Where to stay in Italy: areas & booking tips

Italy has plenty of accommodation choices, and the best one for you depends on your budget, location, and how you like to travel. In the countryside, agriturismi (working farms with guest rooms) are a good way to experience rural life. In cities, you’ll see everything from historic boutique hotels to modern apartments. Here’s our guide to choosing the best Italy accommodation for your trip.

Where to stay in Italy: from budget to luxury

Prices vary widely between big cities and rural areas, depending on your Italy itinerary. In cities, it’s worth checking how close you’ll be to public transport. In summer, you’ll definitely want to confirm if there’s air conditioning, it’s not always included. Tourist tax is charged separately and paid on arrival or departure.

High season runs from May to September, with July and August being the busiest months, especially in coastal towns and major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. August is also when many Italians take their own holidays, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices.

Along the Amalfi Coast, summer rates can be double what you’d pay in the off-season. In popular areas of Italy such as Venice or Capri, cheaper rooms are limited, and coastal stays often have minimum bookings of three to seven nights in summer.

Best accommodation types in Italy

If you're wondering how to plan a trip to Italy that goes beyond just standard hotels, you might want to stay instead in farmhouses in wine country, B&Bs run by locals, historic castles, and even hostels in converted buildings. Each comes with its own way of experiencing daily life here. 

Agriturismi

From $65 (€60) per night

Agriturismi are working farms where you can stay on-site. Some are simple, others are more polished, but all keep the focus on fresh, seasonal food and a close link to the land.

You might help with grape harvesting, watch olive oil being made, or just enjoy meals cooked with ingredients grown right there. Many have pools, outdoor seating, and wide-open grounds that feel a world away from the cities.

Bed & breakfasts

From $55 (€50) per night

Italian B&Bs (often called affittacamere or locanda) are usually small and family-run, with just a handful of rooms in a home or historic building. The owners are hands-on, often preparing breakfast themselves and sharing their knowledge of the area. This can be one of the best things to do in Italy while you are in the country.

Rooms tend to be comfortable with private bathrooms, and breakfasts are usually made with local produce. They’re especially common in small towns and villages where you might not find larger hotels.

Castles and villas

From $220 (€200) per night

If you’ve ever wanted to stay somewhere with a bit of history under its roof, castles and villas are worth considering. These range from old stone farmhouses to Renaissance palazzos, often set on large estates with olive groves, vineyards, or landscaped gardens.

Villas usually come with a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and a pool: great for groups or longer stays. Castles keep their original character, with features like stone towers and antique furniture, but they’re updated with modern comforts. It’s a way to live, for a little while, in a piece of Italy’s architectural history.
 

Hostels

From $22 (€20) per night

Hostels in Italy have come a long way. Many now have private rooms, women-only dorms, and modern interiors. You’ll find plenty in cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, often in buildings with some history behind them. They still keep costs low, and you get access to shared kitchens, common rooms, and sometimes rooftop terraces. It’s easy to meet other travelers here, especially with activities like walking tours, pasta-making nights, or evening aperitivo gatherings.

Mid-range hotels

From $88 (€80) per night

In Italy, mid-range hotels can be anything from familiar international chains to smaller, independent places with more personality. The 3-4 star category usually means private bathrooms, air conditioning, and decent soundproofing, which you’ll appreciate in busy city centers. Breakfast buffets almost always include cappuccino, pastries, and a few local touches.

Independent hotels sometimes have details you won’t get in bigger chains, like a rooftop terrace with city views, restored frescoes, or a family that’s been running it for generations. Many are in historic districts, so you can walk to the main sights without relying on transport. This can be especially good choice if you're traveling to Italy with kids.

Alberghi Diffusi

From $110 (€100) per night

An albergo diffuso, or “scattered hotel,” is a type of accommodation spread across a historic village. Your room might be in a restored stone house down one street, while reception and the dining area are a short walk away. The idea started as a way to bring life back to rural towns, so staying in one gives you a real sense of the place while still having hotel-style services. Some have shared spaces like a pool or small spa. 
 

