Where to Stay in Italy? All the options, right here! (4 MIN READ)
After deciding where to go (which let’s face it is hard enough) you want to choose where to stay. Which leads to more questions…centrally located? — a must! Can I get a view?
Believe it or not, there are many types of accommodations that are overlooked, so we laid out all the options so you can be in the know:
Hotels: yes, exactly what you expect, some bigger than others but a full service option. Including a concierge, a lobby, usually at least one restaurant and a host of services. I.e. laundry, room service, sometimes even a spa or pool.
B&B: similar but on a smaller scale than a hotel. There is generally a concierge and front desk available almost 24 hours a day. Outsourced services often available; if not in-house there are usually special vendors close by (coffee shop, restaurant, laundry service etc.) that offer services on behalf of the B&B
Apartment-style: These generally work in one of two ways. The first being a large apartment that has been converted into single guest rooms. There may be anywhere from 2-5 rooms and a common kitchen area. When you arrive you walk into a residential building and have a key as if you’re walking into an apartment and from there there are a series of doors to the private rooms.
The second way is you get an entire private apartment, you may enter a residential building have the key and the apartment is for your private use.
This is a great, often overlooked, option. If you are choosing to spend more time in one place to use as a “home-base” and explore from there then this can be more convenient.
The main things to keep in mind: you usually will coordinate with the real estate manager for your arrival and departure time, they will meet you at the property to give you the keys, give you a tour and then to collect the keys when you are leaving. You will not have a concierge but you can contact the real estate manager to ask any questions at any time.
This can also be perfect if you are planning to travel with kids! Also note there may or may not be a daily cleaning service with this option.
House or Villa: If you’re traveling as a family or in a group this could be a great option!
Similar to the apartment-style accommodation but an entire house. They vary in size and number of bedrooms and bathrooms but they have a full service kitchen, sometimes even a pool or outdoor activity area. Some may have parking and a washing machine which can come in handy.
There is usually a property manager who will coordinate your arrival and departure times to meet you at the property to give you keys and a tour and then to pick them up when your stay ends.
The main difference to point out with this type of option is that you don’t have a daily cleaning service.
Agriturismo: An Italian word many have not heard of. An agriturismo basically means farm-stay. Now don’t get an image of a farm with cows and sheep in your head.
It’s usually an old farm that has been converted into guest houses. There is a main house with a dining room and kitchen and other structures around the main house that are guest rooms.
Some guest rooms may have their own small kitchens and some may not. There is usually the option to have breakfast and dinner everyday in the main house and then to use the days to explore the area.They are a great option when traveling with kids or if you prefer a more peaceful retreat.
Since these are so unique, make sure to read our next post focusing just on agriturismi, there are many wonderful options!
AirBnB: Let’s start by saying we are not a fan of this option.The main reason being that before booking a spot you usually are not told the actual physical address. AirBnB’s usually fall into the apartment option just that they are featured on the AirBnB website. This style of accommodation has been in Italy for decades so they are usually found on other sites in addition to the AirBnB website. If you’re a fan of AirBnB then you’ll be happy to find tons of options in Italy!
Resorts: A newer, not as common option. Resorts in Italy are usually in the north and are centered around specific activities like skiing and newer ones are focused on golf.They are more inclusive and usually a little remote where the idea is you stay at the resort for the majority of your vacation.
Hostel: A shared apartment or house often with bunk-style beds or shared bedrooms and bathrooms. A good and popular option for students or someone traveling alone who wants to meet fellow travelers. There are quite a few that have wonderful reputations and in pretty cool locations (i.e. can be a converted villa). If you’re traveling solo but want to find people to share in outings or activities, look into them!
The many options can feel daunting but we look at it as endless possibilities. Doing research is always important but we have been surprised to find unique properties that have blown us away just by giving something different a chance. The great part is that YOU get to benefit from the years of research that give us the opportunity to help you plan a unique vacation and to see Italy, dolce vita style!