781 Best Hotels in Italy

The edgy, of-the-moment design at this boutique hotel juxtaposes plush mid-century Italian furnishings with street art murals and industrial touches. On the ground floor, the contemporary fine dining restaurant and sleek bar are the place to unwind with a creative cocktail in hand. The Market caffè serves the kind of healthy salads and fresh juices that are rare in Rome. For summer sunsets, tables at the Mexican-themed Hey Güey rooftop terrace are in high demand.

An oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Venice embodies the glamour and elegance of the mid-20th century: excellent service, elegant, peaceful rooms that blend historic and contemporary styles, some with spectacular views of the lagoon, and a heated salt-water swimming pool. Red-clay tennis courts and a wellness center round out the resortlike facilities, and the grounds truly are splendid: enjoy a restful afternoon poolside, or have an aperitivo at one of the attractive bars while listening to live jazz music. A free shuttle brings guests to St. Mark's Square every 15 minutes.

You have two smart and contrasting choices here: the 19th-century villa, with canopy beds and Alpine-style wood ceilings and paneling; and the more tranquil "Next Wing," with rich colors and spare furnishings in starkly angular rooms. Some rooms have sunken Japanese baths and gardens, there are centuries-old trees shading the terrace, and high-design chaises surround the pool. The staff are all dressed in casual, monklike black.

True to the word "gold" in its name, this bright, burnished, wedding-cake of a hotel shines brightly from its hillside perch amid a citrus-filled garden and terraces; guest rooms have chintz fabrics, antique furnishings, boldly patterned floor tiles, ceiling fans, and balconies that overlook the sea. There's also a broad, casual dining veranda and a private stretch of beach.

A stately seaside mansion surrounded by a lush garden shaded by tall palms and pine trees offers stylish accommodations done in a blend of classic furnishings, mostly inspired by the 19th century. The hotel's cabanas and swimming area are at the foot of the garden.

A brief walk from the town center, this hotel occupies a panoramic spot right by the splendid Rena Bianca beach and has functional rooms—most of them spacious, a few of them with balconies and sea views. Public rooms are much grander, furnished with wicker chairs, and there are terraces and lawns for sipping drinks. The grounds include a palm-shaded pool, and there is a shuttle service to transport guests to beaches further afield. Bike hire and boat excursions can also be arranged. Everything is well maintained by the exceptionally friendly staff, and there may be a minimum stay in peak season.

Elegance and historic charm are the keynotes of this converted medieval palazzo once belonging to the powerful Azzoguidi family, just a short stroll from Piazza Maggiore and all the main attractions. The soothing calm of the sumptuous interior is most evident in the Liberty-style lounge with glass dome, and the period touches extend to the spacious and well-soundproofed guest rooms and suites. The choicest rooms have Renaissance-era frescoes and wooden ceilings, balconies, and views of Bologna's medieval towers. Breakfasts are abundant and their swanky restaurant/cocktail bar Casa Azzoguidi is top-notch.

This is a reliable budget hotel in the side streets of Piazza di Spagna that offers great value for money. There are no extra frills, no pampering—just professional service and clean lodging.

Welcoming guests with one of the most sumptuous, quintessentially Venetian loggia-lobbies (part of the late-14th-century Palazzo Dandolo, built by the family of the doge who conquered Constantinople), this fabled monument of Venetian history retains much of its luxury luster, with marble columns here, carved archways there, and plush furniture everywhere. Guest rooms are decorated in 18th-century Venetian fashion—many contain authentic period furniture. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Danieli was the principal Venetian stopping place for literary and musical notables such as Goethe, Wagner, and George Sand; in fact, you can stay in the room where Sand and Alfred de Musset carried on their love affair in 1833–34. Best of all, if you stay in one of the lagoon-view rooms, you can delight in a most inspiring panorama: over St. Mark's basin to Palladio's San Giorgio, Longena's Salute church, and the mouth of the Grand Canal. The same view is available, plus a view of the Dolomites on a clear day, from the rooftop dining terrace.

