Advance reservations or not in Italy?

Posted by Liz (Littleton, CO, United States) on 05/08/09 10:03 AM

We are going for 16 days and would like to go to Rome, Cinque Terre, Umbria and Naples. My sister in law said that we could go without booking anything and rely on the "Information offices" in each town to find accommodations. I'm very leery of that but the rest of my family thinks it would be an adventure. Is is possible to get accommodations in the beginning of June in these locations without booking in advance? Also are cancellation policies similar in Italy to hotels/B & B's in the US?

Thanks so much!

Posted by Frank

Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

05/08/09 12:15 AM

23626 posts

The short answer to your question is Yes. Lots of people used to do it but in the age of the internet, many more are reserving ahead. You have to be flexible but the TI will find you something. We do a lot without reservations but always reserve for the first day or two and the last night.

Most B&B, hotel will tell you what their cancellation policy. And if they do not ASK. It can vary just like in the US.

Posted by Liz OP

Littleton, CO, United States

05/08/09 12:33 AM

8 posts

Thanks for the input. I think I've convinced them that it was a bad idea.

I'd love any suggestions people have for B&B's or Agriturismo in these areas.

Posted by BG1

SF Bay Area, CA

05/08/09 10:33 AM

2030 posts

Tourism is undoubtedly down and these areas may not be quite as crowded or totally booked up this summer, but why take the chance? Surely there are more interesting "adventures" you can have. I always find and book the apartments or hotels that I want, and go right to them -- and I've never been disappointed or have to spend any time finding a place --- Why not find and book the hotels that work for you and your family rather than be at the mercy of what is available at the time? I would guess this might be especially true for the Cinque Terre.

Posted by Beatrix

Calgary

05/08/09 06:12 PM

2297 posts

How many of you are going? Any time you're a group with more than 2 people I'd recommend reservations. If you're travelling with kids, I'd recommend reservations. If you're travelling during high season I'd recommend reservations (June is a busy season in Italy). If you're looking for a bargain I'd recommend reservations.

In all other cases you can most certainly rely on last minute bookings and will be just fine. Not making reservations doesn't mean you can't get a bargain, it is just a bit more difficult and may take time away from exploring the country.

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

05/08/09 10:30 PM

32352 posts

Liz,

I'd definitely recommend getting reservations for travel in Italy at the beginning of June. That's about the peak of the "spring shoulder season", so you find many accommodations are fully booked.

While you may be successful most of the time in getting lodgings using the "spontanteous" approach at the local T.I., the risk is that you might have to accept a room that is somewhat less than desired, at a price that's more than your budget or in a section of the city that may not be the most "desirable".

While the economy may be suffering, there still seems to be lots of people heading to Europe this year, judging by the number of posts here on the HelpLine.

Good luck and happy travels!