My Italian journey lasted for almost one month and I got a chance to find some pretty advantages and disgusting disadvantages of different apartment and hotel types you can be interested in there. Certainly, your main decision should depend on your trip purpose and preferable “style” of traveling.
I have different experience of booking and renting my stays in different locations, but, first of all, I try to check more reliable sites as AirBnb or Booking.
Last time i was going to go to Finland in March 2020, and my apartment was already booked, but governments closed the borders almost all over the world due to covid-19. I did not lost money because AirBnb’s Support took all necessary steps about the inability of people to cross the borders. Thanks to their actions, many people did not lose money and stayed at home, which prevented even more infections.
Nevertheless you should be attentive even to reliable websites. When I was in Berlin and in Rome, my apartments were in the basement (and it was unclear with that photos). They were pretty cool, but temperature there is lower than in usual house or flat, so I constantly felt the cold despite of the heating.
Hotel vs Apartments
First of all, if you are going to explore the center of Milan, Rome, Venice, Florence etc – you are going to visit museums, parks, cafes and restaurants, have some tourist activities, it is better to book a hotel. Why?
- Breakfast included. I ADORE this hotel’s options. Surely some apartment’s hosts also have the same addition, but breakfast in hotel can be more diverse. Moreover it is a good way to start your day having a good (already cooked not by you) meal before a busy tourist program.
- Car renting or transfer offers. This is related to hotels. But it is up to you, because you can ask about local car rent your host. Or use some well-known sites as avis, kayak or sixt. The last one is more preferable by me. Love it!
- Everyday cleaning. It is just a good option. Why not come back and sleep in a clean room?
- Location. Unfortunately, to find a good apartment in the center of most-visited city is a big problem (including a nice price). As for hotels: they can offer a lower price only because of their own sales, gifts, “last offer”, low season etc. So you can get a hotel room in the center of Milan practically free.
So, when apartments?
- Travel along the coast, villages, small towns, bypassing the tourist centers. This allows you to find all charm of life in true Italian villages. It is better to organize with car renting sites I have mentioned above.
- Your own schedule and plan, that includes places to visit by car/ train. In this case it is really good to be out of all these tourist traps and to spend your time as you wish.
- Live like locals. I always try to get it. It can be a very good opportunity even in a cuisine if you buy local products and cook it. I google some recipes or ask my host how to cook something new.
- Only your own space. Some people do not like to share their room with somebody or just hate huge hotels, where your feel like ant in anthill.
- Price. Especially if you have a car and are not so picky about location. You may find a great offer being on a budget!
As for me – when I was in Rome for one month I rent an apartment. But when I went to another city for several days I preferred hotels because of breakfast, nice location for tourist attractions, transfer and some other advantages.
Choosing yours is only up to you. Make your trip bright and comfortable according to your purposes and style of traveling!