Villa del Balbianello on a wooded point of Lake Como

Suite or room? What you actually get in Italian hotels

Hotel room names in Italy aren't standardized. Here's what the usual categories mean, what to check in the description, and when paying more makes sense.

Photo: Sheeba Samuel, CC BY-SA 4.0

By ItalianSuites editors · Updated

The usual categories

Category What it usually means
Standard / Classic The smallest rooms; may face the street or garden
Superior A little larger or better positioned
Deluxe Larger, often with a balcony
Junior suite One large room with a sitting area
Suite Separate bedroom and living room

Names change from hotel to hotel, so always check the size in square meters, the view and whether there’s a private terrace.

What to check in the description

  1. “Sea view” vs “side sea view” vs “partial view”. Only the first means a full view.
  2. Balcony vs terrace. A balcony fits two chairs; a terrace fits a table and loungers.
  3. Floor and steps. On the Amalfi Coast, the best views are often up several flights of stairs.
  4. Breakfast on the terrace is a highlight in many coastal hotels; check it’s included.

Where the upgrade pays off: in Positano, Ravello and the lakeside villas of Lake Como, the jump from a standard room to a junior suite with a terrace often changes the whole stay. In Sorrento or Como town, a standard sea-view room is usually enough.

Check hotel prices in Italy

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a junior suite and a suite?

A junior suite is usually one larger room with a sitting area; a suite has a separate living room, sometimes with its own terrace. Names vary by hotel, so read the size and description.

Is a suite worth it on the Amalfi Coast?

Often yes, if the suite comes with a larger private terrace facing the sea. On the coast the terrace is where you'll spend your evenings.

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