Italy Booking Guide: 20 Things to Consider

Planning a trip to Italy is exciting, whether you're dreaming of hilltop towns, bustling city streets, or coastal escapes. Once you've narrowed down your itinerary, it's time to select your accommodations. But before you hit “book now” on that charming apartment or boutique hotel, it's worth pausing to consider a few key details that can make or break your stay.

Whether you're planning a stay at Casa Campolattaro in Lucca or booking a vacation rental elsewhere in Italy, these tips will help you choose the right accommodations with confidence. From understanding floor levels to checking for air conditioning, kid-friendly features, and included amenities like bikes or a well-equipped kitchen, knowing what to look for—and what questions to ask—can make all the difference. Italy’s charm often comes with quirks, so a little planning goes a long way toward ensuring a comfortable, memorable stay.

Most of these details should be readily available on the booking site—so be sure to check the full list of amenities and read the property description carefully before reaching out to the host with questions.

Here are the top 20 things to keep in mind when selecting accommodations in Italy—many of which travelers often overlook:

1. Air Conditioning Isn’t a Given

Many older buildings in Italy weren’t built with air conditioning in mind, and not all vacation rentals or hotels have added it. Summers in Italy can be hot and humid. If you're traveling between May and September, be sure to confirm that the property has A/C—and check if it's available in every bedroom.

Casa Campolattaro is situated on the first floor, but still has 21 steps to reach our front door.

2. Understand the Floor Plan—Literally

In Italy, the "1st floor" is actually what we’d call the 2nd floor in the U.S. (The ground level is called “piano terra” or ground floor.) So when you see a listing for an apartment on a higher floor, it might mean you're in for quite a few stairs. On the hand, ground level can mean you have a lot of street noise.

3. That Dreamy View Probably Comes with a Climb

Many historic buildings in Italy don’t have elevators, and those charming rooftop terraces or panoramic views often come at the cost of several flights of stairs. If mobility is a concern—or you're not thrilled about hauling suitcases up narrow stairwells—be sure to ask how many steps are involved and whether there’s an elevator to get you there.

4. Consider What Kind of Traveler You Are

When planning a trip to Italy, one key decision is whether to stay in a hotel or book a private rental. Both offer unique experiences, so the right choice depends on your travel style, trip length, and the kind of vacation you want.

Private rentals offer a more authentic, local feel. At Casa Campolattaro, for example, you'll have a fully equipped apartment with a kitchen for market-fresh meals, bikes to explore the town, and the freedom to come and go as you please. For families or groups, rentals often provide more space and value, especially with shared living areas and multiple bedrooms—ideal if you plan to spend time relaxing at home base. That said, apartments come with a bit more responsibility, like taking out the trash or navigating the neighborhood. But for travelers who prefer independence and flexibility, it's well worth it.

Hotels, on the other hand, offer convenience and full-service amenities—perfect for short stays or city trips. Daily housekeeping, room service, and 24/7 front desks make things easy, while extras like pools and on-site dining add comfort. Ultimately, it’s about what kind of stay feels right for you.

5. Noise Levels Matter

Staying in the heart of town is incredibly convenient, but it can come with some unexpected noise—especially if your place is above or near a bar, piazza, or restaurant. Check reviews for comments on street noise and look at maps to see what’s nearby. If you're sensitive to sound, pack earplugs and maybe skip that charming place over the town square. Also, consider whether your rental is above or below others.

The second bedroom at Casa Campolattaro sleeps 3 comfortably.

6. What “Sleeps 4” Really Means

Be sure to look closely at how the space is laid out. If a listing says it accommodates 4 guests, that could mean a double bed and a sofa bed, or two twins and a pullout trundle. If you’re traveling with family or friends, double-check that the sleeping arrangements suit your group—and that everyone gets the privacy or comfort they need.

7. Is It Walkable to Transportation?

If you’re relying on trains or public transit, staying within walking distance to the train station can be incredibly helpful—especially with luggage in tow. But you’ll also want to check how far you are from the historic center or key sights. Sometimes, a beautiful countryside stay sounds ideal… until you realize you’re a 30-minute drive from the nearest village.

8. Wi-Fi and Connectivity

If you’ll be working remotely or just want to stay connected, check that the property has reliable Wi-Fi. Rural areas can have slower service, and thick stone walls in historic homes can sometimes weaken signals. If this is important to you, ask the host about internet speed.

9. Bathroom Details

Not all bathrooms are created equal. In Italy, it's not uncommon to find smaller showers or bathrooms without separate stalls. Some historic homes may not even have a shower at all—just a bathtub. We actually had to retrofit our primary bathroom tub with the shower option. If you need more space or accessibility, look at photos and reviews carefully. Also note the number of bathrooms—many larger apartments still only have one.

When in Italy, do as the locals do—skip the dryer and let the sun do the work. Laundry day with a view!

10. Laundry Day, Italian Style

Having access to laundry facilities is a huge benefit of a vacation rental, especially for longer stays. A property with a washer is a major plus, as it lets you travel a little lighter, knowing you can do laundry along the way. While many Italian homes have a washing machine (and sometimes a drying rack), dryers are less common. Luckily, most cities also have laundromats nearby, so you can still get your clothes clean and fresh!

