Price control of Hotels in Italy was deregulated in 1992, which meant that in some popular destinations prices increased rapidly but hotel costs soon leveled to more predictable and reasonable levels under the influence of market forces.

It is important to keep in mind the standards to which Europeans hold a quality hotel are not always the same as they are in the U.S. As it's customary to ask to view a hotel room before checking in, make sure you take this opportunity. Also make sure you book a reservation well in advance if your Italian vacation conflicts with a scheduled event or Italian holiday.

At the top end of the market, Italy has a number of exceptionally elegant hotels, which are furnished and decorated with distinguished taste. CIGA (Compagnia Grandi Alberghi) has some of the most luxurious hotel establishments in Italy. Many of them grand, turn-of-the-century places that have been exquisitely restored. Venice's legendary Ciprani's is one of its flagships. The French consortium Relais et Chateaux also specializes in tastefully indulgent hotels, often in historic buildings.

At the other end of the market Jolly Hotels are more affordable, and as one of the biggest chains in Italy offer consistent quality.

Italian Hotels are rated from one to five stars, depending what facilities they offer but be aware due to Italian tax laws not all Italian hotels advertise themselves at the rating to which they are entitled so it's possible to find a modestly rated hotel in Italy with just as many facilities as a higher rated hotel. Single travelers in Italy should expect to pay about two-thirds the rate for a single hotel room. Although in the busy season you may be charged the full rate in some popular resorts. Extra beds are usually charged at about a third more of the room rate.

Sometimes a hotel in Italy might not fit the bill. If you are looking to explore a particular region and want to use it as a home-base and set out on adventures from there, then renting a villa is probably your best bet. Villa rental properties throughout Italy can range from cottages and farmhouses to estates and castles. Essentially as a renter you will lease the property for an allotted amount of time ranging from 1 week to several months. For extended stays of more than a few days rentals are generally more cost effective as well. There are a wide variety of choices when it comes to setting up your villa rental in Italy. Some villas will offer a host of amenities to make your stay exceptional, while others offer basic amenities and may even require that you supply your linens. Prepare to pay more for more comprehensive coverage, but know that cost effective options are out there waiting for you!

Villa rental not only offers competitive pricing, but also allows you flexibility and opportunity unique to this establishment. Foremost, travelers can take advantage of the fresh offerings at the local market, as your property will most definitely have a fine Italian kitchen in which to prepare some local dishes. Groups of travelers enjoy individual bedrooms, rustic furniture and accommodations reflecting 'le dolce vita'. Maid service is also available in most cases, an amenity you should surely sign up for if offered! Afterall, you are on vacation! In most cases the villas are usually located away from the centers in the local areas, allowing you a more rustic experience and the flexibility to take advantage of the open road and explore Italian culture off the beaten path while having a home base to return to. Villa and castle rentals are also popular options for lovebird's persuing a destination wedding!

Italian villa rentals for the discerning traveler

Experience life and language by total cultural emersion. Rural vacations can range from life on a working farm or vineyard, to a life experience which allows creativity through painting and writing, to a more active holiday including horse back riding and hiking, and finally the most popular call to Italy, the cooking classes and wine tasting tours. Outside the major cities you can relax and enjoy, explore and adventure, work and play, or do absolutely nothing in a relaxing rural setting. In most cases accommodations are very basic, amenities few and almost never run by established hotel chains (the good ones anyway!) Privately run vacations are sure to give you exactly what you wished for in an Italian vacation! Hundreds of locally run vacation experiences host an array of activities, combined with all the different regions in Italy your result is a lifetime of vacations which will keep you coming back to explore! The rustic vacation is easily obtained with a bit of research and some investigating you are sure to find the one that suits your fancy!

Traditionally sought by the backpacking, student traveler, hostels remain the most competitively priced accommodations throughout Europe. In Italy there are a wide variety of styles for all budgets. Hostels still offer multiple beds, shared bathrooms and in some cases curfews, but in the 21st century travelers have access to hostel information including ratings and amenities online. You can plan your trip, long or short, and plot your path based on your personal requirements. In just a few clicks you can find exactly what you’re looking for!