While the convenience of staying in the heart of a city is undeniable, venturing beyond the city center can unlock a treasure trove of benefits that are often overlooked and I am not just talking about your wallet. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a first-time traveler, here are some compelling reasons why booking a hotel outside the city center could be the key to unlocking a truly memorable and authentic travel experience.
Authentic Local Experience
One of the most significant advantages of staying outside the city center is to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. By choosing a hotel in a residential neighborhood or a quaint village, you can escape the tourist crowds and get a glimpse of authentic daily life. Savoring local cuisine, interacting with residents, and exploring hidden gems off the beaten path are just a few ways you can connect with the destination and create lasting memories.
If you are worried about the language barrier by staying too far out in the countryside, choose to split the difference and opt for a location a bit closer to town. English is usually spoken wherever there are several tourists, but that doesn't mean the residential areas within walking distance or a tram ride away won't speak English. Most often, the hotel staff that checks you in will speak English. They can point you in the right direction for English-speaking shops and restaurants.
Tranquility and Serenity
City centers are often consistent with activity, noise, and traffic, making it challenging to find peace and tranquility. Opting for a hotel outside the city allows you to unwind in a peaceful and often lush, greener environment, away from the hustle and bustle. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping or enjoying a quiet evening stroll along tranquil streets - a refreshing contrast to the urban chaos of the city center.
One year, my mother and I wanted to stay within walking distance of the train station in Rome, but we wanted to be far enough away from the usual train station chaos to enjoy the quieter side of Rome. I found a lovely boutique hotel in an 1870 Art Nouveau building only an 8-minute walk from Rome's Termini Station. The terraces and inner courtyard where we enjoyed evening drinks and morning breakfasts, provided the perfect respite from our frenzied travels in Rome.
My favorite Milan hotel is a 12-minute walk to the Duomo and a 15-minute walk in the other direction to the Davinci Museum with his famous Last Supper. While we were never far from the attractions, we felt like we were in our own little world; no loud noise outside our hotel while were trying to sleep, and not a lot of tourists standing in the street snapping photos. Just neighborhood shops, schools, and parks to peek into. We had the best pasta in a neighborhood restaurant, not on my travel guide list (I'm keeping it a secret, so it stays authentic and small). Dining al fresco and earlier than the locals (they eat after 8 pm) meant we got to watch the locals greeting each other in their neighborhood piazza, sharing an aperitif, and catching up with the latest news from their day.
Affordability and Value When Booking Outside the City Center
Hotels in the city center come with a premium price tag due to their prime location and proximity to major attractions. By venturing a bit further out, you can often find more affordable housing options that offer excellent value for money. Stretch your travel budget further by choosing a hotel outside the city center and use the savings to indulge in unique experiences or delicious local cuisine.
On my first trip to the Amalfi Coast with my sister, we decided we wanted to stay in a villa with a sea view. After much research, we chose to stay outside of Positano in the neighboring village of Praiano as it was half the price of a villa in Positano. We couldn't have asked for a better location. Our two-bedroom villa (it now has a private pool) was conveniently located between the main piazza and the Cathedral piazza. The hidden gem had a grand terrace overlooking the sea where we ate all of our meals, but the views of village life from every window on every side of the house were golden memories. We witnessed unexpected religious processions that passed under our villa (from one piazza to the next), we met and talked with a cheese shop owner who introduced us to our favorite pecorino. Some of my fondest travel memories were made in Praiano.
Accessibility and Exploration Within the City Center
Contrary to popular belief, staying outside the city center does not mean sacrificing convenience or accessibility. Many suburban or rural hotels are well-connected to public transportation networks, making it easy to explore the city's highlights and attractions. While limited to specific times, some hotels offer private shuttle services. If you are anxious about trains and buses in Italy, have your travel advisor find you a place that offers a shuttle service.
As mentioned above, our villa on the Amalfi Coast was in the town of Praiano - a village next to the popular Positano. Not only was the weekly rental price a financial win for us, but the mini-city bus that went back and forth to the center of Positano every hour was huge. For a two euro roundtrip ticket, we could be in Positano in 15 minutes - which we did quite a lot during our stay. But, our home base of Praiano was a gem we most likely would not have explored if we hadn't booked outside the main tourist area.
On one of my business trips that landed me in Rome for a few days before the start of a tour I hosted, I decided to use my loyalty points at a U.S.-branded hotel. To use as few points as possible, I opted for a hotel in the business district of Rome outside of the historical center. The hotel was as expected of an American hotel. But, the important hotel amenity for me was the shuttle bus that departed every morning for the Termini Train Station. From there I was able to explore Rome as much as I wanted to until meeting the shuttle at the station for a return to the hotel.
In the end, the benefits of booking outside the city center for a low price can also enhance your travel experience in ways you never imagined. So if you are willing, why not step out of your comfort zone, embrace the road less traveled, and embark on a journey of discovery and adventure?
In my humble opinion, the best travel memories are often made when you dare to explore beyond the familiar cityscape.
Happy travels!
The Way To Italy has been providing fee-based, custom travel planning for travelers to Italy for 23 years. I handcraft once-in-a-lifetime Italy experiences down to the last detail.
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