Places to Stay in Italy That (Probably) Won’t Be in the Brochures

When you travel to Italy you can rest assured that accommodation will not be a problem. Being one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, there’s a healthy helping of hotels, villas, inns, and bed and breakfasts to choose from. Whether you’re on a budget, ready to live it up in luxury, looking for an authentic experience in an Italian home, or accommodating a large group – there’s a place for everyone.

To get the most out of your travel experience in Italy, our top recommendation for you is to head to a small bed and breakfast where possible. Most of them are family-run, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the culture, with all kinds of stories, folklore and little known facts that may not be in any of the guide books at your disposal. Some of the bed and breakfasts will even offer you a price that includes a roundtrip ticket to London.

Venice

If you’re traveling in style and visiting Venice, you may want to consider staying at the Novecento Boutique Hotel. It’s a chic, family-run bed and breakfast that offers luxurious accommodation. Just 30 minutes from the airport (and with free internet), this hotel is a modern sanctuary that still has all of its old Venetian charm that’s sure to be appreciated by even the most cultivated visitors.

With only nine rooms, it is most suited to smaller groups or pairs. Most of the rooms have antiques collected by the owners from their own world travels, and the bathrooms are especially large. This boutique hotel is noted for its peaceful setting despite being close to many of Venice’s main attractions. It’s the perfect place to stay for your Venetian holiday.

Florence

If you’re looking to visit Florence, you should consider staying at a place called The Artist’s Residence. Florence is the seat of Italy’s artistic soul and this bed and breakfast is the perfect place to experience the charm of the renaissance period. Located in the middle of old Florence, it is furnished with 19th century sculptures created by Giovanni Dupre.

The present owners of the bed and breakfast are his descendants. You’ll also find original florentino tiled floors, and a bar counter fashioned from a 1500AD confessional. Some bedrooms have terraces, where you’ll find a great view of the courtyard gardens.

Breakfast here is also said to be excellent, and there are plenty of restaurants close by to choose from for your other meals. There are 45 air-conditioned rooms here, also with a gym and a solarium. This hotel also provides access to the internet if you cannot go without it on your Italian vacation.