Best hotels in Italy

Some hotels win you over with design, others with location - and this one does it with dinner. Tucked into the hillside near the village of San Cassiano in South Tyrol's Alta Badia valley, Ciasa Salares has been in the Wieser family since the 1960s, and their obsession with food has turned a traditional alpine lodge into a genuine gastronomic destination. A wine cellar with 24,000 bottles, dedicated cheese and chocolate rooms, and four distinct restaurants sit alongside wood-panelled cosiness and honest Ladin hospitality. Beyond the table, the UNESCO-listed Dolomites are right there (the Armentarola ski lift is practically on the doorstep), and summer opens up some of Italy's finest hiking.

Nestled within the most exclusive bay along the Ligurian Riviera, this completely renovated 19th-century villa provides the perfect blend of intimacy and luxury. Your arrival sets the tone immediately – cool blue interiors, glittering chandeliers, and an overwhelming sense that you've discovered Italy's best-kept secret. With just twelve exquisite rooms, the atmosphere is delightfully refined yet discreet, allowing each guest to feel like the protagonist in their own Italian riviera story. Perhaps the most enviable feature is the hotel's private beach, where the gentle lapping of the Mediterranean provides a soothing soundtrack to lazy afternoons on pristine loungers. And should Portofino's charms beckon, the complimentary shuttle whisks you there in a mere five minutes – though we'd forgive you for finding it difficult to leave this beachfront haven.

Cross the threshold into an unexpected world, where nature reigns supreme, art pervades every corner, and Sardinian traditions are the very essence. Su Gologone isn't just a hotel, it's an experience. A pleasant surprise awaits you around every corner, a warm smile at every glance.

In the beautiful Barbagia region, a rugged and surprising region of Sardinia, just a few dozen kilometers from the sea, lies a world of juniper trees and embroidery, terracotta and inlay, 20th-century Sardinian artists, and a strong culinary tradition.

High above the Bay of Naples, this grand dame has been turning heads since 1834. The scene is set the moment you step through the wrought iron gates - five acres of citrus gardens, three historic buildings, and a magnificent stone terrace that serves up show-stopping views of Mount Vesuvius brooding across the water. Duck into the music room where Wagner once composed, peek into the winter garden, or take the private elevator down to the port below. The whole place feels rather like stepping into a Fellini film, albeit one where the impeccable service and Michelin-starred cuisine remind you that you're very much in the here and now.

Villa San Sanino, a small luxury farmhouse , is located in one of the oldest and most evocative places in Tuscany, land of the Renaissance, of proportions and balance, in the wine-growing area of ​​Brunello di Montalcino, Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianti Classico. Only 4 luxury suites , each unique. At Villa San Sanino, you'll find a romantic retreat with a relaxing atmosphere, tranquil pace, and a personal welcome, where you'll feel right at home.

Here in Umbria, overlooking a romantic view of the Duomo of Orvieto, along the route of the ancient Via Francigena, where pilgrims refreshed themselves before journeying on to Rome, you will find elegant suites restored in the authentic style of the 14th century. At the Locanda Palazzone, surrounded by vineyards, guests can discover the flavours of Umbria in the Enoteca, dine on the terrace on summer evenings, and swim in the pool

If walls could talk, the frescoed ceilings of this 1870 grande dame would have stories that'd make your head spin. Picture this: Christian Dior taking his final breath in one of the suites, Grace Kelly swanning through the lobby, and a young Puccini composing at the piano whilst Marie Curie debated radioactivity over aperitivos. This isn't just any old Tuscan pile - it's where Italian Art Nouveau maestro Galileo Chini went properly wild with his paintbrush in 1901, creating celestial ceilings populated by floating cherubs and ethereal figures that still stop guests mid-stride today.Set bang in the centre of Montecatini Terme (yes, that's thermal springs central), the hotel sprawls across 20,000 square metres of century-old parkland. The 120 rooms maintain their period swagger with antique Liberty furniture and marble bathrooms that wouldn't look out of place in a Visconti film. But don't mistake all this historical pomp for dusty museum vibes - there's a thoroughly modern 800-square-metre spa lurking beneath all that Belle Époque beauty, complete with Rasul baths and enough treatment rooms to keep a small army of stressed executives purring.

La Roqqa is a destination within a destination, a project of land regeneration, a luxury boutique hotel where "new simplicity" is the stylistic signature. The warm, welcoming hospitality and the extraordinary views invite you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the place, savouring every moment.

Casa di Langa is not just a place, but a philosophy: the belief that the truest luxury is born from a respect for the land and an authentic connection with its traditions. Immersed in the quiet of the Piedmont hills, among the vineyards of Barolo, Barbaresco, and Alta Langa, you will find a sanctuary where every detail is a tribute to the beauty of this region

Rome has no shortage of fancy hotels, but few feel as alive as this one. Occupying three connected palazzi on Via Sistina, literally at the top of the Spanish Steps, the building spent centuries hosting European nobles on their Grand Tours before becoming a hotel in the 1920s. In 2019, Rocco Forte gave it a head-to-toe transformation that's bold, colourful and full of wit, without ever losing touch with its magical 18th-century bones. Celebrity chef Fulvio Pierangelini runs the kitchens, the rooftop draws Romans and visitors alike, and the location is within a few minutes' stroll of pretty much everything. It's polished, buzzy and thoroughly Roman.

