Space-A Lodging in Italy?

Author Message   ALLAN JESKA Advanced Member Username: Jeskaa1 Post Number: 215 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 97.120.0.87 Posted on Monday, May 24, 2010 - 03:37 pm:    Kathleen is "so Italian!" She spelled it "Padova" which is Italian, and I used "Padua" which is English. (Same town) Still a great hotel rate for that quality of lodging...   ALLAN JESKA Advanced Member Username: Jeskaa1 Post Number: 214 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 97.120.0.87 Posted on Monday, May 24, 2010 - 03:33 pm:    Last October, we used www.FedRooms.com and got lovely rooms at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Padua, IT. (Padua is near Vicenza and Venice) We paid 59 Euros or $79 a night (Rack Rate was 99 euros). They picked us up at the train station and took us down there whenever we desired. This was the Crown Plaza on the "ring road" and also had bus service nearby to the downtown, etc.   Kathleen H. Masunaga New member Username: Khmasunaga Post Number: 2 Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 93.147.204.156 Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 06:20 pm:    Staying in convents and monasteries may be cost effective, but be sure to check if there is a curfew or not. The Ederle Inn at Caserma Ederle US Army base in Vicenza is a good spot to stay if you want to explore Northern Italia. It is a half hour train ride to Verona, a bit further to Milan going west. You can get to Padova in a half hour and another half hour to Venice. From the Vicenza train station, take bus number 1 to the bus stop across the street from the Via della Pace pedestrian gate. You can walk from there to the Ederle Inn within 10-15 minutes. It costs a bit more...around $70 plus extra for another person in the room. Buon viaggio!   Mike Spengel Advanced Member Username: Mike_sp Post Number: 351 Registered: 07-2006 Posted From: 70.95.149.155 Posted on Monday, May 03, 2010 - 11:00 pm:    Edmund, you may wish to consult Europe's Monastery and Convent Guesthouses by Kevin J. Wright. The most recent edition, published in 2008 is available on amazon.com.   Fred Hanna Member Username: Fhanna Post Number: 23 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 149.101.1.120 Posted on Monday, May 03, 2010 - 08:30 pm:    I check into the Holiday House tomorrow the 4th of May. The arrangements made by USO at 77 Euro per night. The USO located around the corner from hotel. Will answer posts while there.   John G Advanced Member Username: Windjammer_john Post Number: 282 Registered: 02-2008 Posted From: 207.13.58.208 Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 09:39 pm:    Edmund, here are three hotels/B&B that the Rome USO has links to. I just stayed at the Holiday House which is about 5 blocks from St Peters and about two blocks from the metro line, which is very easy to get around Rome. You will need to contact the USO in order to get the discount that is listed following the name of each hotel/B&B. The price is euros not dollars and we had to pay cash and not able to use any credit card. I would stay there again. Good luck. www.residenzarisorgimento.it 112 www.ilpassetto.eu 97 www.holidayhouseroma.com 77 Please reply to donna.cafaro@uso.it   Nick Watson Member Username: Clermontnick Post Number: 16 Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 70.119.252.176 Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 07:18 pm:    Edmund: Just my two cents' worth, but I advise against anything near the Termini area of Rome. It's seedy, poorly lit at night, poorly patrolled by the Carabineri, and teems with petty criminals like pickpockets. I'm not saying that any physical harm will come to you there, but the place gave us the creeps. My wife and I stayed there one night, then got away from there the next day. We will never stay in that area again! Nick Watson   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4389 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 04:14 pm:    Edmund, There is no Space-A lodging (that I know of) in Rome. There's some lodging links (including convents) on Spacea.net's European Travel Page that may help.   Edmund Pyne Member Username: Mr_edd Post Number: 9 Registered: 02-2008 Posted From: 75.69.107.161 Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 03:45 pm:    I am looking for "reasonable" accomodations in Rome for four nights in Oct. I have heard that Convents offer clean,safe B&B type rooms w/bkfst. Would prefer a loc. in or arround the train station(tremini)   Fred Hanna Member Username: Fhanna Post Number: 18 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 149.101.1.115 Posted on Friday, April 02, 2010 - 03:18 pm:    Ooops! That's the Holiday House Roma that we are staying in during our Romme visit. The hotel mentione in my last post is in Paris. Since then we have been confirmed in the Cercle National Des Armees (French military hotel) for Paris.   