There are a few different choices for accommodations in Italy: Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, and what we have nicknamed “Airbnb” style properties. All these options have many pros and cons. Accommodation bookings will all depend on your travel group, location, logistics, and length of stay. Are you traveling as a couple, family, or a group of friends? Are you staying in an urban center or out in the countryside? Do you have a rental car, are you relying on public transportation, or are you hiring private drivers? How long are you staying? Italy is one of the most traveled countries in the world so tourists are spoiled for choice. Let’s get into the options!
Hotels
Hotel properties are my first choice for short city stays involving couples and small families. Coming back to a clean room after a long day of sightseeing is a gift in and of itself. Staying in a fantastic hotel can really make your holiday extra special. Room service, an onsite restaurant, and a freshly prepared breakfast feels like a vacation to me! Hotels usually have a 24-hour front desk for concierge services as well as resources for any emergency. They are often well-located and of course suit every kind of budget. Some hotels cater more to families while others are more suited for romantic couple holidays. Resort style hotels are usually outside the historical center of cities in Italy and are numerous in the countryside. These are larger properties with many amenities like spas, large swimming pools, child clubs, and hiking trails. This is a great option for families, especially in the summer season, looking to sightsee in the mornings and relaxing with children or teenagers in the afternoons. If you are staying at one of these properties in Rome or Florence, then resort shuttle services and taxis are a win in avoiding renting a car. The resort style hotels that pervade the Italian countryside from Puglia to the Dolomites are usually amazing retreats for a relaxing or adventurous holiday. You will often need a car so you can explore the hilltop towns or Italy’s numerous national parks.
Bed and Breakfasts
If you are on a budget or just want a smaller property without many bells and whistles, Italy has a variety of bed and breakfast style accommodations. If you are researching this type of property in city centers, they are often in buildings with other residences or businesses, do not have a 24 front desk or 24-hour security, and do not usually have a designated lobby area. Concierge services are restricted to their short desk hours, and you will need a code or key to access the property. Laundry and daily cleaning are available, so it is a wise option for the budget traveler. Countryside bed and breakfast properties are separated into two groups: bed and breakfast or agriturismo. What is the difference? A bed and breakfast will either be in a converted old country home with limited concierge and desk services or will be a property designated as an organic farm. These farm stays are known in Italy as Agriturismi. The food served at the property is sourced from their farmland and often these meals are some of the most delicious you will experience in your Italian travels. Some agriturismi are quite luxurious! They too have limited front desk hours, however there are often evening activities like wine tastings and cooking classes that extend the management’s hours into the night. I have frequently picked this style of accommodation over a luxury resort for the food alone and these stays often feel more authentically Italian.
Villa Rentals and Airbnb properties
Large groups or families will need more space and rooms. An economical choice is a home rental whether it is in a city center or in the hills of Sicily. Home rentals in city centers will be in apartment buildings and you can usually find them conveniently located near all the sights. If you are venturing into the countryside a villa is a fantastic way to spend a holiday. Villas are usually not within walking distance of a town, so a rental car is a necessity. There will be a lot of bedrooms, a good-sized kitchen, and hopefully gardens and a pool. Some of these properties can be serviced and you can even hire a chef to prepare some of your meals. It is a nice way to experience living like a local, even if only for a short amount of time. There are some cons to these types of properties. Many of the platforms used to book home and apartment rentals are usually booking channels NOT suppliers, therefore, you do not know who is supplying the property. There have been circumstances where tourists have shown up to their home rental only for it to not exist or it look completely different from its pictures online. Many of the major booking channels for home rentals have ironclad terms and conditions leaving the customer with few options. Fortunately, there are booking channels that vet all their advertised properties, have employees that physically have visited and stayed at the property, and many have refund policies that are more appealing to customers. I personally use the platform www.StayHVN.com and www.bookingsforyou.com for my personal holidays and for my clients. These are often a bit more expensive but Stay HVN properties offer 24-hour assistance and decent refund policies. Bookings For You has a collection of more economical rental properties in fantastic locations, all with management living nearby.
Conclusion
Finding the right accommodation for you and your travel party does not need to be stressful. I often like to combine property types for myself and clients. If I am staying in Rome or Florence, I opt for a fantastic hotel in the historical center. If I venture into the countryside for a few days, I will always choose a luxury resort or agriturismo depending on where I am staying. Tuscany for example boasts numerous wine and wellness resorts while Umbria has some of the most luxurious farm stays. If traveling with a large family or group, a villa rental is a fantastic option for budget and an authentic Italian experience.
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