Choosing where to stay in Italy isn’t just about price or star rating. The right hotel shapes how your days begin, how easily you move around, and how rested you feel at the end of the night. I’ve seen trips improved or undermined entirely by accommodation choices.
When I design an itinerary, hotel selection is never an afterthought. In fact, it’s one of the first steps I consider because I know it’s so important.
Let’s face it, an accommodation can make or break your trip: if you are traveling on a budget, I don’t consider 5-star or boutique hotels; if you wish to have a lavish stay, I won’t suggest small guesthouses and B&Bs.
Here’s how I curate stays that actually work for the way you travel.
Location comes first
A great room in the wrong place creates daily friction. I always start by looking at where a hotel sits in relation to what you’ll be doing.
Are you relying on public transport and mainly sightseeing in historic centers?
I prioritize:
- Walkable neighborhoods
- Easy access to public transport or parking
- Practical distances from key sites
- Areas that feel lived-in, not overrun
Are you driving and are interested in the countryside and day trips?
I look into:
- Residential areas out of the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones)
- Practical areas for day trips
- Countryside havens
- Top landmarks outside the historic center
In cities like Rome or Florence, this often means staying just outside the most crowded zones while keeping everything reachable from nearby neighborhoods, as charming and attractive.
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I don’t rely on star ratings alone
Star rating is different in every country, so when you travel abroad, you might not see a correspondence with what you find at home. Plus, stars tell you about facilities, not about experience. Two four-star hotels can feel completely different once you arrive.
When I review properties, I look at:
- Room layout and noise levels
- Staff consistency
- Maintenance and cleanliness
- Guest flow and crowd patterns
- Provided services and amenities
- Surrounding neighborhood and facilities
This is why I often recommend small hotels, serviced apartments, and family-run stays over large chains.
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Matching the hotel to your travel style
Not every traveler wants the same kind of stay.
I have traveled with all types of budgets. When I was a student, I traveled quite on a shoestring. Yet, I never liked hostels. With the little money I had, I always tried affordable B&Bs or guesthouses.
I match accommodation to how you move through your day.
Slow travelers
Comfortable rooms, good light, and quiet surroundings matter more than being next to every landmark.
In this case, a selection of either residential neighborhoods well-connected to the historic center or quiet corners within the historic center itself can be a good option.
Active travelers
This largely depends on the type of activity the traveler is seeking.
City slicker with historical and artistic landmarks in mind? Central locations and early breakfast options make days smoother.
Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts? A farm stay or a comfortable hotel near important natural landmarks such as the peaks of the Dolomites in Trentino-Alto Adige, the volcanic lakes of Lazio, or scenic coastal routes in eastern Sardinia can truly elevate your stay.
Food-focused travelers
In this case, I would prioritize stays near local markets, bakeries, and neighborhood trattorias. I look for hotels with a good in-house restaurant and possibly areas where they also offer cooking workshops.
Travelers with mobility needs
I look closely at elevators, step-free and ramp-provided access, and comfortable bathroom layouts. When sightseeing is requested, I would seek realistic walking distances, golf cart tours, and smooth pathways (as much as possible in Italy!).
Your hotel should support your trip, not complicate it.
Value over trendiness
Italy has no shortage of stylish hotels, but be cautious of the flashy and hyper-edited photos on social media: they are not fair to customers or the hotels themselves, as travelers arrive with inflated expectations and are easily disappointed.
I avoid properties that:
- Rely on hype rather than service
- Inflate prices during peak seasons without improving quality
- Sacrifice comfort for design
- Spend more on advertising than on amenities
Instead, I focus on places that deliver consistent value and thoughtful service. This is how I help you spend well, not just spend more.
Boutique and local-first when possible
Whenever it fits your itinerary and travel style, I lean toward:
- Independent hotels
- Agriturismi with real working farms
- Small-town guesthouses
- Residences run by local families
These stays offer better insight into the region and often come with that personal touch you don’t get in larger properties. This is how you ensure sustainable travel and your experience will gain value and memories.
Logistics matter more than you think
A hotel might look perfect until you factor in how you’ll arrive and leave.
I always check:
- Taxi access and drop-off points
- Distance from train stations
- Parking logistics if you’re driving
- Luggage handling in historic centers
These facilities and services avoid stressful arrivals and wasted energy on travel days.
Why this level of curation makes a difference
Travelers often tell me they didn’t realize how much their hotel choice shaped their experience until it was done right (or wrong!). When a hotel is the right one, mornings feel easier, evenings feel calmer, and the trip flows smoothly.
When I design your custom Italy itinerary, your accommodation choices are fully integrated into the plan. They align with your route, your pace, and what you want from the trip.
If you want stays that feel practical, comfortable, and well thought out, I can curate them for you as part of your Italy itinerary.
