Best hotels in Italy

Palazzo was transformed into a cabinet of Italian art and beauty, where curious travelers quickly find themselves very much at home. Located just minutes from Piazza del Popolo, guests pass through the doors straight into the vibrant swirl of the centro storico. Once enriched by the city but in need of refreshment, they are welcomed back to a stylish sanctuary featuring a secret garden, a rooftop bar, and the highly inventive San Baylon restaurant

Pull up alongside that storied waterway and prepare to be transported to a world where cherubs perch on marble staircases and centuries-old frescoes tell tales of nobility past. This 15th-century masterpiece has earned its status as a National Monument, and rightfully so. Each morning, throw open your windows to watch the theatre of daily life unfold at the historical market opposite, as vendors arrange their wares just as they have done for hundreds of years.

Stay at Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze, Colbert Collection, and you’ll find the very best of the city on your doorstep. In fact, the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Galleries are all within walking distance. The hotel itself is extraordinary. It’s rich with stories, layered in craft, and full of character. Thought to be the oldest hotel in Italy, the building features a 13th-century tower, preserved frescos, and stained-glass ceilings. Its famous red door acts as a shared portal, connecting guests through both time and place. Once you pass through, you’ll find a hotel that embodies centuries of artistry and craft.

A haven for the soul nestled in the Tuscan hills of Chianti Classico , within ancient walls that tell centuries of history, intimately connected to the landscape and its culture.

A place where nature , food and wine , and relaxation harmoniously blend to awaken all the senses.

Deep in the Sicilian countryside near Agrigento, this restored 19th-century mansion began life as a baron's gift to his son - a reluctant socialite who went on to become a much-loved bishop. Today it's a gentle eco-retreat wrapped around a sun-warmed courtyard, the pace slowed to match the fields around it. The old farmhouse kitchen is now the heart of the place: you can cook alongside the team using vegetables pulled from the garden that morning. Days drift between treatments in the converted stables, long Sicilian lunches and walks out to the bubbling mud volcanoes next door.

In the sun-soaked embrace of Puglia's countryside, this 16th-century fortified farmhouse now offers a sublime escape that epitomizes the region's understated charm. Originally built as part of a defensive line against Saracen invasions, the whitewashed tower now stands as a testament to centuries gone by, complete with an ancient pigeon tower once used for wartime communication.

The hideaway in the Dolomites at an altitude of 1770 m. A unique building, one of its kind, in a breathtaking location. Enjoy the beauty of nature and the blessing of silence, as well as a high-level quality of life, to rediscover the true values of existence. Forestis regards itself as a place of retreat surrounded by nature, where time can once again be sensed and filled with emotional value through physical and mental mindfulness towards oneself.

The Suites at Forestis are surrounded by dense treetops. Nothing obstructs the view down into the valley, over wooded mountain landscapes or the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Perched dramatically above the glittering Mediterranean, this 13th-century Capuchin convent has been transformed into something rather special indeed. What was once a place of quiet reflection for monks now offers a different kind of transcendental experience - though we'd argue that gazing out over the azure waters from the infinity pool is its own form of meditation. Just a ten-minute amble from the bustling Piazza del Duomo, former monastic quarters have been reimagined with sophisticated flair, while the original cloister and chapel remain as atmospheric reminders of the building's storied past.

IL Tornabuoni Hotel is located within one of the oldest and most prestigious palaces of Florence, which dates back to the 13th century. Discover 62 rooms that in the names, environments, colors and furnishings recall the Renaissance, characters, stories and artistic magnificence — giving life to one of the very first experiments in the world of real union, not only design, between ancient and modern.

The 62 rooms and suites were designed with the Renaissance in mind. From the bold, gem-inspired tones to the luxurious furnishings, the spaces reflect the rich history and artistic magnificence of the geography and history. The restored building has maintained much of its heritage while adding avant-garde and state-of-the-art interiors.

Ever dreamt of living like 16th-century nobility? Step through the doors of this magnificent palazzo and you'll find yourself transported back in time to when members of the powerful Chigi family roamed its hallowed halls. Originally gifted by Pope Alexander VII to his niece as a rather lavish wedding present, today it stands as the only five-star hotel within Siena's ancient walls. Just a stone's throw from the iconic shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the striking zebra-striped Duomo, you're perfectly positioned to soak up the city's medieval splendour. Inside, original frescoed ceilings, cotto tile floors worn smooth by aristocratic footsteps, and antique chandeliers create an atmosphere that whispers of bygone opulence while catering to modern luxury-seekers.

