585 Best Hotels in Italy

Combining understated old-world charm and contemporary chic—and blessed with a garden with citrus trees, sweeping bay views (ask for a room with a balcony), and beach access—Hotel Mediterraneo seems worlds away from bustling Sorrento, though it's just a 1-km stroll from town. There's dining and quaffing in style with panoramic views from both the Vesuvio restaurant and Vista Sky Bar, plus a pool and the relaxing LePietre spa facilities. 

This independent hotel provides tidy accommodations in the style you might expect in a chain aimed at business travelers, but the name and ambience of the hotel are much more connected to the town's local spirit. It's thanks to Anassila, the tyrant who ruled Reggio, that Messina got its name sometime around 491 BC, in honor of his homeland (Messenia) in Greece. And he was given the right to mint money, coins called Messenion, which were vital to the growth of trade in the area. 

This trendy boutique hotel boasts a prime location, with the main shopping street of Corso Umberto on one side and sea views on the other. Modern touches abound in the 17th-century building, with bright, airy rooms done up in light colors with contemporary furnishings; most are suites, including a terrace spa suite with a Jacuzzi ideally sited on a panoramic terrace. You can hear live jazz in the attractive bar most evenings. In season, take advantage of the infinity pool, or head to the private beach—just a free 10-minute shuttle ride away.

A cozy hotel just a stone's throw from Termini Station sounds like some sort of a miracle, and yet, the Morgana welcomes guests with classically designed accommodations and friendly smiles. Rooms feature kitschy striped walls, comfy beds, flowing drapes, satellite TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is abundant, and there's free access to a fitness center in the Hotel Ariston, a sister hotel that's just across the street. 

The relaxed country-house elegance and comfortable rooms at this spa hotel are a sharp contrast to the brisk and clinical atmosphere of the Terme dei Papi spa itself, which bustles with doctors, bathers in bathrobes, and uniformed staff. Breakfast, a sumptuous buffet, is taken in a wood-beam gallery overlooking a small garden. Hotel guests have free access to the pool, as well as a 15% discount on all spa treatments.

On a rock jutting dramatically above the tiny cove of Marina dei Praia and overlooking a Saracen tower and coastal ridges, this popular, picturesque hotel has gorgeous flower-fringed terraces, elegantly designed bedrooms, and public areas with panoramic glass walls and marble flooring; nearby is the plush Villa Corallium, which provides six additional gorgeous "modern classical" rooms, with either terrace sea or garden views.  A path winds down to the beach, where daily boat excursions leave for Positano, Capri, and Ischia.

With much the same views as the multimillion-dollar villas nearby, this small family-run Praiano pad is a great-value option. True, you're right on the main road, but the tile-floor guest rooms are white and clean, the private balconies are spacious, and the informal, vine-covered restaurant serves up tasty fare with sublime vistas.

This hotel, in a building dating from the 12th century, has public rooms with timbered ceilings, warm yellow walls, and brocaded chairs and guest rooms with high ceilings and still more of that glorious damask. Top-floor suites have sweeping views of the town. One suite is on the mezzanine floor but also has city views.

Formerly the Grillo family palace, this sumptuously comfortable boutique hotel integrates architectural details from the 1500s to the 1700s—like an original marble entryway and staircase, frescoed ceilings, and frieze details in some rooms—with clean-lined modern luxury. All of the furniture has been handpicked and combines vintage pieces with those from some of Italy's best designers, with an emphasis on minimalism and surprising pops of color. Public spaces such as the ballroom-size living room, billiards room, and top-floor terrace add to the appeal.

This 16th-century family palazzo has been beautifully restored, with inviting public spaces and handsome guest quarters where contemporary surroundings are accented by old beams, vaulted ceilings, and other distinctive touches. This hotel is often preferred by local winemakers and other professionals for its updated look. With a convenient location near the church of San Giovanni, it's a lovely, short walk past Piazza della Repubblica to the Duomo.

There's an air of seclusion and a respite from hectic San Remo in these bright, well-equipped rooms—some with balconies and sea views—that face a quiet, palm-fringed garden and pool. The hotel is surrounded by manicured grounds and an adjacent, lush public park. A pleasant restaurant offers a fixed-price menu for lunch and dinner, or a variety of à la carte options. There's a four-night minimum stay in July and August.

This small hotel below the old town, run by the amiable and ever-helpful Massimo and family, has simply furnished modern rooms, making it a good base to explore the surrounding Madonie Mountains. 

In 1288, this diminutive property overlooking the coastline housed an order of Augustinian friars; today the intact cloister hosts travelers intent on enjoying themselves under the coved ceilings of the former eremitani scalzi (shaved hermit) cells. Ancient, ivy-covered stone arches and a tiled walkway lead to a cozy interior that still feels like a retreat. In the garden, sun loungers, a fishpond, and alfresco dining all share the vista.

This pleasant and affordable family-run hotel in a quiet residential area outside the old city center is pleasantly set amid a grove of olive trees. Some of the spacious rooms, though a tad dated, have views of the city. Adjacent parking is ample and free.

A rambling farmhouse has been transformed into a handsome hotel with understated contemporary furniture in the bedrooms and country-classic motifs in the bar. From this charming spot you get a splendid view of San Gimignano's towers.

Sea-view rooms at this small hotel along the promenade have nice little balconies, and there's a terrace perfect for enjoying the sunset and vistas of France. Many of the clean and simple accommodations have been updated in a pleasantly contemporary style.

