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