the reluctant travel companion

I only stay at B&Bs and I have never had anything stolen. If anything I think it is more likely to happen at a hotel where there are lots of staff. At a mom and pop joint where the only people that work there are mom and dad and a son or daughter it seems highly unlikely he would have anything stolen. Get luggage locks and leave it his luggage and lock the luggage before you leave the room.

Not only do you have a much better travel experience staying in a B&B or small family-owned hotel, I agree with Scott that they are probably safer than a big anonymous hotel. In addition to having a smaller staff made up of family members, there are fewer people coming and going. Anyone can wander into a large hotel and cruise up and down halls looking for a door that’s been left open, but at a B&B or family hotel, the staff has a better idea about who should be there and who shouldn’t. Check out Rick Steves’ travel guide on Italy, he lists almost exclusively family run establishments with which he has dealt for years.

Well, it sounds like your travel companion is considering staying at B&Bs.

Here are some other suggestions that may reach more of a middle ground:

• If he wants to stay at a pricier hotel, then he should be willing to pay the cost differential.

• It's possible to stay at a hotel, usually they're smaller, that feels Italian, and not like "some generic Hilton." For example, Albergo del Senato, a very nice hotel indeed, where he could leave his belongings in a safe.

• I'm sure there are small hotels, inns or B&Bs that provide safes. If you can't tell from a website, email and ask. That way, your companion's mind is at ease, and you have a more personal experience.

on another thought, perhaps he could arrange to ship his work stuff back home after his last conference. that way he could truly relax and enjoy his time rather than worry about his stuff.

Lexma's 1st suggestion is exactly what I wa thinking...Or what about half-and-half? Half the stays in a big box hotel and the other half in a B&B?

Katrina,

I usually travel with expensive Camera and electronic gear, and so far I haven't had any problems. B&B's are often safer than many Hotels, as the rooms are typically cleaned by the owners or family, rather than a Maid.

Many smaller Hotels (such as those listed in Rick's Guidebooks) are providing in-room Safes these days, although certainly not all of them. Many of the Safes wouldn't be large enough for a full-size Laptop and the other "work equipment" though. Locking the Laptop inside luggage is usually sufficient.

You might have a look at
This website for one Hotel suggestion.

Good luck!

Ron... what I great idea. I just texted the suggestion to him and he replied back "problem solved!". At least now he only has to lug it around one way & not round trip.

I only stay at B & Bs or family run hotels and have no trouble trusting their staff. They are more apt to screen their employees more carefully as it reflects directly on them. Although, I still lock things away for safe keeping. Most will have some sort of in-room safe for your valuables and a lot will also have WiFi. There are B & Bs that are very, very classy, much more so than the larger "business oriented" hotels. Look on TripAdvisor.com for unbiased traveler ratings and pictures.