Italy’s Top Court Says Hotels Can Refuse Tap Water

What Went Down at Hotel Sassongher

It started, as many travel disputes do, with something small enough to feel ridiculous until you are the person being charged for it every night: a bottle of water.

The woman stayed at the five-star Hotel Sassongher in Corvara in Badia, a ski resort tucked into Italy’s northern Dolomites, from December 26, 2019, through January 3, 2020. She was on a half-board package that covered dinner but not drinks, and the stay cost €5,712, or around $6,650. Each night at dinner, she asked for tap water. Each night, the hotel refused and placed a 0.75-liter bottle of mineral water on her table instead, adding €7 to her bill.

She reportedly even offered to pay for tap water and was still turned down. The hotel’s position was simple: company policy was to serve only sealed bottled water at the table, a practice it said is common at many high-end properties in Italy. In other words, the dinner was included. The hydration experience, apparently, was à la carte.

She sued, arguing that water is “a natural resource and a universal human right,” and that refusing tap water violated her consumer rights. In her view, it was not some extravagant request. She compared it to checking into a hotel and finding a bed without sheets or a bathroom without soap.

She sought €2,700, or about $3,000, in compensation for economic damage and emotional distress. The courts, however, were not convinced. In the end, Italy’s highest court ruled that the hotel had no legal obligation to serve tap water at the restaurant table.

Three Courts, Same Answer

The case was rejected first by a court in Rome, then by an appeals court, and finally by the Court of Cassation, Italy’s Supreme Court, which issued its ruling in late April 2026. The decision only made headlines in Italy this week, where it has sparked exactly the kind of debate you might expect from a story involving luxury hotels, consumer rights, and a €7 bottle of water.

The Supreme Court confirmed that no Italian law requires hotels or restaurants to provide tap water to customers. Whether to offer it is up to each individual venue. The hotel’s lawyer, Silvio Belardi, also told reporters that the court found the woman’s claims of emotional and financial harm were not supported by evidence. He noted that tap water was available elsewhere in the hotel, just not in the restaurant.

Hotel Sassongher told CNN this week that it “fully respects the decision of the Supreme Court” and declined to comment further.

How Italy Compares to Other Countries

This is where the story gets genuinely interesting for American travelers, who are often surprised by how differently water is handled in European restaurants.

In the U.S., there is no federal law requiring restaurants to provide free tap water, but it is so deeply ingrained as a cultural norm that most Americans never think twice about it. You sit down, someone brings water, and no one treats it like a luxury add-on.

Europe is much less consistent. In England and Wales, any venue licensed to serve alcohol is legally required to offer tap water on request. France goes further, requiring restaurants to provide a carafe of water with every meal at no extra charge. Spain passed a law in 2022 requiring bars and restaurants to offer unpackaged drinking water for free.

Italy has no such rule. Neither does Germany, where venues can technically charge for tap water. So Italy is not exactly an outlier in Europe, even if this court case has made it feel that way this week.

What American Travelers Should Know Before Going to Italy

This does not mean you need to budget for a courtroom drama with every carbonara. But it does mean travelers should understand the norm before sitting down.

A few practical takeaways:

• Ask Before You Assume: You can always ask for tap water, but the restaurant may say no.

• Check The Menu: Bottled water prices are usually listed, especially in restaurants and hotel dining rooms.

• Carry A Refillable Bottle: Italy has many public drinking fountains, especially in cities like Rome, where the famous nasoni fountains are a traveler’s best friend.

• Know The Setting: Casual cafés may be more flexible. Luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants may be more likely to stick to bottled service.

• Do Not Assume “Half Board” Includes Drinks: Hotel meal plans often exclude beverages, even when dinner itself is included.

The Hotel Sassongher case may sound like a tiny travel dispute, but it touches a surprisingly big question: what should hospitality include? For now, Italy’s answer is clear. A hotel may offer luxury rooms, mountain views, and five-star service, but if you want water with dinner, it can still come sealed, bottled, and billed.

That doesn’t mean travelers should skip the Dolomites. The scenery is spectacular, the food is extraordinary, and the skiing around Corvara and Alta Badia is among the best in Europe. Just go in with clear expectations about what is included in your bill. Italy is worth every penny. The water just might be a line item.

(And yes, you can still book a stay at Hotel Sassongher if you want the full Dolomites experience. Just maybe pack your skis, your appetite, and your emotional support water bottle.)

Frequently Asked Questions: Italy Tap Water Rules for Travelers

Is tap water free at restaurants in Italy?

No. Italian law does not require restaurants or hotels to serve tap water, and most establishments bring bottled mineral water to the table automatically. You'll be charged for it.

Can Italian hotels legally refuse to give guests tap water?

Yes. Italy's Supreme Court confirmed in 2026 that no law requires hospitality venues to provide tap water to guests. The decision is entirely at the discretion of the individual establishment.

How much does bottled water cost at Italian restaurants?

It varies, but €2 to €4 is typical at mid-range restaurants. At luxury or resort properties, prices can be significantly higher. The Hotel Sassongher case involved a €7 (about $11) bottle per evening.

Do other European countries require restaurants to offer free tap water?

Some do. France requires a carafe of water with every meal. Spain has required free drinking water at bars and restaurants since 2022. In England and Wales, any licensed venue must provide tap water on request. Italy, like Germany, has no such requirement.

Is tap water in Italy safe to drink?

Yes. Tap water in most Italian cities and towns is clean and safe. The widespread preference for bottled water is cultural, not a safety issue.

What is a fontanella and where do I find one?

A fontanella is a small public drinking fountain found throughout Italian cities, particularly Rome. They run continuously and provide free, cold tap water. They're a great option for staying hydrated while sightseeing.

What hotel was at the center of this court case?

The case involved Hotel Sassongher, a five-star property in Corvara in Badia in Italy's Dolomites region. The hotel has been family-run since 1933 and is known for its skiing access, rooftop spa, and panoramic mountain views.

Would you stay at Hotel Sassongher?

The hotel has excellent reviews, world-class skiing right out the door, and a rooftop Jacuzzi with Dolomites views. For what it costs per night, you'd probably survive the €7 water. But we'd absolutely pack a reusable bottle for the room just to make a point.