Should You Stay in an Apartment in Italy? Probably Not... Yet.

Hotels and apartments each offer a different kind of travel experience. The best choice isn't about which one is "better"—it's about which one fits the trip you're planning.

One thing that's different about my upcoming trip to Italy is that I won't be staying in a hotel—not even once. Every accommodation I've booked is an apartment.

If you've followed my travels for a while, that probably isn't much of a surprise. I genuinely love staying in apartments when I travel, especially in Europe. But here's the part that might surprise you:

I don't think apartments are the best choice for every traveler.

As a travel advisor, I don't book trips based on how I like to travel. I book trips based on how you like to travel. This Italy trip happens to be a perfect fit for apartments, but there are plenty of travelers I'd recommend hotels for instead.

Why Apartments Fit My Travel Style

Rather than trying to squeeze five cities into ten days, I'd rather spend more time getting to know fewer places. I enjoy settling into a neighborhood, finding a favorite coffee shop, visiting the local grocery store, and feeling like I've become part of the rhythm of daily life—even if it's only for a few days. For me, apartments complement that style perfectly.

I love having a kitchen where I can make coffee in the morning and keep breakfast or snacks on hand. I'm definitely not traveling to Italy to cook every meal, but on longer trips there always comes a point where I just want a quiet night in. I'll stop by a local market, pick up a few fresh ingredients, and make a simple dinner. It's a nice way to slow down, save a little money, and experience everyday life in Italy.

They also make traveling with just a carry-on much easier. Every apartment on this trip has a washing machine, which means I only need to pack enough clothes for a few days instead of the entire trip. That's one of the reasons I can travel so lightly.

I also appreciate having a little more space. After walking ten or fifteen miles around a city, it's nice to come back somewhere that feels a little more like home than a standard hotel room.

Why I Often Recommend Hotels Instead

As much as I enjoy apartment stays, I actually recommend hotels quite often. If it's your first trip to Italy—or your first international trip in general—a hotel can remove a lot of stress. If you're still in the planning stages, I'd also recommend reading my guide on how to prepare for an upcoming trip to Italy before you go. Having a front desk means there's always someone available to answer questions, help arrange transportation, recommend restaurants, or assist if something unexpected comes up.

Hotels are also a great fit for shorter stays. If you're only spending a night or two in a city, the convenience of daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and a staffed reception often outweighs the benefits of having a kitchen or washing machine. Neither option is better. They're simply better for different kinds of travelers. It's the same reason I always tell clients that avoiding common planning mistakes starts with choosing accommodations that fit the trip—not just what's trendy.

I Plan Trips for My Clients—Not for Myself

This is something I think is important to understand about working with a travel advisor.

Yes, I have my own travel style. I like apartments, traveling with a carry-on, and taking a slower approach to exploring a destination. But that doesn't mean those are the recommendations I make for everyone else. When I'm planning a trip, I'm not asking, "What would Ryan book?" I'm asking, "What kind of experience is this traveler hoping to have?" The answer to that question shapes almost every recommendation I make—from accommodations to destinations to daily itineraries.

Some people want the charm of a neighborhood apartment. Others want a luxury hotel with a concierge, daily housekeeping, and breakfast downstairs every morning. Both are great options when they're matched to the right traveler. That's one of my favorite parts of being a travel advisor. Every recommendation is tailored to the person taking the trip—not the person planning it.

For this Italy adventure, apartments are exactly what I'm looking for. For your trip, the answer might be completely different—and that's perfectly okay.

As I continue preparing for this trip, I'll be sharing more about the planning process, including the itinerary I've built, the reservations I've made, and the choices that went into this vacation.

Whether you ultimately choose a hotel, an apartment, or something in between, my hope is that you choose the option that fits your travel style—not someone else's.