A-Z: A Handy Summary of Practical Information
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Accommodation
The lakes provide a huge variety of places to stay, from 19th-century villas fit for a queen to 16th-century farmhouses, city-centre designer hotels and campsites. The area is popular with Hollywood film stars, so if you can afford luxury you will not be disappointed. That said, there are options to suit every budget, and below we give contact details for the various types of accommodation. During the peak season of July and August, booking ahead is a must.
Booking
Reservations can be made by the tourist offices, but they are often very busy, and you may be handed a photocopied list of rooms in the area and left to fend for yourself. To avoid hassle, book directly before you arrive, and ensure you have written confirmation of your reservation.
Agriturismi
Away from the lakes, the option of staying in a converted barn or farm building is increasingly common and is an excellent choice for exploring the hinterland and for more active holidays, such as walking, fishing and cycling. Farmers offer self-contained apartments, but rooms with or without en suites can be found.
An extensive list is available on www.agriturist.it, www.agriturismo.it, www.agriturismo.net or from the head offices of:
Agriturist, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 101, 00186 Roma, tel: 06-685 2337, www.byfarmholidays.com.
Via Manin 20, 58100 Grosseto, tel: 0564-417 418.
Terranostra, Via XXIV Maggio 43, 00187 Roma, tel: 06-4899 3208; www.terranostra.it.
Turismo Verde, Via Mario Fortuny 20, 00196 Roma, tel: 06-3240 111.
Alpine Huts
An excellent and highly economical way for hikers to explore the mountains, these shelters are basic but often provide hot meals and a warm atmosphere. The Club Alpino Italiano (Via Petrella 19, 20124 Milano) owns nearly 600 huts in the mountain districts. Information and itineraries can be found at The Touring Club Italiano (Corso Italia 10, 20122 Milano, tel: 02-852 6800). Consult www.touringclub.it or www.cai.it for full details.
Bed and Breakfasts
Standards in B&Bs vary (they are usually deemed 1-star or 2-star hotels), but are nevertheless the best way to experience life in an Italian family home. As with youth hostels, this option may be no more economical than staying in a budget hotel, and cash is often the only method of payment available. Consult www.bbitalia.it or www.bbitalia.com, which lists more than 13,500 B&Bs in all categories, from basic to luxurious.
Camping
Campsites fill up fast, so booking well ahead is advisable. The cheaper ones are tucked away in peaceful spots away from the main tourist areas, so access to a car is often a must. Chalets and mobile homes are offered on larger campsites in addition to tents; the sites are usually well equipped with pools, mini-supermarkets and games areas. Campsites tend to be closed in winter. A list of campsites with a location map is issued by Confedercampeggio, Via V. Emanuele 11, 50041 Calenzano (Florence), tel: 055-882 391, www.federcampeggio.it. Try also www.camping.it, www.campeggi.it and www.faita.it. Eurocamp (UK tel: 01-606 787 125, www.eurocamp.co.uk) offers family holidays in permanent tents and self-catering chalets in the lakes.
Hotels
As is to be expected, the nearer you are to the lakes, the higher the prices. Prime spots on the lake will be vastly more expensive than accommodation with less dramatic views, and especially in more rural areas. Breakfast is usually included, so if you prefer to eat more cheaply, it is worth asking if you can pay for the room only. As always, single travellers are penalised by often having to pay a hefty supplement for their single room.
Hotels are classified as follows: 5-star de luxe, 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, 2-star and 1-star. The term pensione (or pension), that describes a small 1-or 2-star hotel, is now only rarely used in Italy. Locande (inns), the most basic accommodation, are common outside touristy areas, but the name has now been adopted by chic and pricey city-centre hotels and is interchangeable with albergo and hotel.
A further option is motels, some of which come with pools, tennis courts and even beaches. A full list is available through the Italian Tourist Board (www.enit.it).
Private Home Stays
Accommodation in private homes is available in most cities and towns in Italy through contacting the local tourist office and asking for un elenco di affittacamere (list of persons letting rooms). As they are not official establishments, the tourist office does not grade them but will recommend the best ones.
Villa and Apartment Rentals
This is a popular, and often more economical way of staying by a lake or in a city centre, and is a good way of sampling local produce â and life â at the shops and markets. With rentals offered from a ...