Fred Hanna Member Username: Fhanna Post Number: 17 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 149.101.1.115 Posted on Friday, April 02, 2010 - 02:30 pm:    Via the Rome USO I have reservations (early May, 2010) at the Hotel Europe Saint Severin. Near the Vatican and Norte Dame. The rate is 77 Euros for the USO referrals. Will stay there based on the USO recommendation for my price range. Will see.   Marita Marcano Member Username: Joluma Post Number: 20 Registered: 03-2010 Posted From: 74.170.108.155 Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 04:11 pm:    In 2005 we spent 5 nights at the Hotel Villa Primavera in Pisa and did trips around Tuscany from there. See http://pisa.hotelvillaprimavera.it/index.php and check out the small video on this site. Hotel Villa Primavera Via Bonanno Pisano, 43 56126 PISA - Italy This hotel is 5 min. walking distance from the Piazza del Duomo and the Leaning Tower. It is a lovely, charming "pensione" type hotel where you can park your car (for free) under olive trees in their private parking. The rooms are fairly small but very neat and the shower is small. The price for a double room was 70 euros. We had a typical Italian breakfast (included) with real Italian capuccino in their small and charming breakfast room in the morning. We loved it! Molto italiano! We always prefer to stay in small local hotels among the natives because we love to "immerse" ourselves in the local culture when we travel.   Joe Joyce Intermediate Member Username: Joejoyce Post Number: 142 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 24.23.114.22 Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2010 - 10:23 pm:    We stayed at both Sea Pines and Casa Toscana in OCT,2007. Both facilities are very nice. Casa Toscana is more centrally located to commissary, exchange, laundry, etc. It's also more expensive (about $20.00/da.). I wouldn't hesitate to stay at either one again. We thought Camp Darby was a great "home base" from which to do day trips thoughout Tuscany. I agree with Chris, don't miss the Cinque Terra. However, DO NOT drive there. You'll spend too much valuable time negotiating the mountainous terrain and then when you get there you won't be able to park. Do as Rick Steves advises, take the train. Have a great SpaceA adventure!   Chris Schaede Intermediate Member Username: Schaede Post Number: 98 Registered: 03-2007 Posted From: 69.61.178.164 Posted on Monday, March 01, 2010 - 11:45 pm:    We did Sea Pines in early June 2008. Although we had a little difficulty finding it once we did we had a great stay. In fact we were there during the Italian-American festival on base, with a carnival, food boothes, etc. If you are in the area the Cinque Terre on the coast is a must.   GJZ Advanced Member Username: Candleinthesand Post Number: 269 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 97.119.160.12 Posted on Friday, February 26, 2010 - 03:12 am:    We stayed 5 nights at Sea Pines in April 2008. One double bed, one twin bed for 2 of us. Bathroom with shower, kitchen with refrig, small stove and micro. Not fancy by any means but great place to sleep, shower and get out to see Tuscany! We paid $60/night. Casa Toscana was full. Television never did work. We made trips from Camp Darby to San Gimignano, Lucca, Florence and Sienna, all on different days. Camp Darby has small commissary, bx (where we bought extra expandable carry-on. ITT Office can arrange trips into Florence, but pretty easy to go on your own. If no car, you can taxi into Livorno to train station to get to Florence. Great little base. Glad it was there.   FHYL Advanced Member Username: Fhyl Post Number: 311 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 68.68.135.160 Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 12:48 pm:    Hmmm, "Still looking for a place that is connected to Florence by bus and not too far away. Also, does anyone know how far in advance you can make a reservation at Camp Darby? Looks like a pretty convenient spot." Cp Darby is 112 km (~70 miles) from Florence. And a bus trip (other than a tour bus) between the two is not real convenient. For your own research into Camp Darby: http://www.usag.livorno.army.mil/OutAbout.html http://www.livornomwr.com/st.php?activity_id=56&template_id=1   Barbara Patterson Member Username: Bap Post Number: 29 Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 64.134.190.176 Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 