Loyal skiers return year after year to this old-school mountain retreat, where each unique room has antiques in characteristic Dolomite style (almost all have wooden balconies) and the main terrace bar is one of Cortina's social centers. De la Poste has been under the careful management of the Manaìgo family since 1936. A refined main dining room—with high ceilings and large chandeliers—serves nouvelle cuisine and superb soufflés; there's also a more informal grill room with wood paneling and the family's pewter collection as well as a cigar room dedicated to guest Ernest Hemingway.

At this mountain-chic inn in the center of Cortina, from the same owners as Puglia’s famed Borgo Egnazia resort, sustainable materials and chill vibes add up to the most modern boutique hotel in town. Comfortable guest rooms made almost solely of pine include pops of bright colors on the chairs, tables, and headboards. When you don’t feel like partaking in Cortina’s nightlife scene, De Len Restaurant and Bar De Len make for great dining and drinking options. The rooftop spa has saunas, a heated pool, and a whirlpool, all with panoramic views of the mountains; guests can book it for an hour of private use, included in their stay.

This intimate boutique hotel from the team behind the Pierluigi restaurant is a top spot for wine lovers. The general manager is a sommelier, the wine cellar has 1,500 labels, each room comes with a personalized wine fridge, and the hotel organizes tastings with producers. Don't miss the complimentary aperitivo at Charade Bar, which has wallpaper illustrated by a local artist.

A key scene in A Room with a View was shot in this pensione, which is today a luxury hotel adorned with chintz and marble. Many rooms have luscious views of the Arno, and a few have their own terraces. Breakfast is served in opulent surroundings—check out the crystal chandelier and the frescoed ceiling in the dining room.

Travelers who love peace and tranquility appreciate the position of this chic hotel set in a prestigious palazzo from the 1800s. The old palazzo has been remodeled to provide spacious lounges and a glassed-in garden courtyard; a small private art collection is also on view. Guest rooms, cleverly furnished with sharp gray, black, and red tones, have been designed to create the illusion of space, though they are actually petite. Some rooms have balconies or terraces on the interior courtyard, and the hotel offers free bicycles for guests to explore the city. After a busy day of sightseeing, the calm location on a pedestrian-only street is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle.

On the west bank of the Tiber between the Spanish Steps and St. Peter's Basilica (a 10-minute stroll from Piazza del Popolo and the nearest Metro station), this hotel is removed from the chaos of the centro storico. Rooms are tastefully furnished with mahogany furniture, antique prints, hardwood floors, and marble bathrooms. Amenities include a bar, cafeteria, solarium, gym, and rooftop garden.

High above Sorano, this austere-looking 11th-century Orsini castle has spectacular views of the town and surrounding countryside. Wood-beam ceilings hang above white and pastel walls in most rooms, and windows have dark-wood shutters. A careful mix of antique and modern furniture—Rococo chairs and upholstered couches—makes for a pleasant and comfortable stay. The hotel closes for some time during the winter; the length and month of the closure vary annually.

This lovely hotel near Termini station is a perfect example of a family establishment: the three Riccioni brothers put their hearts and souls into running the place, while their parents oversee housekeeping and maintenance. The hotel is decorated with 20th-century paintings, mahogany furniture, and handsome fabrics in the guest rooms, which are small and functional, but work well for travelers who don't plan on spending all day in their rooms.

This small, family-run hotel is a good base for budget travelers wishing to be within striking distance of Pompeii's ruins. The Diana is a three-minute walk from the train station, a 10-minute walk from the amphitheater entrance, and close to the action in Pompeii's main square. Despite its convenient location, the hotel somehow feels apart from the tourist throngs. Clean and well-appointed rooms and a young, outgoing staff make for a pleasant stay.

Like the town of Erice itself, the Hotel Elimo is old-fashioned and yet full of charm; eccentric knickknacks and artwork fill the lobby, and the homey guest rooms are all different, many boasting terraces with views of either the cobblestone streets or the valleys below (when they're not shrouded by clouds). The hotel is ideally located on Erice's main street, convenient to shopping and restaurants, though you may very well opt to dine at the hotel's own eatery, which uses fresh local ingredients and offers superb views. The friendly staff can help recommend which local attractions are worth your while.

