Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Handy Hints
» Print out location information from your hotel's website; many places in cities are secreted in hard-to-find
laneways, and country retreats are often in obscure locations that don't appear on standard road maps. Don't
rely on GPS, either.
» If driving, check with the hotel as to the most convenient and cost-effective place to park. And beware the
infamous Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL; Limited Traffic Zones).
» Ask hotel staff for restaurant recommendations - they often know about great local eateries and will usu-
ally be happy to make reservations for you.
» If you're allergic to animals, mention this when booking. Many country hotels have cats and dogs.
» It's often possible to negotiate a discount if you stay five nights or more.
ON-THE-GROUND ASSISTANCE
Tourist offices throughout the region can help you to source accommodation. Check their websites,
email them or visit offices on the ground for advice and recommendations.
Hotel Tax
In recent years a number of Italian cities, including Florence, Siena, San Gimignano,
Montepulciano and Cortona, have introduced a hotel occupancy tax ( tassa di soggiorno ).
This is charged on top of your regular hotel bill and must generally be paid in cash. The
exact amount, which varies from city to city, depends on the type of place you stay in and
the time of year, but as a rough guide expect to pay €1 per person per night in a one-star
hotel or hostel, €2 in a B&B, €2 to €3 in a three-star hotel and €4 to €5 in a four- or five-
star hotel. Children under 10 or 12 are generally not taxed; those aged 11-16 are usually
charged 50% of the adult tax. Prices quoted in this topic do not include the tax.
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