12:07 pm:    Still looking for a place that is connected to Florence by bus and not too far away. Also, does anyone know how far in advance you can make a reservation at Camp Darby? Looks like a pretty convenient spot. Barbara   FHYL Advanced Member Username: Fhyl Post Number: 310 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 68.68.135.160 Posted on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - 02:57 pm:    Oops, two more ideas: On another trip we rented a villa (for 6, for a week) in Pergein Valdarno. A hilltop wine village 62 km from Firenze. Toured by car for a week in Tuscany. Really went native....on this one. http://www.discovery-travel.co.uk/ShowDetails.asp?id=26 Or Italian Monastaries: http://www.monasteriesofitaly.com/ Did I say "mio cuore nel Italia" ... ?   FHYL Advanced Member Username: Fhyl Post Number: 309 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 68.68.135.160 Posted on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - 02:43 pm:    On one trip to Tuscany, we stayed in Prato and trained into Firenze (23 km). Saved Euro + looking for and paying for parking (and also reduced risk of car damage/theft in the tourist areas). http://www.italiarail.com/ On one other trip we stayed in an agiturismo (farm B&B) on the south side of Firenze and took the urbano bus (city bus) into. Very convenient, inexpensive and traveled amougst locals. http://www.visitflorence.com/moving-around-florence/by-bus.html And we use the "Hop On, Hop Off" buses to get a quick history lesson of the town, get oriented and pick out the places (i.e., eat, tour, shop) that we wish to later visit at foot speed. A real time & Euro saver. When traveling "solo", "sans spouse" or "roughing-it", I also stay at IH (International Hostels). The one in Florence is a couple of Euro from the center of town. Example of what's avail: Bed(s) in Dorm male 15.00 EUR (per night, per bed) Double Room 35.00 EUR (per night, per room) Double Room, with shower and toilet 45.00 EUR (per night, per room) HINT: Book ahead early for the private rooms. http://www.hiusa.org/   Barbara Patterson Member Username: Bap Post Number: 28 Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 64.134.190.176 Posted on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - 02:13 pm:    This is very good information. If we can't get reservations at Camp Darby can anyone recommend something not too far out from Florence for about 2-3 nights. We want to park our rental car and take public transportation into the city. Plan also to take some commercial day tours (something like the local "hop on and off bus" or Grayline Tours). We're open to suggestions from you seasoned space-a'ers. P.S. Took your advice and made the call to Mt. View Lodge - have 3 nights reserved.   FHYL Advanced Member Username: Fhyl Post Number: 308 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 68.68.135.160 Posted on Monday, February 22, 2010 - 05:24 pm:    Did you compare the cost of Sea Pines lodging to any local hotel or pensione? By experience (multiple times), we've found local hotel room rates to be higher and if you wished to have A/C you had to pay extra. And there were no inexpensive laundry services were available either. The commisary, exchange, etc. (all available to CAT VI's) were 4+ kilometers away, measured from the Grand Hotel Contenential in Tirrenia (Piazza Belvedere) to the main gate of Darby (remember, the Darby north gate is generally closed). After two days, when rooms were available, we moved to Camp Darby...and spent savings dining in the local restaurants & pizzaria's. PS: Having just Googled hotel prices in Tirrenia, prices ranged from 120% to 300% x $60/nite (w/out taxes and fees).   Dale F. Coulter Member Username: Dondalc Post Number: 22 Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 64.12.116.208 Posted on Monday, February 22, 2010 - 04:29 am:    We stayed at Sea Pines. In my opinion, 60 bucks a night was too much for a big room with terrible lighting and thin mattresses on top of plywood (forget about box springs).   Leland Senior Member Username: Leland Post Number: 5823 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 98.218.147.237 Posted on Sunday, February 21, 2010 - 08:06 pm:    At Army bases it means the Department of Public Works. http://www.usag.livorno.army.mil/DPW.html   neal floyd Intermediate Member Username: Nfloyd Post Number: 150 Registered: 09-2007 Posted From: 66.222.116.131 Posted on Sunday, February 21, 2010 - 08:00 pm:    "DPW" ???   