agriturismo. <\/em><\/a>These fantastic options let you experience the local area almost like, well, a local\u2014what we\u2019re all about here at Walks of Italy.<\/p>\nAt an agriturismo, <\/em>you want to have a scenic area to stroll around. For convenience\u2019s sake, you also should be able to reach a bus, train station, or car rental facility fairly easily, either by the owner offering a lift or arranging a driver to do so at a reasonable cost (less than 25 euro). If you\u2019ve already got a rental car, that\u2019s obviously not a problem.<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/DSC_0227-scaled.jpg\")
Some agriturismi have all the luxurious amenities!<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/span>Hotels, B&Bs and apartments\u2014oh my!<\/span><\/h2>\nWhen is a \u201chotel\u201d not a \u201chotel?\u201d Well, when it\u2019s a B&B or an apartment! For most destinations, we prefer these: Currently, they\u2019re the best value in Italy\u2019s often-expensive accommodation market.<\/p>\n
That said, B&B\u2019s are not the steal they used to be (deals never seem to last for long!), but they do<\/em> offer the traveler a much greater chance of being taken care of and appreciated. You\u2019re much more likely to meet the owner (or the staff\u2014who are often family members) and to feel that they care how you\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Two-people-enjoying-a-wine-in-a-vineyard.jpg\")
Being in a rural spot really does let you enjoy some of the finer things in life – great friends and great wine!<\/p><\/div>\n
Apartments, though, may just be the best value in Italy, at least at the moment. In general, you can save 40% on an apartment over an equivalent hotel, with the same amount of space, in the same location. Apartments are mostly available in larger cities, and they generally require a 3-night minimum stay. So for stays of a week or more, they\u2019re the way to go. And when you\u2019re saving so much money, do you really need your sheets changed daily or to always have someone on speed-dial? (We\u2019re guessing probably not). Having said that, many apartments do offer daily cleaning and additional services for reasonable extra fees.<\/p>\n
![\"Accommodation](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/Color-panoramic-view-Rome-Colosseum-catholic-basilics-and-streets-and-houses-Italy-copy.jpg\")
Want to stay in the center of a city like Rome? Usually a 3 night stay offers the best deal…<\/p><\/div>\n
For countryside destinations, our favorite accommodation type are those fun agriturismi <\/em>we talked about above. Generally, you get real bang for the buck: A (usually pretty large) room, even in a standalone separate building, with a home-cooked, farm-grown dinner and breakfast included. Because these are run by families whose top priority is their farm\u2014if they can get guests to stay there too, that\u2019s just gravy\u2014the owners tend to be every bit as friendly and eager to help as at the B&Bs. And there\u2019s nothing like walking up in Tuscany to the crowing of roosters\u2026 then having eggs for breakfast that were laid that very morning!<\/p>\n![\"Narni,](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/DSC_0697-scaled.jpg\")
There\u00b4s nothing quite like waking up in the countryside and enjoying blue skies at breakfast time.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/span>A room with a view<\/span><\/h2>\nLocation and type of accommodation are probably are two top criteria. Now, we\u2019re starting to get into the details. But believe us when we say that nothing <\/em>will make you feel happier in the morning than waking up to a fantastic view, whether it\u2019s of the sunrise over Mt. Etna or the gorgeous dome of Florence\u2019s Duomo.<\/p>\nIf we can see an historic building or a lively piazza from our window, we go for it, even if it means putting up with a little noise. (If you have trouble sleeping, maybe you won\u2019t agree. Or bring earplugs.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/rsz_florence.jpg\")
Florence, with its architectural wonders such as the Florence Cathedral and Ponte Vecchio, offers views to die for!<\/p><\/div>\n
If you\u2019d like a hotel in a picturesque area, but you\u2019re not as concerned about whether you can see the scenery from your own room, then remember that many places have view-less rooms that are cheaper and sometimes quieter. And even if your room lacks a view, these lodgings usually provide access to a terrace or sitting area that does. If you\u2019re in a room without a view, ask if you can get a room on the interior courtyard (if there is one), preferably that has chairs to sit and read a book.<\/p>\n
![\"an](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Ghimel-Garden-in-Venice-.jpg\")
The courtyards and interior patios are often cooler and offer a quiet place to relax with a good book.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/span>It\u2019s all about the people<\/span><\/h2>\nIf the owners and\/or staff are sincere and helpful, greeting you with genuine smiles each morning, you\u2019ll feel, obviously, much more welcome and at ease. And that feeling of belonging helps start your day on the right foot, especially when you\u2019re in a foreign country. Plus, this way you can interact with the locals more and get nice tips on current happenings or places to eat\u2014always a bonus.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Food-tour-Bologna-DevourTours-269.jpg\")
Nobody makes pasta quite like the Italians!<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"an](\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/palazzo-naiadi-rome-pool-rooftop-luxury-hotel-scaled.jpg\")