Italian Court Ruling: Tap Water Not a Right in Hotels

Italy's highest court ruled that hotels need not serve tap water, following a tourist's complaint against Hotel Sassongher. The lawsuit demanded damages for not providing tap water but offering mineral water instead. The court upheld earlier rulings, citing no obligations under Italian or European laws.

Italy's highest court decided that hotels are not required to provide tap water to guests, marking a significant legal stance after a lawsuit against a luxury hotel in the Dolomites.

The tourist, staying at Hotel Sassongher over New Year 2020, sued for damages after being offered only mineral water at meals, not free tap water.

The ruling, upheld from lower courts, aligns with European directives suggesting tap water service but not enforcing it, highlighting a gap in universal access to this basic necessity.