Where to stay in Italy

Food, Culture & Beauty

Italy, the word alone conjures up images of beautiful scenery and delicious food, but what about accommodations?  For every picture perfect scene there is a disappointing lodging situation.  We all know the saying, if it’s too good to be true… Of course if you’re trying to save money, a few nights in a dingy hole may be worth it to save 50€ a night.  At least that’s what I told myself when we stayed in the place where the toilet was in a closet and you couldn’t close the door if you were sitting on the toilet.  And there was the one with the toilet/shower.  All good joke material now.

Anyhow, this isn’t about the bad places, it’s about the good places that are affordable and have a bit more to offer than just a bed to sleep in.

FLORENCE | Locanda dei Poeti
Located a short walk from the train station, this was one of our great finds.  The rooms are beautiful, clean and safe.  The hallway walls are decorated in poetry (there’s even a spot to add your own) and each floor is equipped with a kitchen, coffee maker and snacks. Massimiliano & Martina are awesome hosts and have great recommendations for places to eat at any budget.

BARGA | Casa Cordati
Stay in an artist’s palace.  Casa Cordati was once late artist Bruno Cordati’s home.  He painted and live here until the day he died.  There are several rooms to rent plus one apartment with full kitchen.  You are free to explore and visit the art gallery dedicated to Cordati’s amazing art.  Don’t miss the covered roof terrace for a great view of Barga’s duomo.

CASTELLINA IN CHIANTI | Casamonti Estates
Another gem, we found Casamonti during our search for the elusive Cinta Senese pig.  After a few attempts and failures we found Raymond and Anna Rita on the internet and discovered that they had a big part in bringing the Cinta back from the brink of extinction.  They have two apartment to rent on the farm where they raise pigs and grow grapes & olives.  If they don’t have availability you should still call and book a tasting and lunch.

CASTELMUZIO | Agriturismo Pascianella
Imagine rolling hills covered in olive trees, lavender and sour cherry trees.  Now imagine the most colourful sunsets hitting those hills. Welcome to Agriturismo Pascianella, run by the Toppini family, this is Tuscan life at its best.  Skip breakfast on Sundays because you’ll be invited to lunch on roasted meats, vegetables and other delicacies under the olive trees.

ROME | The Beehive/Cross-Pollinate
Run by Steve and Linda, an American couple who followed their dream, this eco friendly boutique hotel/hostel seems to attract like minded people.  They run a vegetarian café in the lower level and also hold a vegan buffet three nights a week.  If The Beehive is full, don’t fret, their second business, Cross-Pollinate can recommend accommodations in 8 cities including Istanbul, Lisbon and Venice.  Each apartment or B&B having been recommended by their staff.

We understand that not everyone has the same tastes and it may not be your cup of tea to stay on a farm or in a hostel type situation.  We recommend these places not only because of the safe and clean accommodations but also because of the people that run them who all have something special to offer.

Do you have any places to add to the list?