In the most scenic spot on the coast of western Sicily, rich with history and legends, among the green olive groves and vineyards, sweet mulberry trees, and sun-ripened prickly pears, lies an enchanted place, suspended in time. Ancient stories and a feeling of elegant comfort meet within the walls of Baglio Oneto dei Principi di San Lorenzo - LUXURY WINE RESORT, original home to one of Italy's noblest families.

From this panoramic hilltop, the soul is stirred by sunsets beyond words and scents of ancient memory. Here, relaxation reaches new heights in the infinity pool: featuring heated water, saline steam, and hydromassage, it offers a sanctuary of absolute peace amidst the vineyards, perfectly complemented by the exclusive signature cocktails.

Discover the magic of staying among the trulli and cummerse, the characteristic dwellings of the Itria Valley, built from local stone using ancient techniques passed down through the generations. Immerse yourself in the silence of the Apulian countryside and let yourself be transported by the authentic atmosphere of these places where time seems to have stood still.

Perched dramatically on the edge of sun-drenched cliffs, this historic gem captures the essence of coastal Italian luxury with an aristocratic flourish. Step into the Hall of the Four Seasons, where frescoed female figures dance across walls that have witnessed centuries of distinguished visitors. The large, elegant halls sparkle with reflections from the sea beyond, adorned with soft oriental carpets, period statues and exquisite inlaid furniture crafted by ancient local masters. The meticulous attention to detail is apparent at every turn—from the intricate woodwork to the flowering gardens cascading toward the private beach below. Just a short stroll from bustling piazzas yet blissfully removed from the crowds, this is where the melody of "Torna à Surriento" was famously composed—a fact that feels perfectly fitting when you're sipping prosecco on that legendary terrace as the setting sun paints Mount Vesuvius in hues of amber and rose.

Casa Monti is the Rome you picture when you close your eyes — cobblestones, sage-green shutters, artisan workshops and gelato on every corner — yet inside, it's a different world entirely. An old 18th-century palazzo, Parisian designer Laura Gonzalez has turned it into a maximalist love letter to Roman craftsmanship. Think hand-painted frescoes, Murano glass, Pompeian-red tiles, artfully clashing fabrics and colour. All the colour! It's vivid and personal, and the location is just as fantastic. Slap bang in the middle of the city, on a quiet stretch of Via Panisperna, it's in the heart of the city's coolest boutiques, galleries and bars.

Let's be honest - this one's a showstopper. Clinging to the cliffs above Positano's bustling Spiaggia Grande, this 19th-century marvel serves up the kind of views that Italian dreams are made of. The Li Galli islands float like mirages on the horizon, while the scent of lemon trees and salt air drifts up from the gardens below. The Savino family has perfected their craft here, creating an elegant retreat where the simple things - like sinking into a lounger by the infinity pool or demolishing a perfectly crafted pizza - become extraordinary moments.

Occupying a corner position on the Grand Canal, this extraordinary Gothic edifice has witnessed more than five centuries of Venetian history flow past its windows. Once the private residence of Doge Andrea Gritti, it has hosted an impressive roster of literary luminaries and global elite. The meticulously restored interiors exude an intimate grandeur with low ceilings and a series of reception rooms that lead to charming hideaways, creating the distinct feeling of being welcomed into a sophisticated private home rather than a busy hotel. Step onto the terrace to witness one of the most enthralling vistas in the floating city - from San Giorgio Maggiore past the Santa Maria della Salute Basilica to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection - all while gondolas glide silently below.

One of the first in the city, the hotel has been providing guests a unique and unforgettable view of Florence since 1860. Now completely renovated, it still preserves its original character, and is the ideal place from which to experience the city. Its rooms offer a perfect blend of classical features and contemporary style, and give you the oh so difficult choice between a view of the River Arno and one of the majestic Santa Croce. Its crowning achievement? The rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

In the wild south-east corner of Sicily, this old farmhouse sits within the Vendicari nature reserve, on a working estate of olive groves and a fragrant lemon orchard. It's a small, unhurried sort of place - light-filled, retro-furnished rooms, a pool ringed by Mediterranean scrub, and a silence you only get this far from a town. A private chef will cook for you if you'd like (breakfast leans on the estate's own fruit and eggs) and a cooking class is yours for the asking. Walk out into the reserve for empty beaches and flamingos, or drive twenty minutes for the golden Baroque of Noto.

A tangle of ochre alleys, ivy-draped facades and piazzas that buzz until the small hours, Trastevere is the Rome the Romans go to. And tucked away at the quieter end of the neighbourhood, just at the foot of the Janiculum Hill, is Donna Camilla Savelli, a former 17th-century convent designed by Francesco Borromini. Named after the noblewoman who commissioned it in 1642, the building was home to Augustinian nuns for centuries before becoming a hotel. Its chequerboard marble floors, vaulted corridors and pretty gardens also featured in To Rome With Love - and in fact, the whole place really does feel like a beautifully preserved film set.

