There are more than 30,000 hotels throughout the country. Every hotel has its fixed charges agreed with the provincial tourist board. Charges vary according to class, season, services available and locality. The Italian State Tourist Board publishes the official list of all Italian hotels and pensions (Annuario Alberghi) every year, which can be consulted through a travel agent or ENIT, the Italian State Tourist Board (see Top Things To Do). In all hotels and pensions, service charges are included in the rates. VAT (IVA in Italy) operates in all hotels at 10 per cent (19 per cent in deluxe hotels) on room charges only.
Visitors are now required by law to obtain an official receipt when staying at hotels. Rome is well provided with hotels, but it is advisable to book in advance. Rates are high with added extras. To obtain complete prices, ask for quotations of inclusive rates. Many luxury hotels are available. Cheap hotels, which usually provide basic board (room plus shower), offer an economical form of accommodation throughout Italy, and there is a wide choice in the cities. Again, especially in the main cities, it is wise to book in advance (bookings should always be made through travel agents or hotel representatives). Grading: Hotels are graded on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

Located on motorways and main roads.

Villas, flats and chalets are available for rent at most Italian resorts. Information is available through daily newspapers and agencies in the UK and from the Italian State Tourist Office or the Tourist Office (Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno) of the locality concerned. The latter are also able to advise about boarding with Italian families.

These consist of bungalows and apartments, usually built in or near popular resorts. The bungalows vary in size but usually accommodate four people and have restaurant facilities.

Camping is very popular in Italy. The local tourist office in the nearest town will give information and particulars of the most suitable sites. On the larger campsites, it is possible to rent tents/caravans. There are over 2300 campsites and full details of the sites can be obtained in the publication Campeggi e Villaggi Turistici in Italia, published by the Touring Club Italiano (TCI) and Federcampeggio. A campsite review, Guida Camping d'Italia,' is published bi-monthly.
The tariffs at Italian campsites vary according to the area and the type of campsite. There are discounts for members of the AIT, FICC and FIA. Usually there is no charge for children under three years of age. The Touring Club Italiano offers campsites already equipped with fixed tents, restaurants, etc.

There are over 100 youth hostels run by the Italian Youth Hostels Association (see Accommodation Information). During the summer season in the major cities, reservations are essential and must be applied for directly from the hostel at least 15 days in advance, specifying dates and numbers. There are also student hostels in several towns.

Federalberghi (National Hotel Association)
Via Toscana 1, 00187 Rome, Italy
Tel: (06) 4274 1151.
Website: www.italyhotels.it

Italian Confederation of Campers
via Vittorio Emanuele 11, 50041 Calenzano (Firenze), Italy
Tel: (055) 882 391.
Website: www.federcampeggio.it

Touring Club Italiano
Corso Italia 10, 20122 Milano, Italy
Tel: (02) 85261.
Website: www.touringclub.it

Centro Internazionale Prenotazioni Campeggio
Casella Postale 23, 50041 Calenzano (Firenze), Italy
To book places in advance on campsites belonging to the 'International Campsite Booking Centre'. Ask for a list of the campsites and a booking form.

Associazione Italiana Alberghi per la Gioventù (Italian Youth Hostels Association)
Via Cavour 44, 00184 Rome, Italy
Tel: (06) 487 1152.
Website: www.ostellionline.org