Directory A–Z - Italy - page 1858

Directory A-Z
Accommodation
Accommodation in Italy can range from the sublime to the ridiculous with prices to match. The options are
incredibly varied, from family-run pensioni and designer hotels, to characterful B&Bs, serviced apartments,
agriturismi (farm stays), and even rifugi (mountain huts) for weary mountain trekkers. Capturing the imagin-
ation even more are options spanning luxurious country villas and castles, tranquil convents and monasteries.
When considering where to slumber, note the following tips:
BOOK YOUR STAY ONLINE
For more accommodation reviews by Lonely Planet authors, check out http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com .
You'll find independent reviews, as well as recommendations on the best places to stay. Best of all, you
can book online.
» It pays to book ahead in high season, especially in popular coastal areas in the summer and popular ski re-
sorts in the winter. In the urban centres you can usually find something if you leave it to luck, though re-
serving a room is essential during key events (such as the furniture and fashion fairs in Milan) when demand
is extremely high.
» Accommodation rates can fluctuate enormously depending on the season, with Easter, summer and the
Christmas/New Year period being the typical peak tourist times. Seasonality also varies according to location.
Expect to pay top prices in the mountains during the ski season (December to March) or along the coast in
summer (July and August). Conversely, summer in the parched cities can equal low season; in August espe-
cially, many city hotels charge as little as half price.
» Price also depends greatly on location. A bottom-end budget choice in Venice or Milan will set you back
the price of a decent midrange option in, say, rural Campania. Where possible, we present the high-season
rates for each accommodation option. Half-board equals breakfast and either lunch or dinner; full board in-
cludes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
» Some hotels, in particular the lower-end places, barely alter their prices throughout the year. In low season
there's no harm in bargaining for a discount, especially if you intend to stay for several days. It's also always
worth checking for last-minute online deals on websites like www.lastminute.com , www.booking.com and
www.hotelsitalyonline.com .
» Hotels usually require that reservations be confirmed with a credit-card number. No-shows will be docked a
night's accommodation.