Italy - Nice places to stay

holidaysforme

Voyager2002 wrote: »

AI is a really bad idea... the best Italian food is found in small, family-run restaurants (of which there are many everywhere). Italians are generally moderate drinkers, so not a good place to go to hit the free booze.

I agree. Italy is the last place I would go on an all inclusive holiday!

Doshwaster

holidaysforme wrote: »

I agree. Italy is the last place I would go on an all inclusive holiday!

Apart from Thailand. Anyone who goes AI there needs their head examining.

ibizafan_2

I would agree if your intention is just to stay around the hotel all day, but we used the AI hotel in Sicily as a base while we went out and about. The cost of the hotel was on a par with other accommodation in Sicily so made sense even just for drinks. We don't let AI limit us at all and make the most of it for our own benefit. For families with children it makes even more sense.

DCFC79

I would also say Sorrento, cant recommend a hotel as can't recall the name but do know it was only a short bus ride from the town or walk it but was steep though. Donglemouse has mentioned whats nearby, Pompeii was worth a visit.

Been to Lake Garda area but again cant remember much except it was nice, didnt stay in a hotel but stayed on a campsite.

greenface

Voyager2002 wrote: »

AI is a really bad idea... the best Italian food is found in small, family-run restaurants (of which there are many everywhere). Italians are generally moderate drinkers, so not a good place to go to hit the free booze.

Again agreed but don't knock my logic . Often a decent hotel if you read the reviews properly. Im not a drunk so booze being "free" (its included in the inclusive) a few cocktails and couple of pints of cheap wet stuff isn't going to get me rolling around showing my union jacked bum off. A good nights rest and a brekky and coffee without needing pockets are a winner . evening meal will be enjoyed on and off the place .I love to get out and about. OK for a week in Italy for 3 people less what im saving being AI . 21 x brekkys @ 10Euros with coffee =210 . drinks say 6 soft and alcoholic per day each @ 3euro = 400 . Evening meal 21 x @ 25 euro =500 . That's over a grand saved /spent on top of the price of the hollybobs . Last yea in Cyprus was AI plus about a grand spent . I amwith you about local foodies and cafes . but again a decent brekky and no pockets are good for lazy days . and not much more to start with .

zoothornrollo_2

to get off the beaten track a bit - and maybe find a cheaper deal - try looking for places in Puglia (heel / ankle of the boot) or Calabria (toe / forefoot).
Not so many big sights or attractions but very lovely and def. less expensive than just about anywhere else in Italy.

greenface

Thanks for Puglia and im a leg man too. Better than Scarborough which is the gap between the old lady and pigs ar .se and that sums up scarborough.

hollie.weimeraner

Sorrento and the area is amazing but definitely not cheap. Hotels, restaurants and bars all charge premium prices as do the shops. The Amalfi coast is also unforgettable but again everywhere you will go knows how to charge a premium.

If you are on a definite budget you may well have to avoid Sorrento.

We stayed in Sant Agnello just outside Sorrento when we went but stayed on half board basis and ate out a couple of nights. It was within walking distance of Sorrento and a lot better value than the town centre hotels.

benjus

zoothornrollo wrote: »

to get off the beaten track a bit - and maybe find a cheaper deal - try looking for places in Puglia (heel / ankle of the boot) or Calabria (toe / forefoot).
Not so many big sights or attractions but very lovely and def. less expensive than just about anywhere else in Italy.

Haven't been to Calabria yet, but I've been to Puglia a couple of times and would thoroughly recommend it. It's got a great laid-back feel to it, especially if you go in June when the weather's warm but it hasn't yet filled up with Italians on their summer holidays.

NaskoZmeq

I've always wanted to cruise on those Venice canals, such a beautiful town.