Monasteries and convents

From $55 (€50) per night

Monasteries and convents in Italy are quiet, simple, and often in locations that would be hard to find at this price otherwise. You’ll see them in cities like Rome, Assisi, and Florence. Rooms can be very basic with shared bathrooms or more updated with modern amenities.

They’re generally clean and peaceful, sometimes with rules like curfews and limited Wi-Fi. Many are in historic buildings, so you might get access to cloisters, gardens, or chapels that aren’t open to regular visitors.

Luxury resorts

From $330 (€300) per night

Luxury resorts in Italy take full advantage of their settings, whether it be a a villa by Lake Como, a restored palazzo on the Amalfi Coast, or a countryside estate. You can expect large, beautifully designed rooms, high-end spas (often using local ingredients or thermal waters), and restaurants that put a refined spin on regional dishes.

Service is a big part of the experience, with staff arranging everything from private boat trips to cooking classes with well-known chefs. Many of these resorts are in buildings with fascinating histories.

Rifugios

From $44 (€40) per night

Rifugios are mountain huts you’ll come across while hiking in the Dolomites, Alps, and Apennines. Some are basic, with dorm rooms and shared bathrooms, while others have private rooms and hot showers. 

Wherever you stay, you can count on hearty mountain meals (like polenta, stews, and homemade pasta) designed to refuel you after a day on the trail. Many are set on ridgelines or in open alpine meadows, so sunrise and sunset can feel like part of the stay itself. For hikers, rifugios are less about luxury and more about being in the right place for the next day’s climb. See our Italy health safety tips for advice on getting ready for your next hike.
 

Cave hotels

From $110 (€100) per night

In Matera and parts of Puglia, some of Italy’s oldest dwellings have been turned into cave hotels. These rooms, carved from limestone and known as sassi in Matera, still keep their curved walls and natural stone textures but now include modern touches like rainfall showers, designer lighting, and comfortable bedding.

The rock helps keep the temperature steady: cool in summer and warm in winter, making them surprisingly practical. Staying in one is as much about the setting as the comfort, with thousands of years of history literally surrounding you.

Thermal spa hotels

From $165 (€150) per night

A lesser-known Italy travel tip: do not miss the thermal spas of Italy.

Italy’s volcanic landscape means there are natural hot springs all over the country, many used since Roman times. In Tuscany, Veneto, and Campania, thermal spa hotels make use of these mineral-rich waters in pools and treatment rooms. Depending on where you go, you might be in a historic spa town like Montecatini Terme or somewhere coastal like Ischia.

Treatments can include volcanic clay wraps, inhalation therapy, and massages, and some hotels have doctors on site for balneotherapy programs. 
 

Average prices per night

Accommodation costs depend on where you are, the season, and the type of place you choose. In Rome, Florence, or Venice, expect to pay around €120-180 ($132-198) a night for a central hotel. On the Amalfi Coast, a room might be €100 in November but €300 in August. In ski resorts or lake areas, winter is the expensive season. See more in our guide to the best time to visit Italy.

Budget options, like hostels and basic guesthouses, usually run €20–40 ($22–44) a night. Expect simple rooms, shared bathrooms, and a light breakfast, often coffee and a pastry. Many are in older buildings with charm, but you might not find lifts or updated facilities.

Mid-range stays cost about €80–180 ($88–198) a night. These usually have private bathrooms, air conditioning, and buffet breakfasts with local products. Many are family-run, which can make the stay more personal.

Luxury hotels start around €250 ($275) a night and can easily go past €1,000 in prime locations or peak season. These might be set in former palaces, monasteries, or villas, with features like rooftop terraces, thermal spas, or fine dining restaurants.

City taxes (tassa di soggiorno) add €1-7 per person per night, paid separately at checkout. Staying even one metro stop away from the busiest areas in cities like Rome or Milan can cut your costs by about a third.
 