Ask for a room on the third floor.

Viareggio's first hotel—opened in 1871 to host those on the Grand Tour, as well as many Russians who stayed for extended periods—still exudes old-world charm, even though it's been completely updated to suit 21st-century tastes. Public rooms filled with lovely brocaded furniture provide the perfect place to have an aperitivo. Guest rooms have high ceilings, large windows with damask drapes, and hard-wood floors; bathrooms are surprisingly large. La Terrazza, the top-floor restaurant, has views of the sea and a creative young chef whose innovative, tasty food makes a stay here even more worthwhile.

Situated in a remodeled Renaissance palazzo with one of the prettiest patio-courtyards in Rome, this hotel is a relaxing retreat close to Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere. Rooms have cherrywood accents, recessed lighting, and luminous marble floors. Some overlook the garden of the historic Palazzo Spada, and others offer a distant glimpse of the cupola of St. Peter's Basilica. Some suites have whirlpool tubs and balconies. The rooftop terrace is a great place to contemplate the city's skyline.

The Poseidon is more than just another family-run hotel with an amazing view and a terrace thanks, in no small part, to the pergola-dappled panoramic terrace with restaurant, cocktail bar, and pool, and their Beauty Center L'Onda with its gym, Turkish bath, and treatments. All rooms have private terraces, most overlooking the bay—and a range of events can be organized, from boat rides to group excursions to weddings.

Here, you'll find all the exquisite trappings of a traditional luxury hotel: lavish mirrors, drapes, and carpets; and some of the city's largest guest rooms, outfitted with eclectic fin de siècle furnishings. The Mosaic rooms (named for the glass mosaic panels in their ample bathrooms) are even larger, and the three-bedroom Presidential Suite features its own marble pool and spa. The Principe bar is an elegant aperitivo spot, and the Acanto restaurant has garden seating and is open from breakfast to dinner. Lighter food is served in the lobby bar Il Salotto.

Contemporary art mixed with antique furnishings, creamy marble floors, and vaulted ceilings evoke a luxurious private home in a residential area near Palermo's glitzy shopping district. It's easy to get comfortable in the understated surroundings; relax in the library with an aperitif, or have a workout in the fitness room. Rooms are simple yet elegant, with fine linens, soothing neutral colors, and more modern art.

The grand former home of a musician and composer, this 18th-century villa perched on a fragrant hillside above white-sand beaches has since had a wing added, creating a wonderful retreat from the crowds at the water's edge. Lush gardens, beautiful views, and a natural grotto with Jacuzzi and bar are among the amenities, and free parking is available.

Hidden away from the Positano crowds, a short passeggiata away from the hydrofoil port, lovely host Gabriella and her long-serving team run a laid-back but well-run hotel blessed by Spiaggia Fornillo beachside bliss, with 34 tiled suites and practical bathrooms with balconies and facilities galore including restaurant, bar and bathing services. Ground floor standard rooms have traditional tiles and are a little noisier as near the restaurant and path; while first and second floors offer more peace, modern tiled-style with more space and grandstand private terrace views over the sunbeams, waves and coastline.   

Although some visitors say it's resting on past laurels and is in need of renovations, Raya is perfectly in keeping with the elite style of Panarea—discreet and expensive, with a pool and terrace that enjoy views over the sea toward Stromboli. Public areas, including an open-air rooftop restaurant, are right on the port. Guest rooms occupy separate areas higher up the hill, with serene sea views from their balconies and a Moorish-inspired design to create a calm retreat.

Though it's just 15 minutes from the Accademia and Michelangelo's David, this hotel—in a 19th-century mansion adorned with rich fabrics and period-appropriate furnishings—is a true retreat from the city's noise and crowds. The restaurant here is equally sophisticated, and the Piazza d'Azeglio, a small public park across the street, also evokes 19th-century Europe.

Close to the port and the main downtown sights, this large, modern hotel attracts both vacationers and businesspeople with a quiet, friendly ambience and spacious, sober rooms. Breakfast choices include local pastries, fresh fruit, and cooked options, and there’s a handy lounge-bar and a popular restaurant. The internal garage is a rarity in Cagliari.

Nestled in an old building just a stone's throw from the main civic square (Piazza Signoria), this charming little boutique hotel offers peace and elegance. Many of the rooms have 18th-century frescoes on their ceilings, and all have hydromassage showers (some have a steam room). You can enjoy an aperitivo from the bar, and sip it in a comfortable sitting room.

Renovation of this 15th-century building took a decidedly minimalist approach: the breakfast room, lounges, and guest rooms feature plenty of light wood, mood lighting, and sleek, angular design. The restaurant offers a seasonally changing menu that includes some traditional local dishes as well as novel flavor combinations and culinary techniques.

The Zani family runs this modern, centrally located hotel, which has welcoming public spaces, warm-color guest rooms, and one of the city's most appealing restaurants. Select from classic rooms or those with a more contemporary style, all with comfortable beds and updated bathrooms. The Ristorante Novecento serves wonderful dishes paired with local wines; they also make gluten-free dishes upon request.

Set in a Renaissance palazzo in central Modena, this luxurious bolthole combines modern and antique furnishings, and has a selection of spacious room and suites (the Royal has a beautiful frescoed ceiling) with smart marble bathrooms. The feeling of being secreted away in an exclusive, tranquil retreat is enhanced by the top-notch service and facilities for both eating and pampering.