Italian Hotel Reservations: Enjoy Your Trip!
According to the Italian Tourism Board, there are about 40,000
hotels in Italy. That's a lot to choose from when you're
traveling from overseas. Whether you're planning to stay in a
hotel in Venice or a hotel in Rome, here's what you should know
when you make your Italian hotel reservations:
1. Pay your deposit - According to law, a hotel booking is valid
upon payment of a deposit. Your deposit is refundable upon
cancellation of your reservation at least 14 days in advance of
your stay, or 30 days in advance if you are going during tourist
season.
2. Time your trip - In cities and resorts, the off-season is
considered November through March. April, May, September, and
November are considered the off-season for ski resorts. Rates
for a hotel in Venezia or Roma will be less during the off
season.
3. Hotel ratings - The tourism bureau gives hotels ratings from
one to five stars, with five stars signifying deluxe
accommodations. Bed and breakfast accommodations are available
throughout Italy, but they are not given ratings.
4. Day hotels - If you're on the move and simply need a place to
freshen up, Italy offers day hotels. With baths, showers, beauty
salons, baggage checking, and private rooms, day hotels are
often found in cities and near train stations.
After you've made your Italian hotel reservations, paid your
deposit, and arrive at your hotel in Venice, your hotel in Rome,
or another Italian destination, it's time to enjoy your
vacation. The Italian Tourism Board provides these tips to help
ensure that your vacation is the memorable experience you
deserve:
* Avoid counterfeit goods - A new 2005 law imposes heavy fines
on those who purchase counterfeit goods. If you're looking for
knockoffs with luxury labels, you may want to think twice.
Purchasing such goods carries a fine of up to 10,000 Euros.
* Know the duty-free limits - The U.S. allows citizens returning
from Italy to bring in up to $400 worth of products duty free. A
duty charge of ten percent of the next $1,000 worth of goods
will be assessed.
* No visa required - U.S. citizens staying in Italy fewer than
90 days do not need a visa.
* Registration required - Tourists are required to register with
the police within three days of arrival. Hotels generally do
this on behalf of their guests, but it's wise to double check
when making your Italian hotel reservations. If you're staying
in a private home or with friends, you should go to the nearest
police station to register.