In Rome’s historic heart, Corinthia Rome opens the doors of a grand palazzo on Piazza del Parlamento. Long associated as a stronghold of the Bank of Italy, the landmark is reborn as a noble Roman residence where majestic architecture meets the intimate spirit of boutique hospitality. Carlo Cracco’s dining sets the social rhythm, leafy courtyards evoke Rome’s tradition of lively, open-hearted hospitality and beneath the palazzo, a subterranean spa brings restoration and renewal. This is Rome at its most intimate and expressive - a place to stay, to linger and to belong.

Right at the heart of dreamy, pastel-coloured Positano is Le Sirenuse, a Pompeii-red palazzo that the Sersale family opened to guests back in 1951. What started as a summer abode has become one of Italy's finest and most recognised hotels, though it still feels wonderfully like someone's home, albeit one filled with Neapolitan antiques, contemporary art and the family's own fragrance line. With a Michelin-starred restaurant lit by four hundred candles and complimentary boat trips along the coast, this really is la dolce vita done properly.

Hotel Villa Gabrisa is a privileged base for exploring the beauty, history and culture of the Amalfi Coast. Once an ancient villa, the hotel is located in a trendy neighbourhood in the heart of Positano and features thirteen elegant, comfortable rooms (including three suites), a world-class restaurant and panoramic views.

Orient Express Venezia at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, former home of the Duke of Urbino, is a treasured palace built in 1400. Renovated in 1800 by Gian Battista Meduna then owned by the Donà and Giovannelli families, it will become a hotel for the first time thanks to the design of architect Aline Asmar d Amman. Inspired by the cultures and eras that are forever a part of its history, Orient Express Venezia will be home to 47 rooms and suites, overlooking the gardens or the canals of Venice.

Venice's Dorsoduro district is the city's arty, quieter side that the Venetians prefer to keep for themselves. And right at its southern tip, where the Grand Canal opens into St Mark's Basin, sits this top-tier palazzo with one of the most enviable waterfront positions in the city. Built in 1892 for the Genovese family on the site of a medieval monastery, its Gothic facade now conceals boldly contemporary and fabulous interiors. With the Peggy Guggenheim Collection next door and the Basilica della Salute as a neighbour, the location alone is worth the visit... But the food and the staff seal the deal.

Borgo Pignano Florence is a Florentine secret—hidden on a hillside at the city’s northern edge, surrounded by 5 acres of gardens offering a quiet retreat from the sights that lie within reach. This is the Florence behind the walls, beneath the trees, and between the conversations. A place where time slows, nature leads, and every gesture feels personal. Like all authentic secrets, it’s there to be discovered.

With just 32 rooms and suites, Borgo Pignano Florence preserves a sense of intimacy and calm. Here, historical charm meets modern comfort amid lush Italian gardens and views of the Florentine hills. Across the estate, restored to the highest standards and adorned with fine artworks, classic elegance blends seamlessly with craftsmanship and contemporary ease. Each space is shaped by light, time, and the quiet rhythm of the land.

Perched in the lush hills above Florence overlooking the Arno Valley, Villa San Michele stands as a masterpiece of Tuscan heritage that is tied to the soul of the city itself. A work of art, inside and out with a history tracing back to the 15th century and breathtaking views overlooking Florence, it’s an immersive retreat into the romance of this Renaissance wonder. Honouring the hotel’s heritage, reimagined rooms and suites combine contemporary comfort with enduring grandeur.

Beginning life as a monastery in the 15th century, the hotel’s facade is attributed to the School of Michelangelo, while the surroundings hills were the testing grounds for Leonardo da Vinci’s flying machines. The terraced gardens, originally tended to by monks, have seen the centuries shift through the seasons.

Away from the crowds, and just a short stroll from the Tuscan capital’s iconic landmarks… In the district of Oltrarno, Florence has kept its soul.

Discover the art of Florentine living, in the intimacy of an authentic Renaissance palazzo. This gem has been fully restored by interior design duo Gilles & Boissier. Your apartment’s décor pairs contemporary refinement with the grandeur of historic architecture. La Réserve Firenze reimagines Florence as something deeply personal and privileged.

Tucked behind Piazza della Signoria, practically leaning on the Uffizi, the Hotel Bernini Palace is a 15th-century palazzo with hospitality in its bones. Back when Florence briefly served as Italy's capital in the 1860s, parliamentarians and senators would pile in for backroom dealings over dinner – and you can still feel that buzz of importance today. Now a polished five-star with 74 rooms adorned in antiques and Murano glass, it's elegant, un-showy and thoroughly Italian. The concierge team (Les Clefs d'Or, no less) know every cobblestone in the centro storico, and the location genuinely couldn't be better for getting to know Florence on foot.

