A Guide to Lodging in Italy

You've booked your plane tickets to Italy and now it's time to think about the next most important element of your trip: lodging.

If you haven't been to Italy before, you might be surprised at just how many options there are for different types of accommodations while you are traveling. Here's a quick guide:

Hotel – This is obviously the most common category for tourists visiting Italy, but remember that it isn't the only category! Hotels in Italy are generally rated on the 1-to-5 star system, but keep in mind that the number of stars doesn't always correlate with their level of luxury.

In Italy, a lot of the times the star rating is based on the property having certain features like breakfast service, 24-hour reception, air conditioning, and other highlights. 

Agriturismo – This type of accommodation you may not be as familiar with, but they are quite common throughout Italy. When you stay at an agriturismo, you're usually staying at a farm-like property with the family who owns the home, and you usually get the option of eating home-cooked breakfast and dinner, too.

Many travelers to Italy prefer agriturismo stays because it offers a chance to really experience the culture of the area—the people, the food, and the scenery. Surprisingly, reservations at an agritourismo tend to be less expensive than a traditional hotel.

Pensione – Another common accommodation in Italy you might not be familiar with is a pensione, which is usually a block of rooms rented by a type of family establishment that can be much less expensive than a traditional hotel.

Usually a pensione provides the option of meals too, which is something you won't necessarily find with hotels. Nowadays, you can find pensione in Italy under other names like B&B, albergo, or soggiorno.

Hostel – If you're really up for an adventure and saving a considerable amount of money on accommodations, you may want to give hostels a try. Hostels are very popular amongst single travelers or those who want to meet other fellow travelers along the way.

Typically, hostels offer shared rooms and bathrooms—although a select few may offer the option to book a private room for a higher cost. Hostels are abundant throughout Italy, and you can usually find a variety of options in just about every city. 

No matter what style of traveler you are, you'll find options for your preferred style of lodging just about anywhere. Hotels, agriturismi, and pensioni are usually listed on online travel sites like TripAdvisor, and you can find a wide range of hostels on sites like HostelWorld.com. Happy travels!

Bluone can also help find exclusive lodging in Italy in connection with our culinary and wine tours. For more information on places you could stay, please contact us today!

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