High on a clifftop where 17th-century Dominican nuns once contemplated life's greater meanings, this reimagined monastery now offers rather more earthly pleasures. The views alone are worthy of divine praise – sweeping vistas of the glittering Gulf of Salerno that stretch from a tiny fishing village below all the way to the horizon. Inside, vaulted ceilings and ancient stone walls whisper tales of the past.

Step through the doors of this grand dame and you'll be instantly transported to a time when Venetian nobility ruled the waves. Made up of three palaces – a 14th-century marvel, a 17th-century addition, and a 1930s newcomer – this architectural treasure chest sits just a whisper away from St Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace. The moment you sweep into the lobby, with its soaring ceilings and Byzantine elegance, you'll understand why generations of discerning travellers have chosen to rest their heads here. Plush furnishings and ornate details bring the glamour of La Serenissima to life, while the rooftop terrace offers views so spectacular, you'll need to pinch yourself to believe they're real. When the bustle of the canals becomes too much, retreat to your palatial chamber and revel in the sheer decadence of it all.

Overlooking the largest private garden in Europe just a 10 minute walk from the centre of Florence, the fragrance of plants and a blissful quiet fills the air. The result of a collaboration between the architect Francesco Maestrelli, with interior design by Matteo Perduca and his brother Marco, this Florentine gem is home to 16 rooms in the Oltrarno area south of the Arno river – the most artisanal and authentic Florentine district. Squares, museums, churches, shops and restaurants are all at a walking distance from this secret hideaway beyond the busy tourist streets.

A few kilometers from the archaeological area of ​​Selinunte, the exclusive Momentum Wellness Bio Resort welcomes you for a wellness holiday in Sicily in the most authentic and fascinating part of the island. In the evocative atmosphere of a completely renovated traditional Sicilian baglio, you will discover a luxury resort where modern design and local natural materials combine to create welcoming spaces with attention to the smallest details.

Dreamed and designed around the physical and spiritual well-being of its guests, Momentum Resort offers a spa, fitness area, organic restaurant with zero-mile products, swimming pool and solarium terraces overlooking the magnificent olive grove.

A Liberty-style villa on the banks of the Tiber, this spectacular hotel was once famous for its raucous parties thrown by the Malaspina family, one of Europe's oldest noble dynasties, with diplomats and aristocrats gathering beneath its crystal chandeliers (which, incidentally, once hung in New York's Plaza Hotel). It's brilliantly positioned for exploring the Eternal City while offering that rarest of Roman treats: a proper garden with a marble-lined swimming pool. Add a Peruvian-Nikkei restaurant, a deep-blue Pisco Bar and original artworks by the likes of Warhol and Dalí, and you've got a stay that's every bit as characterful as the city itself.

Perched dramatically on the entrance to a former Maritime Republic, this 1956-born dream of Francesco Mansi has evolved into something utterly captivating. After his Mexican sojourn, Francesco returned to establish what his descendants have now transformed into a design hotel with serious personality. Mid-century magnificence reigns throughout the common areas, channeling those halcyon days of Italian design brilliance. The position is nothing short of extraordinary – hovering above the port, beach, and town, with that famous Cathedral and its colonnade commanding attention below. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a world where contemporary elegance meets Mediterranean charm, and every window frame captures that impossible blue of the Tyrrhenian.

Perched on the bustling Riva degli Schiavoni promenade, this elegant time capsule has been welcoming the curious and discerning since 1853, with a guest book that includes one Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (who composed bits of his Symphony No. 4 within these very walls). Step through the historic façade and discover a world where Venice doesn't end at the threshold – it seeps in with the ever-changing light that plays across the lagoon, filtering through windows to illuminate interiors that are at once cultured salon and private retreat. Just a gondolier's call from San Marco, yet a world away from the tourist throngs, this is the insider's gateway to the authentic floating city that casual visitors rarely glimpse.

Ring the doorbell and wait to be greeted as if arriving at a friend's particularly stylish townhouse - albeit one with impeccable taste in Tuscan wines and a knack for artful décor. This elegant hideaway feels distinctly un-hotel-like, with its shelves adorned in an "artfully haphazard" array of hardback books, fresh flowers, and artistic sketches. The warm, informal atmosphere creates an instant sense of belonging in a city that can sometimes overwhelm with its artistic grandeur. Perfectly positioned for immersive exploration, you're just moments from iconic Renaissance treasures, yet tucked away enough to feel like a local rather than a tourist. This is Florence experienced as it should be - intimate, personal and utterly authentic.