Where to Stay in Italy

Whether it’s a hostel or camping out or the most exclusive luxury hotels, there is a range of accommodation in Italy to suit every traveller’s requirement.

Hotels are rated on a scale of ‘stars’; 5 star hotels are the plushest of the lot and usually boast facilities like swimming pools, health centres, conference rooms, multi cuisine restaurants and in house nightclubs. The tourist centres of Rome, Florence and Venice are full of these. If you are in Tuscany and have the money, there’s the option of renting out a country villa for the duration of your stay.

Mid rung options include rooms in private residences known as Affittacamere, where you can rent a room and really savour life the Italian way. It’s also possible to camp out at specially set-up sites, which more often than not are way outside city limits. Most have all the modern conveniences and are quite comfortable.

Hostels are popular with students, backpackers and no-frills thrill-seeking traveller. There are about 50 hostels liberally scattered through the expanse of Italy, giving value for money accommodation deals. Many impose restrictions like an evening curfew, no-drinking and no-smoking.

The one-star pensione are for those on a tight budget. Some of them are really quite charming. Prices are to be put outside your room by law. If they aren’t there, make sure you get them in writing. Check to see if your breakfast is included. (It’s usually an extra charge clubbed together with the room rent which can be separated from the room tariff and is not compulsory.) Also, check to see if a shower is included. Rooms with a con bagno or private bath, cost more.

Whatever you choose, if you haven’t reserved ahead, make sure you begin looking for accommodation before noon.