Where to Sleep in Italy
Italy offers a range of lodging options, from standard or luxury hotels to peaceful convents and romantic villas. This list explains these categories, what to expect and look for with each. Once you’ve become familiar with the possibilities, choosing what’s right for you should be easy and fun.
Hotels are plentiful throughout Italy, with major cities offering numerous 1-star to 5-star and 5-star deluxe choices. Hotel prices are set by the local tourism board and are usually inclusive of all services and taxes. If you’re on a budget, check 2-star and 3-star hotels first, and then decide whether the extras offered by the 3-star hotel merit the price increase for you. 1- and 2-star hotels may be less service-oriented, but they’re usually just as tidy and should cover the basics. Most Italian concierge speak English.
A pensione is a homey alternative to hotels. Pensioni offer full- or half-board, thus giving guests the option of taking all their meals among fellow lodgers. The term pensione is falling out of favor in tourism these days, being referred to instead as 1-, 2-, or 3-star hotels.
Bed and breakfasts in Italy function much like you’d expect, offering a more intimate, family feel, often with common rooms for lodgers to use for socializing and relaxing. Breakfasts included or use of the kitchen.
Italian youth hostels are a popular choice among young people touring Italy on a tight budget. Much like college dormitories, hostels group up to six guests in each room with shared baths. Some hostels may offer use of a kitchen, luggage storage (for a small fee), and a common room with games, radio or television. The standard age limit is twenty-six, so guests should be prepared to show a student identification card or other identification to prove their age.
Convents and monasteries are a tranquil alternative to hotels, providing visitors a glimpse of monastic life. Staying in a convent is a great option for single friends or married couples, but unmarried couples may be refused. If this happens, politely move on. These are, after all, religious establishments whose rules must be respected.
Villa stays mean comfort and charm, where visitors can repose nestled in the countryside away from noisy city centers. Depending on where you book, renting a car may be necessary for mobility, though some agencies and proprietors offer shuttle services to airports and nearby towns.
Agriturismi, or farm stays, were initially Italy’s way to boost tourism in rural areas and re-invigorate farming production. They may be composed of multiple rooms within a large farmhouse, or divided into private apartments. Guests are usually invited to tour the farm or even partake in farm labor. Taking your meals at an agriturismo is a fantastic way to appreciate fresh, authentic cooking, based on onsite agricultural production.
Camping in Italy is a viable low-cost option, but, as most sights are outside of cites, requires a car rental.
