Grownup Accommodations
Boutique Accommodations in Italy
Whether you are looking for modest B&Bs (‘pensione’ in Italian), or more luxurious hotels, Italy has no shortage of unique and boutique accommodations. Here are some places that we would recommend as well as specific websites for particular types of accommodation.
ROME
Rome, like most European capitals, is not cheap, but the most important thing to consider when booking a B&B or boutique hotel in the Eternal City is proximity to the historical centre and all that it has to offer. My personal preference is to stay near Campo dei Fiori, which is a stone’s throw from Piazza Navona, Largo Argentina and the Pantheon, and within easy walking distance of the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Venezia. A pedestrian bridge is also closeby which will take you across the Tiber to Trastevere, which is a definite must-see neighbourhood for its characteristic narrow streets and happening nightlife. But since Rome really is a very walkable city, anything in the historic centre would be a great option.
Piazza Barberini
DOMUS JULIA B&B, Via Rasella 29, Rome
Domus Julia is the B&B sister to Hotel Julia, both of which are located on the same street next door to each other, and half way between the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Barberini (which is close to Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps).
Although both are quite modest in their amenities as hotels go, I prefer Domus Julia because it is more like an apartment than a hotel, and the rooms are quite large, especially the Julia Suite which is pictured here. Breakfast is included at both Hotel and Domus, which is served in the Hotel’s breakfast room. For location, it can’t be beat, and if you like old-world beamed ceilings (which I love), reserve the romantic Julia Suite – pictured here.
Read more about what to see and do in Rome here.
VENICE
Venice has no shortage of luxurious palazzo-style hotels, but the price tag that comes with some of these historic hotels, like many other things in Venice, is high. Which is why I like to seek out B&Bs that offer a more reasonable cost and a much more local experience.
Near the Rialto Bridge
Ca’ BARBA B&B, San Polo 1825, Venice
This little B&B might be a little hard to find, as it is tucked away in one of Venice’s tiny little streets. But the proximity to a fresh market and the Rialto bridge make it a perfect place to base yourself for exploring Venice. Plus the owner Alessandro is a wonderful and enthusiastic host, always ready to help with suggestions and directions.
TIP: There are mosquitos in Venice even as late as October, so don’t leave your windows open at night or you might find yourself scratching bites the next day.
VERONA
AURELIA ROOMS & LUXURY, Piazza Erbe, Verona
This website offers luxurious rooms in properties right in the heart of Verona in the Cortile Mercato Vecchio, an historic courtyard right behind Piazza Erbe. This plaza is one of the most popular and central plazas in the city, and our room even had a balcony overlooking it.
Cortile Mercato Vecchio, Verona
Guests can choose from standard rooms (like ours) or more luxurious ones that are larger, but either way, the location is unbeatable and the property was spotless, modern and very comfortable. For exploring everything there is to do in Verona, it just can’t be beat.
Our Aurelia Room in Verona overlooked Piazza Erbe
SAVE in a Convent or Monastery in Italy
Affordable, clean and often in great locations, staying in a monastery or convent is a terrific alternative if you are looking for basic B&B-style accommodations in Italy that won’t break the bank and this site takes care of the legwork finding and booking the place.
SAVE in an apartment in Italy
If you prefer apartment living, this is a great site that we’ve used, especially when staying in Rome because it allows you to search apartments by neighbourhood and price.
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