11. Kid-Proof, Pet-Friendly, Vacation-Approved!

If you're traveling with children or pets, look beyond just the number of beds. Is the space safe for little ones? Check the list of amenities—places providing high chairs, cribs, and even a washing machine for those inevitable spills are likely to be more welcoming to families. For pets, make sure the property is truly pet-friendly, offering features like fenced yards or nearby walking areas. Speaking of spills and paws, if the property is decorated with white upholstery and breakables, it might not be the best fit for young kids or furry friends. As animal lovers, we understand the appeal of traveling with pets, but we’ve actually made the decision not to be a pet-friendly rental to help protect our home and ensure the best experience for all our guests.

12. Planning to Cook? Check the Kitchen Setup

Italy is a dream for food lovers, and if you plan to cook—even just simple breakfasts or snacks—you’ll want to make sure the kitchen is more than just a hot plate and a kettle. Look for listings that mention a fully equipped kitchen with basics like pots, pans, knives, utensils, and ideally, a coffee maker. If you’re inspired by the local markets, make sure you have a place to bring your finds to life.

Proximity to daily needs is important when selecting a rental property.

13. Proximity to Cafés, Restaurants, and Grocery Stores

Part of the joy of Italian life is wandering to the nearest café for a morning cappuccino or picking up fresh ingredients at a local alimentari. Check the listing’s location to see what’s in walking distance—and how far you’ll need to go for basics like bread, cheese, and wine (essentials, really). Being able to walk to dinner or grab a quick bite without a car makes a huge difference, especially after a long day of sightseeing.

14. Laundry Facilities

Especially useful for longer stays, having a washing machine (and ideally a drying rack) can make packing lighter and keep things fresh—especially in hot summer months. Not all places will have dryers, so check for air-drying options.

15. Parking and Transportation

If you're renting a car, be sure to check the parking situation. Does the property offer a space, or is there a safe nearby garage or public lot? In historic city centers, parking can be limited and costly—and many areas fall within a ZTL (zona a traffico limitato), where only residents and permit holders can drive. Accidentally entering one can result in steep fines, (they will track you down with a ticket, long after you are home from your trip!) so it’s important to confirm logistics in advance.

If you're relying on trains or buses instead, check how close the property is to transit hubs to make arrival and day trips easier—especially with luggage in tow.

16. Check the Cancellation Policy

Plans can change. Before booking, review the cancellation and refund policy carefully. Some hosts are flexible, others not so much—especially during high season.

17. Is It Legally Registered?

Italy has tightened regulations on short-term rentals in many cities. Look for listings with a registration number, which indicates compliance with local laws. This can offer peace of mind and help you avoid unexpected issues.

18. Are There Local Rules or Quiet Hours?

In residential areas, many towns in Italy enforce quiet hours (often from 11 PM to 7 AM), and some buildings have strict rules about noise, trash disposal, or even using appliances at certain times. It’s helpful to ask the host or check the listing for house rules—especially if you’re traveling with a group.

19. Read the Reviews

Photos can be beautiful, but reviews offer real insight. Descriptions might sell the dream, but the reviews are where you'll find out what it's really like to stay there. Take time to read recent ones and look for consistent praise—or repeated red flags—about cleanliness, comfort, location, and whether the listing matches reality. Is the apartment noisier than expected? Is the view even better in person?

It's also possible to come across a one-off negative review, so don't make any snap judgments based on just one experience. Instead, look for patterns—if many guests rave about the host's hospitality, you've likely found a winner.

20. Host Communication

A responsive, helpful host can make a big difference. Whether it’s local recommendations, flexibility with check-in, or quick help if something goes wrong, read reviews to see how past guests describe their experience with the host or property manager. A great host will share helpful tips, get you settled in smoothly, and be available if anything comes up.

In Italy, you may be used to an Airbnb host in the US simply sending you the access code, but here, you'll be greeted by a local host. And it’s important to note that Italy is cracking down on illegally placed key boxes in cities like Rome and Florence, as part of efforts to tackle overtourism and housing displacement. So, expect a more personal welcome!

Renting a bike in Lucca is a great way to explore, but at around €20 a day, those rides can add up!

Finally, Check for Extras That Add Value

Sometimes it's the little extras that make a big difference in both your experience and your budget. Before booking, take a close look at what’s included with your stay. At Casa Campolattaro, for example, we include the use of two city bikes—a perfect way to explore Lucca’s famous tree-lined walls or run quick errands around town. Not only is it convenient, but it also saves you the cost of daily rentals. These kinds of perks can make your stay more enjoyable and give you a more local, laid-back experience. When comparing properties, don’t just look at the nightly rate—look at what you’re actually getting. Extras like bikes, laundry supplies, or a stocked kitchen can add comfort and value you won’t find in every listing.

Why Pay More? Book Direct and Save

Booking directly with a property can often save you a significant amount of money by avoiding the extra fees charged by major booking platforms. If you’ve found a place you love on a listing site, it’s worth doing a quick search to see if the accommodation has its own website or booking page—many do! By booking direct, you not only get the best possible rate, but you may also enjoy more flexible cancellation policies, personalized communication, and insider tips from your host. If you’re reading this, you’re already in the right place to book Casa Campolattaro directly—welcome!

Planning a stay at Casa Campolattaro? We’ve considered all of this to help make your stay as seamless as possible—just head to our For Our Guests section for helpful tips and local recommendations to ensure a memorable, comfortable stay in Italy.