My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy in late May, flying into Milan and out of Rome. We'd like to see as much as possible, without driving ourselves crazy by moving around too much. We've been to Milan before, so we only plan to spend one night there; somewhere close to the train station would probably work best. (Any suggestions?) We've already been to Lake Como and loved it. Our itinerary isn't firm yet, but so far the plan is to travel from Milan to Venice by train, spend 2 or 3 nights there, then take a train to Florence (2 nights,) train to Siena (2 nights) and then on to Rome (5 nights.) We're traveling light (small roller boards and back packs.) We're looking for places in a mid price range (150 euros per night?) with convenient locations. Air conditioning isn't important, but I think I'd like my own bathroom. Is this possible? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Posted by
California
62 posts
These were our picks for our trip last March. I'd love to go back, and I'd stay in each of them again! All of these were well priced, the most we paid was 120 euros/night (for a 2 bedroom apt). In Venice: Residenza Ca' Foscolo,(http://www.cafoscolo.com). I've stayed here twice, with a group of 5 adults, and just as a couple. These are actually apartments, bright, clean, modern, and perfectly located on a canal and quiet square, right between Rialto and San Marco. In Florence: Residenza della Signoria (http://www.residenzadellasignoria.com). Perfect location between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, spacious and lovely rooms. With 5 days in Rome, go with an apartment. There are so many to choose from, we did this one and loved it. (http://www.flipkey.com/properties/view/120334/balestrari) Again, perfectly situated next to Campo dei Fiori, we walked absolutely everywhere. Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon
133 posts
Hotel Berna in Milan was great. 5 min walk from the train station. Wonderful breakfast, very friendly staff. Stayed at Hotel Al Piave in Venice and liked it as well. Our trip was late May of this year. Great time to go, we had perfect weather. We rented an apartment in Rome for our last 4 nights, may be less expensive then a hotel. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Fort Mill, SC, USA
70 posts
Thanks so much!
Posted by
Singapore
354 posts
Lynette, I'd take a bus rather than train from Florence to Siena as the Siena train station is quite a distance from the city centre. The bus company is SITA and the bus station is (sort of) next to Florence's Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station. Buses make the run very regularly and the express bus journey is only about an hour and a quarter. In Siena, try the Albergo Bernini or Alma Domus or a B&B - you can find some reviewed in Tripadvisor. In Venice, I stayed at the Hotel Santa Lucia near the train station. Nice little hotel with reasonable prices in a city full of expensive hotels, but the station area isn't exactly the nicest! Don't eat in the restaurants nearest the station - there are better food places elsewhere, even just a 10-minute walk away.
Posted by
OP
Fort Mill, SC, USA
70 posts
Thanks, Audrey. You just answered a question for me...what's the best way to get from Rome to Siena and then Siena to Florence? Our itinerary has changed since we now have to fly in AND out of Milan. We're using free miles and got nervous about waiting any longer for something to open up returning from Rome. Now our plan is to go from Milan to CT, then on to Rome, Siena, Florence, Venice and back to Milan. We are trying to do it all by train, but the trip from Milan to CT is a bit of a nightmare and Rome to Siena takes longer than Rome to Florence! I was wondering about the bus. Thanks for your suggestions regarding places to stay!
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
For Milano we always stay at the Hotel Berna and have for years. For the other cities look at venere.com and tripadvisor.com. Both sites are extremely reputable and they both provide choices, pricing, map locations, and client reviews. Buon viaggio, RB