Where to stay in Italy: Best areas by region

Italy’s regions each have their own character, and where you stay can shape your entire trip. You might base yourself in the heart of a city surrounded by history, by the coast with sea views, or in the countryside among vineyards and olive groves.

Rome (Lazio)

There are so many things to do in Rome. If it’s your first visit, the Centro Storico puts you right by landmarks like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, with cobbled streets full of cafés and small boutiques. 

Monti has a more laid-back, creative feel with artisan shops, wine bars, and a village atmosphere while still being close enough to walk to the Colosseum. It can be a great place to stay in Rome.

If you’re traveling with family, Prati near the Vatican works well. The streets are wider, transport connections are good, and you’ll find more space for your money compared to the old town.

Venice (Veneto)

Venice is known for canals, bridges, and grand old buildings. Staying in San Marco puts you right by the main square and basilica, though it’s the busiest part of the city. Dorsoduro is close to key sights like the Accademia Gallery but has a more relaxed neighborhood feel, with students and artists gathering in the bacari (wine bars). If you’re staying longer, Cannaregio is worth a look. It’s quieter, home to the Jewish Ghetto, and has plenty of canalside restaurants.

Florence (Tuscany)

See our example Florence weekend itinerary for a good idea of how to split your time. When deciding where to stay in Florence, the Centro Storico surrounds the Duomo and puts all the main museums within a short walk, which works well for a quick trip even if it’s pricier. 

Across the Arno, Oltrarno has artisan studios, quieter piazzas, and great views from Piazzale Michelangelo. Santo Spirito is known for its daily market, good food, and lively evenings. Santa Croce keeps you close to the center but usually with better rates and plenty of restaurants that aren’t just for tourists (see our favorite foods of Florence).

Amalfi Coast (Campania)

This coastline is all cliffs, winding roads, and villages stacked between the mountains and the sea. Positano is the most photographed, with pastel buildings running down to the beach, small boutiques, and a high end dining scene (see our favorite Amalfi coast itinerary).

Maiori works well if you want a flatter layout, a longer sandy beach, and easier access for families or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with too many stairs. Ravello sits higher up, away from the coastal traffic, and has wide views, a quieter pace, and summer concerts at Villa Rufolo. This is where you'll find some of Italy's best beaches.

Lake Como (Lombardy)

When deciding where to stay near Lake Como, Bellagio sits right where the lake divides and has cobblestone streets, formal gardens, and plenty of upscale restaurants and shops. Varenna is quieter, with a small waterfront, gardens, and a slower pace. You can get there directly by train from Milan (see the best day trips from Milan). Menaggio, on the western shore, has more of a local feel and is a good base for hiking, water activities, and exploring without the constant crowds.

Booking tips and travel advice

Getting the right place in Italy often comes down to timing and a bit of planning.

• Book early: about 4–6 months ahead for high season, and 6–8 months for busy coastal towns in summer or Christmas in the cities. Smaller stays like agriturismi and alberghi diffusi can fill up fast.
• April–May and September–October bring lower prices (about 20–40% less than peak season), mild weather, and fewer crowds, while attractions still run on full schedules. It’s one of the best times to visit Italy.
• In cities, rooms facing interior courtyards are usually quieter. Higher floors (with elevator access) often have better views and less street noise.
• Air conditioning isn’t guaranteed, even in upscale stays. Many older buildings also don’t have elevators, so if stairs are a problem, request a ground-floor room when you book.
• Once you’ve booked a smaller place online, contact them directly. Family-run stays sometimes add small extras like airport transfers or welcome drinks for guests who reach out.
• For luxury hotels or chains, join their loyalty program before booking. You can get free breakfast, WiFi, or welcome perks that would otherwise cost €20–30 a day.
• Always check the cancellation terms. Many places in Italy have stricter policies than big international chains, and refundable rates may require cancelling several weeks ahead, sometimes longer for high-demand dates.