Are there hotpots in the Italian hotels on the Rick Steves tours or should I pack my own?
I don't think devices for heating water for tea are available in most Italian hotels. I was on a RS tour this year and don't recall having one in any of my rooms. You may be able to get hot water from reception.
If you pack your own, make absolutely sure it's compatible with the current and plug in Italy and whichever other countries you plan to visit. You don't want to short out the electricity in your hotel, nor start a fire.
I think the only RS tours I've been on that have had electric kettles have been the ones in England and Wales - maybe also the Ireland tour hotels, but I can't remember 100% on that.
If you need one, I would buy it there so it is the correct electrical set up.
Thank you for your responses. My hotpot is for 220 so all set.
The only hotel that had a kettle in the room was in Chianti on my Village Italy tour.
I took an immersion heater with me. You can buy individual servings or UHT milk meant for coffee. It doesn't need refrigeration. I found them in grocery stores.