The business traveler looking for hotel and motel accommodations in Italy is lucky indeed. In addition to providing comfort in a country of immense natural beauty and storied past, hotels in Italy are equipped with all the amenities you will need during your business travel abroad.

1. Find hotels in Italy that offer Internet, fax, and other amenities and facilities for the business traveler.

2. Determine exactly where your clients and other business contacts are before choosing your Italy hotel. Venice, Italy is a magnificent city, but if your client or meeting is actually in the nearby, more industrial Mestre, you'll save travel time and money by booking there.

3. For the business traveler in Italy, luxury hotels, budget motels, and extended stay accommodations are available options; compare and consider booking different types of accommodations for different parts of your trip.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find hotel and motel accommodations in Italy that have the right tools and amenities

Not every hotel in Italy is right for a business traveler. Save time and money later by assuring that you'll have the networking, communication and meeting facilities you need before you book.

I recommend: Consulting websites like Trip Advisor, traveleurope and Venere allows you to determine whether a hotel has Internet and other services that you'll need on the trip. Drill into individual hotel listings to see maps and get an overview of the hotel amenities. Some sites also provide feedback from users; use these to think about what else you may need to investigate before you go.

Consider chain hotels in Italy when visiting business centers

Milan and Rome are full of hotels that might meet your needs. Don't dismiss the possibility of staying at a chain hotel in these cities. Most will offer the services you need as well as corporate rates and other discounts for the business traveler.

I recommend: Accessing hotel chain websites to find hotels. Milan, Italy is the heart of the Italian business community. Jolly Hotels has accommodations in that city as well as in other locations in Italy. Holiday Inn and Best Western also offer many possibilities. In big cities, one can find many business-friendly hotels. Rome, Italy is a mecca for world conferences, however keep in mind that a business meeting can be more economically planned in the EUR neighborhood than around the Spanish Steps. Also, hotel groups often open properties in areas where certain industries or businesses have centered their operations.

For extended trips, book Italy hotels that specialize in long-term stays

If you'll be based in one city for an extended period, or if you just prefer a more homey experience while traveling, investigate long-term stay options when booking your hotel and motel accommodations in Italy.

I recommend: Looking at long term accommodations, including apartments and residences, which are available throughout Italy. Many residences, for example Residenza di Ripetta in Rome, have their own websites. An Internet search for 'residence' and the name of the city where you will visit will produce a list of residences. Websites such as Rome Sweet Home and Rental In Rome can help you find apartments not only in Rome, but in cities and towns throughout Italy.

Look to a religious order or group for Italy hotel deals

In Italy, hotel deals can be hard to find. Don't be afraid to explore the accommodation options available in hotels run by religious organizations. These Italy hotels are often located in the most desirable sections of the city, offer spacious rooms and competitive prices.

I recommend: Putting aside your fears of curfews and Spartan rooms. Hotels run by religious organizations are often the best deal in town. At the website for Suore Brigidine, you'll find accommodations run by the Order of Saint Bridget throughout Italy. In Rome, a very attractive option is Casa di Santa Francesca Romana. This hotel in the heart of Trastevere offers rooms that can house up to four people. If you are planning some vacation time with friends or family around your business trip, a room here can be a good budget choice. Whether in a big city or traveling through the countryside, Monastery Stays also offers an interesting and inexpensive option for staying in Italy.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most hotels will be happy to develop a relationship with you as a business traveler. Contact Italy hotels directly to determine how you can get a corporate rate for your stay.
• •  If you do not book your extended stay at a hotel in Italy, determine whether you'll need maid or meal service at your apartment. The rental agency can find people to assist you. They may even have connections with restaurants and bars that will provide you with a place to have meals without breaking your budget.
• •  Your company's personnel in Italy or your client may be the best source for finding you the right hotel in Italy. Contact them when planning your trip.