Listen to “271. What to expect at an Italian hotel” on Spreaker.
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Curious about what it’s really like to stay in an Italian hotel? We explore everything you need to know before you check in – from charming quirks like tiny elevators and dessert-style breakfasts to tips for finding the perfect place to stay. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, get ready to make the most of your Italian hospitality experience.
Summary
In this episode, Untold Italy founder Katy Clarke shares everything you need to know about navigating the charming and sometimes quirky world of Italian accommodations. She reveals her tried-and-tested methods for finding the perfect stay, explains how Italy’s unique star rating system actually works, and dives into those little surprises that make Italian hotels different from what you might expect at home.
What you’ll learn in this episode
- Why hotels are often a better choice than short-term rentals for short stays in Italy
- The different types of Italian accommodations and what hotel star ratings really mean
- Why independent hotels offer a more authentic Italian experience
- How to research and find hidden gem hotels (and why Booking.com is used by small local businesses to reach a wide audience)
- Key things to check before booking: location, A/C, beds, elevators, and more
- What to expect from Italian hotel breakfasts – and how they vary by region
- Why even locals use online platforms to book hotels
- What check-in looks like, including passport checks and warm welcomes
- Common hotel quirks: tiny elevators, hard beds, and old-school keys
- Special touches that make stays memorable: balconies, homemade toiletries, and family-run service
- Cultural differences to know: no ice machines, smaller rooms, and different bed setups
- Important details like city tax, leaving your key at the desk, and sustainability efforts
- Don’t stress the quirks – embrace them and turn your hotel experience into part of your travel adventure!
Timeline Overview
- 04:10 Choosing Hotels Over Airbnb in Italy
- 10:41 Booking Accommodation Expectations
- 15:50 Bedding Challenges in Italian Hotels
- 19:48 Charming Italian Hotel Experiences
- 23:43 Secure Bookings Over Email Hassles
- 33:35 Italian Breakfast Extravaganzas
- 35:17 Italian Hospitality Highlights
Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned
Places
- Montichiari – charming small town in Lombardy with fabulous hotel Palazzo Novello
- Le Sirenuse – famous, luxury hotel in Positano
Words / Concepts
- Una hotels – one of the few Italian hotel chains and a favorite of Katy’s
- Baglioni and Rocco Forte hotels – high-standard hotel chains within Italy
- tassa di soggiorno – city tax
Related content on Untold Italy
Podcasts
- Ep 210 – Travel Smart to Italy – Your Guide to New Regulations and Important Dates
- Ep 207 – How to find the perfect stay for your Italy trip
- Ep 126 – What is an Agriturismo? (and why you should stay in one)
- Ep 116 – Extend your Italy trip budget with these travel hacks
- Ep 081 – Packing for Italy
- Ep 053 – Planning the perfect Italy itinerary
- Ep 048 – Venice districts – best places to stay for your trip
- Ep 040 – Top 5 Small Cities to visit in Italy
- Ep 028 – Best places to stay in Florence – neighborhoods to consider for your trip
- Ep 027 – How to choose where to stay in Rome – a district-by-district guide
- Ep 008 – Accommodation in Italy – hotels, AirBnB, agriturismo and more
Articles
- Italy Accommodation Guide
- Best place to stay in Rome – district and area guide
- Where to Stay in Venice, Italy: Neighborhood and Area Guide
- Where to Stay in Florence: Districts and Neighborhood guide
- Where to Stay in Milan – Best Areas, Places, and Hotels
- Where to Stay in Naples, Italy – Best Areas and Neighborhoods
- Where to Stay in Bologna, Italy: District and Area Guide
- Where to Stay in Venice, Italy: Neighborhood and Area Guide
- How much does a trip to Italy cost?
- Travel Insurance for Italy: Why You Need It, Travel Tips & FAQs
- Hidden gems in Italy – off the beaten path from north to south
- Best cities to visit in Italy
- 50 incredibly beautiful small towns in Italy to visit
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