What are your suggestions for the best luxury hotels in Italy?

San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily & the Excelsior Palace in Rome are two of the best. I don't know if you plan to visit Sicily, but if you do, do not stay at Hotel La Plage in Taormina. Absolutely awful!

The former CIGA hotels, now part of the Sheraton Luxury Collection chain, are generally considered the best hotels in Italy. They can be found in Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice.<BR><BR>Favorites of mine include the St. Regis Rome (much better than the Hassler, which is a bit nouveau and showy), Principe di Savoia in Milan, either the Grand or Excelsior in Florence, and the Danieli in Venice. You may also want to check out the Savoy and Hotel Gallery Art in Florence, as well as the Hotel de Russie in Rome.<BR><BR>If you are heading out to other parts of Italy, there is the Splendido in Portofino, Le Sireneuse in Positano (although Il San Pietro is slightly more private and a bit cooler as a hotel concept), and Cala di Volpe on Sardinia.

Another vote for the San Domenico Palace in Taormina. I didn't want to leave!

Some good suggestions here, Splendido and San Pietro being among my favorites mentioned thus far. For sheer luxury at great expense, it would be hard to beat the Villa Feltrinella in Garda. (The most expensive hotel I've ever stayed at and I have burned through a lot of money !)

Sorry, meant to type Feltrinelli

Hi<BR><BR>2nd vote for Hotel Danieli in Venice.<BR><BR>What (little) it lacks in facilities is made up for by the position next door to the Doges Palace. Breakfast on the terrace is magnificent.<BR><BR><BR><BR>And in later years, you can look at reproduction works of art and say, I've stayed in that building !<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR>