Where to stay in Italy
Hotels
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and therefore has a wide choice of hotels that suit all tastes and budgets. Charges vary according to class, season, services available and locality. The Italian State Tourist Board publishes the official list of all Italian hotels every year. Service charges are included in the rates. VAT (IVA in Italy) operates in all hotels at 10% (22% in deluxe hotels) on room charges only. In heavily touristed cities, such as Venice and Verona, a tourist tax of €3 per person, per day is also payable. Visitors are required by law to obtain an official receipt when staying at hotels.
Grading: Hotels are graded on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. The term pensione (pension) for a small hotel is no longer in official use in Italy. Instead these are now termed 1, 2 or 3-star hotels.
Bed and breakfast
Bed & breakfast and home stays (where breakfast is not provided) have become increasingly popular in Italy. Visitors have the opportunity to meet local people in their own homes. Accommodation can range from simple to luxurious.
Camping
Camping is very popular in Italy. The local tourist office in the nearest town will give information and particulars of the most suitable sites. On the larger campsites, it is possible to rent tents/caravans. There are over 1,700 official campsites and full details of the sites can be obtained in the publication Campeggi in Italia, published by the Touring Club Italiano (TCI). The Touring Club Italiano offers campsites already equipped with fixed tents.
Other accomodation
Villas, flats and chalets are available for rent at most Italian resorts. Information is available through daily newspapers and tourist agencies abroad and from the Italian State Tourist Board or the tourist office (Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno) of the locality concerned.
Holiday villages in Italy consist of bungalows and apartments, usually built in or near popular resorts.
There are over 100 youth hostels in Italy. During the summer season in the major cities, reservations are essential and should be made at least a week in advance. There are also student hostels in several towns.
Agriturismi, or farmstays, offer accommodation in converted farm buildings on working farms. Accommodation is on a self-catering or B&B basis and can range from rooms in simply converted, rustic barns to luxurious farm villas. Many also offer the option of participating in farm activities such as harvesting fruits or cheese making.