Perched on the water's edge in charming Menaggio, this remarkable retreat offers the perfect blend of old-world glamour and modern sophistication. The property comprises two distinct parts – a historic Palazzo and an elegant Villa – and is utterly enchanting at every turn. Inside, warm tones and extraordinary elegance create a dreamy setting where time seems to stand still. Many of the stylishly appointed rooms offer mesmerizing views across the water to picturesque Bellagio and Varenna, while others overlook the hotel's serene private garden. A short stroll takes you to the hotel's exclusive beach club, complete with two infinity pools that seem to melt into the azure waters beyond. Whether you're seeking romantic seclusion, family fun, or a base for exploring this storied region, this lakeside haven delivers on all fronts.

The Lake Como EDITION introduces a bold new vision of lakeside luxury, reimagining a historic 19th-century palazzo with refined contemporary design. Set along the western shore, with sweeping Bellagio views, the hotel blends Italian heritage with EDITION’s signature sophistication and vibrant social energy. Thoughtfully designed spaces, from a soaring lobby bar to waterfront dining and private terraces, create an atmosphere of timeless style.

Culinary excellence comes courtesy of award-winning Chef Mauro Colagreco, while one floating pool, a private dock, and waterfront access provide a seamless connection to the lake, while curated experiences—from scenic boat tours to immersive wellness rituals—elevate every stay. The Lake Como EDITION is a dynamic retreat where international tastemakers and cultural innovators gather, redefining luxury in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Perched among rolling hills and ancient vineyards, this 1000-year-old castle has perfected the art of combining historic grandeur with laid-back Italian charm. Think exposed stone walls, beamed ceilings, and the kind of views that make you want to quit your job and become an olive farmer. The castle's courtyard feels like it's been plucked straight from a Renaissance painting, while the Michelin-starred restaurant proves that modern-day pleasures haven't been forgotten. Whether you're hunting for truffle-laden pasta or simply fancy a splash in the panoramic pool, this pocket of Tuscany knows how to deliver the goods.

The dusky-pink Baroque villa at the estate's heart houses Locanda Nerello restaurant, stuffed full of antiques, art and neon signs and offering a fabulous 0-kilometre menu of dishes like albacore tartare with Salina capers, risotto with fennel and orange zest, and homemade cannoli. Below it, the Convivium Bar occupies the old stone cellar – well-stocked and ideal for an aperitivo – and outside, there's a solar-heated infinity pool framing panoramic views of both Etna and the sea. There's also a small spa, and a larger menu of in-room wellness treatments.

Masseria San Domenico retains all the architectural features of an ancient fortified farmhouse, with large spaces featuring star-shaped vaults. The main core of Masseria San Domenico dates back to the 15th century and consists of a watchtower belonging to the Knights of Malta. Guests have access to a spectacular saltwater swimming pool surrounded by natural rocks, a modern thalassotherapy center, two tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course.

Hotel La Palma, Oetker Hotels' first hotel to open in Italy, was exquisitely reimagined by interior designer Francis Sultana as a unique, elegant 5-star Mediterranean retreat for the modern traveller. It brings the timeless and warm hospitality for which Oetker Hotels is known and loved to the fabled Italian island of Capri.

Built in 1822, Hotel La Palma sits at the epicentre of Capri's social scene, just steps from the Piazzetta. An elegant luxury hotel of 50 rooms and suites, it also has three restaurants and bars, its own private beach club, a pool deck overlooking the boutiques of Via Vittorio Emanuele and a signature spa.

With a prime location at the heart of Italy's most fashionable city, steps from the Duomo, the Teatro alla Scala and the Fashion District, Rosa Grand offers elegant interiors, composed of clean lines and minimal furnishings in a neutral colour scheme with pops of color. Besides the rooms and suites in the main building, guests may opt to stay in the Duomo Luxury Apartments by Rosa Grand, twenty-four spectacular luxury residences with balconies and terraces overlooking the postcard-perfect Milanese landmark.

Perched on the breathtaking Alpe di Siusi – one of Europe's most dramatic high-altitude plateaus – this architectural gem delivers mountain luxury with impeccable credentials. The elegant structure seems almost to emerge organically from its UNESCO-protected surroundings, with floor-to-ceiling windows that brilliantly frame the jaw-dropping Dolomite peaks at every turn. Recently awarded a prestigious One MICHELIN Key, the property blends South Tyrolean warmth with the exacting service and wellness philosophy that defines the brand. Here, tradition meets contemporary flair in a setting that will have you constantly reaching for your camera – or simply standing in slack-jawed wonder as the light transforms the iconic limestone cliffs throughout the day.

Nestled among the charming carruggi and pastel-hued houses that make this stretch of the Italian Riviera so iconic, this 19th-century building has been transformed into something rather special. The historic exterior gives little hint of what awaits inside – a bold, contemporary design statement where striking black and white contrasts create spaces that are both dramatic and inviting. You'll find yourself completely immersed in an atmosphere that somehow manages to be both soothing and stimulating, with clean architectural lines softened by warm Italian hospitality. Just steps from crystal-clear waters, it's the perfect launchpad for exploring the treasures of the Tigullio Gulf while providing a stylish retreat when you're ready to escape the Mediterranean sunshine.