Relaxed and friendly, this hotel set in its own grounds just steps from the sea makes a great alternative to staying in Genoa, which is easily accessible by train in just 15 minutes from the station opposite. Guest rooms are on the old-fashioned side, but all have a small balcony with views of either the sea or the hotel garden (request the Comfort category for a little more space). The panoramic Anita Garibaldi seaside promenade is close by, and it's a short and pleasant stroll across a leafy park to reach Nervi's two main attractions, the Wolfsoniana collection and the modern art gallery. If you're not inspired by the hotel's handy but somewhat staid restaurant, there's a choice of trattorias in the town, while drivers will be relieved to avoid getting embroiled in Genoa's traffic.

Maharajahs, emperors, and Hollywood legends have stayed at this grand-tradition Chiaia seafront outpost, which opened in 1908 and has an interior that's a symphony of soaring columns, gilded French doors, and Venetian chandeliers. Discreet but attentive service is the goal here—if you want to hire a yacht, the concierge will oblige. After a day of sightseeing, repair to the peaceful rooftop bar and restaurant, with its sweeping bay views.

Built in 1908, this grand hotel with Moorish decor has old-fashioned charm and loads of amenities—from a private beach with white cabanas and a seasonal bar and restaurant to a swimming pool, gym, and tennis courts (though, oddly, no spa). Though most rooms are rather dated, 15 seaview suites were renovated in 2023 and offer a more refreshed look, though at a higher price.

Most of the large and comfortable rooms in this 1880s villa across from the ferry stop are furnished with interesting antiques and have splendid views of the lake. The impressive lobby has a vaulted ceiling and an imposing Florentine fireplace, and the restaurant and bar draw locals and visitors, who appreciate the friendly and helpful staff.

Prepare to relax at this family-run seaside establishment, where one pleasure is lounging on one of the deck chairs on the hotel's rooftop solarium and enjoying its sea views. Guest rooms are simple and bright, some with maritime decor, and all have a balcony. A generous breakfast buffet is served in the indoor dining area. From the hotel, you can easily get to nearby tennis courts, a public outdoor pool, and a golf course, but being so near the beach is the biggest plus.

The one-time residence of Pisani (in the 12th century) has simple and comfortable rooms with historical touches—look for the frescoed ceiling in the former ballroom, now the dining room. The owners, Agnese and Maria Rosa Marino, are extremely helpful and friendly, making you feel right at home in the heart of Amalfi.

This hotel in a converted 18th-century convent has a truly unique setting on one side of the Fori Imperiali, with cinematic views of ancient Rome across the avenue so impressive that it has drawn celebrities and socialites. The lobby is considerably less exciting: decor is traditional in the extreme, with the requisite gold wall sconces, walnut paneling, red-velvet armchairs, and Asian carpets. Upstairs, guest rooms are low-key though pleasant; suites, which have velvety fabrics and some antiques, can be a little dated. Bathrooms have been restyled using marble and antique tiles.  The panorama from the rooftop restaurant will make you feel like you're standing on the set of a movie about ancient Rome.

With a gorgeous citrus and grape arbored garden and a choice of contemporary-styled accommodations, from small doubles to spacious suites, the Forum is a reliable choice near the Scavi entrance and not far from the train station.

Venetian grandeur meets a modern, relaxed ambience in this extensively renovated 16th-century palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal and bustling Campo Santo Sofia. Two rooms have balconies overlooking the campo and two plush suites lord over the Canale Grande, while the rooftop terrace offers truly spectacular Venetian vistas.

Each room has its own contemporary design, some have saunas with hot tubs and stunning views, and all enjoy a prime location near Piazza del Duomo. The friendly owner gives good suggestions about what to see, do, and eat in the area.

This clean and spacious B&B is just a short walk from ski lifts and the bus stop, and all guests have access to the spa and pool areas. Listed prices are for hotel rooms (which often have a week minimum stay), but there are also mini-apartments available on a weekly basis that offer an equally great value for the area. A discount is available at the restaurant for hotel guests.