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Where I Stayed Across Italy: Hotels That Shaped My Trip

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These are the places I personally stayed at during my five-week journey through Italy.  So when you ask yourself, how to choose a place to stay in Italy?  Keep these in mind.  This list is part of my larger Italy collection. My original list was getting huge, so I decided to break it down.  You can check out the master list here.  Drop any questions in the comments if you like. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Rome

Where to stay in Rome?  Rome bookended my 5 week adventure.  First hotel simple and functional, the second, one of the best of the entire trip.

 
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This was the starting hotel for my tour. I originally chose it for that simple reason. It is very basic, and I am not someone who requires luxury.  Walking distance from the Termini, which made it easy to get to after my early arrival.  They stored my luggage so I could start exploring before check-in. As long as you don't go in with the wrong expectations, I had no issues with it.
Hotel San Marco, Rome (updated prices 2026)
 
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Because I was staying for a week, I chose somewhere a little cosier.  This was a little home away from home for me to wind down before I returned to the real world.  As a solo traveller I found this place to be a little gem.  It was very central without being in the middle of things.  Walking distance to most things and the metro being just around the corner means easy access to the rest.  One of the favourite places I stayed, the hosts were so warm, I felt a bit like extended family.
Vecchia Roma Resort, Rome (updated prices 2026)
 
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Want a bit of guidance on choosing where to stay in Rome, check out this guide.
Where to Stay in Rome: Best Neighbourhoods (Without Choosing the Wrong One)
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About 10 minutes walk from the front door…
Wait for the View 👀🇮🇹 #traveldeeper #rome #hiddengems #italytravel #italy
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Tuscany

Where to stay in Tuscany?  I recommend an Agriturismo/homestay type option if you can.

 
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This was the accommadation from my tour.  The farm girl in me loved this place.  Located just outside San Gimignano, Ugo and his family make this a great stay.
Appartamento primo piano - Casa Florelia Appartamenti San Gimignano
 
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This was the starting hotel for my Northern Italy tour. Typical tour hotel, simple rooms, hotels in general in Italy at least in my experience are small.  It took a short tram ride from the central train station, and walked everywhere after ditching my bag.  Note.  I like to walk alot when travelling…lol
Hotel Meridiana, Florence (updated prices 2026)
 
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Staying in places like Casa Florelia, makes moments like this possible.  No Crowds!
Most People Don’t See San Gimignano Like This 🇮🇹 #sangimignano #slowtravel #traveldeeper #italy
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Cinque Terre

Where to stay for Cinque Terre?

 
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La Spezia was out base for experiecing Cinque Terre. You will find this as a running theme in most of the hotel choices.  Simple.  I was able to easily walk everywhere I needed.
Hotel Genova - La Spezia
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The only thing the hotel was missing that I needed at the time was laundry facilities.  Even though this place says self service the gentleman there told me to put everything in and come back in about an hour so.  So I was able to explore rather than sit and wait. All I had to do was fold it and go.  Great service.
Dema lavanderia self service di la spezia

Lake Como

Where to Stay in Lake Como?

 
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Definitely the most modern of the accommodation choices.  Walkable to the trains, ferry, restaurants.  On a busy road though.  Construction noise was my only issue here.
B&B Hotel Como City Center
 
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You don't have to walk too far to get to the funincular, and views like this.
This View Gets Better as You Go 🇮🇹 #travel #italytravel #traveldeeper #lakecomo
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Venice

Where to stay in Venice?

 
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Pretty good choice for first timers.  Short walk from main train station, easy access to the Ferry system.  Walkable to many of the major landmarks.  Stairways are quite small so be wary of large suitcases.
Albergo Marin, Venice (updated prices 2026)
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Around almost every corner is a sight like this.
Perfect Timing in Venice 🇮🇹 #travel #venice #italytravel #italy
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Bologna

Where to stay in Bologna?  For me it was a matter of ammenities and space.

 
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Bologna was the middle of my trip.  I was ready to spread out, reset, do laundry.  The unfortunate necessities.  This on first glance didn't seem like the best area and was a bit of a walk from Bologna Centrale, on second glance perfectly fine.  People looking for privacy, ability to do simple meals or paundry would like this choice.  Plus great responsive, helpful host.
Rental unit in Bologna · ★4.9 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 private bath
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If you want a big of insight into how I make my decision, you can check out the post on my website.
Hotels vs Airbnb: 7 Things That Help Me Choose Between Them
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Naples

Where to stay in Naples?

 
TheLayeredTraveller profile picture
I wanted something cheaper than my tours starting hotel for the few extra days I had in Naples.  This was a short walk from the main train station where I arrived.  Given that location it wasn't the nicest looking neighbourhood (totally normal), the place itself was the nice surprise.  VERY large, comfortable room.  Great information from the hosts, easy access to the metro.  Would stay again.
B&B Pika 48, Naples (updated prices 2026)
 
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Starting hotel for my tour.  Easy access to the Metro, entrance was not the most obvious.  Only thing I didn't particularly like was that I had to walk upstairs within the room for the bathroom.  Gave a throwback feel to hostel days.  Staff was very understanding.
Correra 241 Lifestyle Hotel, Naples (updated prices 2026)

Amalfi Coast

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast?  Definitely recommend an Agriturismo like this!

 
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This was one of my two favourite places I stayed in Italy. Amazing views all around. So much history in the hotel/family itself.  There was seemingly neverending food (note I was there with a tour).  You can walk (uphill, not unusual in Italy) to get to the bus stop.  I took it to Amalfi to get the ferry to Positano, just purchased a ticket in the Unico Campania app.  It is a little out of the way, whether it is right for you would depend on how much you want to move around and how you intend to do it.  If I had one bad thing to say, it was expensive, slow laundry service…lol…. I would love to go back.
Agriturismo Sant'Alfonso, Furore (updated prices 2026)
 
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A short video of the walk down to the hotel entrance.  Beautiful!
Some places are worth the walk 🇮🇹
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What Choosing Hotels in Italy Taught Me

After staying in a mix of cities, coastal towns and smaller destinations, I realised I cared less about star ratings and more about location, walkability and how it shaped my experience. These are a few things I now pack or consider on almost every t...  You can find more here.

 
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A good adapter is a must when travelling anywhere.
Travel Adapter USB C Universal Fast Charge
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I resisted packing cubes for a long time.  Why?  I couldn't even tell you.  Now I won't go without them.
BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes Travel Organizers
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So simple so effective.  Protection from thieves and clumsiness.
Anti Theft Phone Wrist Strap with Metal Tabs
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