor for more details.

Thanks for the recommendation. I had gone to Trip Advisor initially but find it most helpful when communicating directly with people and getting their feedback. I will definitely check this hotel out.

In Sorrento, we stayed 3 nights at Palazzo Januzzi for 190 euros per night in mid-May. I would easily recommend it. We booked a terrace room, which was large, brightly painted, and very clean. They also served a nice continental breakfast. It is located on Piazza Tasso, which is the main square. Plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops, etc within easy walking distance. Sitting on the terrace watching the traffic go around the very small roundabout was great free entertainment too. For the Amalfi Coast tour, we hired a private driver (Michael) from monetti taxi after seeing it in the Rick Steves book and on his Amalfi Coast show, and it was well worth it. We didn't do private tours elsewhere, but used Walks of Italy for 3 small group tours in Rome and airport transfers (Twilight Walking Tour, Coliseum Tour, and early morning Skip the Lines Pristine Sistene). All were excellent, only 6-12 people total, and they will give you a discount if you mention the Rick Steves Italy book.

Definitely get the RS guidebook for Italy as a starting point. His descriptions of lodging are almost always spot on, and will let you pick something that fits your budget and interests. Happy travels.

Thanks so much. I will get the guidebook and start my reading. Im sure I will have questions in the future. I love the people on RS boards as you are all so helpful!!

A few suggestions and sites are homelidays.com freereservations.com venere.com thebeehive.com cross-pollinate.com Do you homework and research. Is there a private bath, compared to sharing down the hallway, breakfast, what floor is it on and is there an elevator, so no climbing stairs with luggage (that happened to us in rome, 4 flights of stairs to climb with no help!! NO FUN) deposit okay with credit card and cash upon arrival gets you a discount, bring euros from the states just in case. email the hotel, apt whatever you rent and keep in contact them. in venice we just walked, got lost, walked, got lost the whole fun of it. make sure you dont fall in a canal. LOL took a boat to burano and mazzorbo then to the lido back to venice during sunset. was great
Enjoy and have fun