Additional Information
IS A VILLA RENTAL IN ITALY RIGHT FOR ME?
- Are you an adventurer and an independent traveler?
- Do you like to have one place to call home during your travels?
- Do you prefer the comfort and privacy of a private home over the crowds and convenience of a hotel?
Traveling to Italy can be an extraordinary experience whether it is your first or fiftieth time. There is no better way to truly experience Italy than by renting a home and living among the local people. Italian villa rentals are great for large groups and provide a more private alternative to hotels. However, it is important to note that they tend to be more suitable for a self-catering clientele as opposed to those accustomed to full-service hotel accommodations. Cultural expectations abroad will be different than home and anyone willing to embrace these differences can have a wonderful time.
LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION
Before selecting a villa, you should decide on the area in which you wish to be located. If you prefer to be inland, Tuscany or Umbria may be the place for you. If you'd like to be on the coast, you might enjoy a villa in Amalfi, Sardinia or Sicily. Please note that it is extremely difficult to find a beachfront property in Italy. Additionally, you should be aware that most of the beaches in Italy consist of the small pebble-type shorelines.
The majority of our Italian villas are located in the countryside of the Tuscany & Umbria regions, located between 1- 10 miles outside of larger towns and small villages. These villas will require a car rental.
A car will be necessary for grocery shopping, dining out, sightseeing, day trips, and more. Public transportation (taxis, buses, etc.) is not widespread in the countryside, so a vehicle is essential for any activities away from the villa.
If a villa is located in a larger metropolitan area, it may be possible to walk or take a bus/taxi/train, but please note that, generally, villas are not within walking distance to public transportation.
In areas such as the Amalfi Coast, it is commonly required to park in a car lot, and then walk a few hundred feet to the villa.
ACCOMODATIONS, STAFF & SERVICES:
Many of the villas in Italy are centuries old, privately owned properties ranging from castles, farmhouses, estates, and country cottages. As such, the decor, amenities and structure may not be designed or constructed to present day standards. What you will find is that the historic characteristics of these villas are what make them charming. From fine antique furnishings to natural changes in the original framework of the buildings, these are all unique parts of the story that make up the history of an Italian villa. Because most of our villas are historically renovated buildings, which can date back centuries, it can be very difficult to install air-conditioning units due to the original stonewalls and facades of these homes (i.e. thick cement blocks keep the heat out and cool in). For this reason, many of our properties do not include A/C, but tend to stay cool given the framework of the homes. If air conditioning is an important amenity for your stay, please make sure to let your Villa Specialist know ahead of time so we can provide you with the best property options to fit your needs.
The staff and services available at each property depend on the size and cost of the villa along with the local resources for personnel. In general, the large and deluxe estates are more likely to be air conditioned and come fully staffed with a cook, maid, and butler. The smaller farmhouses and cottages are rarely air-conditioned and tend to have minimal or no maid service at all. The nightly cost of a villa will, in most cases, provide a good indication of whether or not extended staff and services will be available.
Chef services can be arranged at some of our villas, but due to limited resources in some regions, is not available in all villas.
The interiors of many of our villas offer more modern conveniences - kitchens generally come fully stocked with equipment for everyday cooking and dining, TVs are common (US television stations are not) and many times CD and DVD players are also available (please note that DVD players may not play American DVDs). Internet service is not widespread in Italian villas and if available, is not as reliable as it is in the United States.
Bedrooms in Italian villas may feature en-suite bathrooms and bed sizes can range from twin size to k ing. Normal occupancy in any villa is two people per bedroom. Depending on the size of the villa, it is likely there will be at least two bathrooms. Bathtubs with handheld showers are quite common in Europe, and most bathrooms are equipped accordingly.
Washing machines are common in our Italian villas; however, dryers are not. Most villas include a washing machine and clotheslines for drying. Irons are usually readily available. At time of booking, please check with your villa specialist to determine if laundry facilities are available for guest use.
Swimming pools are common at our countryside villas, but are less likely to be found at coastal villa properties.
If you will be traveling with children, please be sure to ask your Villa Specialist about available equipment, as many villas can arrange for cribs, highchairs, etc (an additional cost may apply).
Overall, Italian villas may not have everything you are accustomed to in your own home, but our Villa Specialists will be sure to find you the best options to suit your personal preferences.
Note: We highly recommend that anyone traveling to Italy purchase a travel guide such as Frommers, Lonely Planet or Michelin. This will be an invaluable investment and can often answer many of your questions prior to travel.
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