Bob Dart Senior Member Username: Bobdart Post Number: 1318 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 98.228.196.15 Posted on Sunday, February 21, 2010 - 04:25 am:    Though we had some difficulty initially in locating Camp Darby, my wife and I stayed at Casa Toscana as we explored northern Italy. We enjoyed our stay and it offered a good central jumping off point to visit so many of the surrounding historic and beautiful towns. Unless there has been a dramatic decline in its condition we wouldn't hesitate to stay again.   FHYL Advanced Member Username: Fhyl Post Number: 305 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 68.68.137.178 Posted on Sunday, February 21, 2010 - 01:28 am:    Hmmm, Which is "the pits?" I've/we've stayed at both the Sea Pines & Casa Toscana (x2) as late as late '07, and found neither objectionable. And when compared to a 4 star hotel, a 3 star hotel and a pensione in Terrenia, we've had no complaints about the quality, cost or conveniences.   R. Gary Dinsick New member Username: Gdinsick Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 68.54.82.165 Posted on Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 10:34 pm:    I WAS THE DPW WHO DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED THE CASA TOSCANA. IN 1989. IT WAS A 4 STAR ONCE.   FHYL Advanced Member Username: Fhyl Post Number: 304 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 68.68.137.178 Posted on Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 10:25 pm:    Dale, That's a broad brush condemnation of Darby. Where did you stay??? Camping out in tents??? In a cabin (roughing it w/ no heat or AC)?, In the Sea Pines??? Or in the Toscana Inn???   Dale F. Coulter Member Username: Dondalc Post Number: 19 Registered: 08-2009 Posted From: 64.12.116.208 Posted on Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 07:26 pm:    Fred For what it is worth, Camp Darby is the pits. Unless you are absolutely forced to stay there, I strongly recommend you find something else. I was there in October 2009.   Barbara Patterson Member Username: Bap Post Number: 27 Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 64.134.190.176 Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 09:15 pm:    Thanks, Fred I'll put these numbers in my new netbook so I can skype. Barbara   Brian T. Edwards Intermediate Member Username: Briane Post Number: 129 Registered: 06-2007 Posted From: 64.93.125.243 Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 02:33 pm:    Aviano Lodging phone: From U.S. 011-39-0434-30-4040 DSN 632-4040/ FAX 632-4050   Barbara Patterson Member Username: Bap Post Number: 26 Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 64.134.190.176 Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 02:12 pm:    Fred, did you make your reservation at Aviano via email or phone? I sent an email but didn't get a reply. Barbara   Brian T. Edwards Intermediate Member Username: Briane Post Number: 128 Registered: 06-2007 Posted From: 64.93.125.243 Posted on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 04:02 pm:    lodging@aviano.af.mil Put "reservations" in the subject line   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 3952 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 88.128.80.184 Posted on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 02:53 pm:    You should be able to make reservations at Aviano via email.   Barbara Patterson Member Username: Bap Post Number: 24 Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 206.59.176.82 Posted on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - 08:09 pm:    Can you make the reservation at Aviano by email? Barbara   Fred Hanna Member Username: Fhanna Post Number: 9 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 173.30.217.99 Posted on Wednesday, February 03, 2010 - 03:30 am:    Lew, Thanks. I also reserved 3 days in early May. They indicated plenty of rooms for that time frame.   Lew Wirfs Intermediate Member Username: Lew Post Number: 131 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 12.77.86.107 Posted on Friday, January 29, 2010 - 10:16 pm:    Fred, try Aviano, I recently reserved 120 days in advance there. the week after my reservation they were booked solid. Remember they will only give you three days at a time Lew   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 3888 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Friday, January 29, 2010 - 06:46 am:    Fred, best to contact each lodging location (Vicenza, Darby, Naples, Sigonella) to find out their availability for your specific dates. There are also some Navy Lodges available.   Fred Hanna Member Username: Fhanna Post Number: 7 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 173.30.217.99 Posted on Friday, January 29, 2010 - 04:13 am:    I have read where the lodging is extremely limited. What about other installations in Italy? Visiting in May.