41 Best Hotels in Italy

This Anacapri icon with unique design, spa, exquisite food, and luxurious retreat atmosphere throughout has amassed a noted art collection and even launched a fashion and home line and hosted A-list cultural events. Accommodations are individually designed; some pay tribute to fashion inspirations, from Monroe and Callas, others honor famous artists, and still others may have private pools or gardens. The on-site Capri Medical Spa offers both one-off treatments and multiday programs targeting wellness, diet, posture, leg health, and more. Along with a hopping bar and a casual bistro, the dining options include the two-Michelin-star L'Olivo, the rooftop Japanese restaurant Zuma, and Il Riccio Restaurant & Beach Club overlooking the sea.

Europe's rich and famous have long favored this hotel, one of Italy's grandest, where rooms are done in Empire style; a broad veranda sweeps out to the lakefront; a swimming pool extends above the water; a restaurant offers top-notch views and cuisine; there are four private villas; and pavilions, miniature forts, and other follies ensure whimsical garden walks. Built on the site of a former nunnery as Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio's summer residence, this lakeside retreat has had a checkered history since its completion in 1568, swinging between extremes of grandeur and dereliction. Its life as a private summer residence ended in 1873, when it was turned into a fashionable luxury hotel.

This fabled medieval monastery was lauded by such guests as Longfellow and Wagner, and after a luxurious overhaul by the esteemed Anantara hotel group, it still retains its historic charm and features, including a celebrated Arab-Sicilian cloister and Baroque church. Once-stark monk cells are now comfy contemporary guest room cocoons, some with vibrant artworks and terraces (one suite features a vaulted ceiling with a 700-year-old fresco) and two restaurants provide fine dining and gourmet pizzas. The stunning terrace promenade, more than 1,000 feet long, holds the small yet glorious infinity pool, narrow herb gardens, and lemon groves, and time-burnished columns and clouds of bougainvillea frame timeless views of Amalfi's harbor. There's also an Anantara Spa with indoor and outdoor treatments, and staff can arrange visits to the neighboring town of Ravello, as well as sunset boat excursions along the coast toward Positano.  

Although it lies just a five-minute drive from Porto Empedocle, and less from Marinella beach, Borgo delle Pietre feels as if it is in a world apart, set among olives and vineyards, with the only sounds those of birdsong and goat bells. A former inn, it is built of the same stunning white stone as Scala dei Turchi and the cliffs of Torre Salsa—some of the stones are encrusted with glinting crystals of salt and selenite. There are just eight minimalist rooms, with white walls, biscuit-glazed terra-cotta floors, custom-built natural wood beds, majolica tiled, resinated cement bathrooms and beautiful heavy handmade linen upholstery and cushions in subtle shades of blue, bronze, sage and ocher. The central courtyard is a wonderful place to sit with an early morning coffee or predinner drink, though other outdoor spaces appeal as well—such as the pool, with a shaded pavilion for summer lunches, and a tiny hidden away courtyard perfect for a quiet solo read in the shade. The restaurant is open to clients only, with daily changing fish and meat menus. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus are available on request.

Long a magnet for the beautiful people, this hyperglamorous Marriott Luxury Collection hotel was designed by Jacques Couëlle to evoke a traditional Mediterranean village, complete with its own bay and covered bridge; the exterior is complemented by a rustic-elegant interior with beamed ceilings, terra-cotta floors, Sardinian arts and crafts, and porticoes overlooking the Cala di Volpe Bay. There's an Olympic-size saltwater pool, boat service to a private beach, and access to the Pevero Golf Club. Summer prices are high (€1,000 and up), but discounted rates are available with loyalty points and in low season.

With delicate wooden balconies and an eye-catching wooden gable, the pink Cavallino Bianco (Little White Horse) looks like a gigantic dollhouse, and it is, in fact, marketed toward families. Beyond this facade lies a sprawling all-inclusive modern resort, but the cozy bar—with its large, handcrafted fireplace—retains some old-fashioned charm. Guest rooms have upholstered furniture with cheery large-scale plaids and honey-color wood accents. The hotel is only a five-minute walk from the main ski facilities; ski guides are available.

Now relaunched under Hilton’s Conrad banner, the Chia Laguna hotel still has its captivating position overlooking Monte Cogoni beach and the sleek expanse of Chia lagoon, and its five-star facilities are geared to maximizing guests’ enjoyment of these natural advantages. One of the resort’s alfresco restaurants, La Terrazza, also enjoys sea views, as do most of the modern, spacious, and light guest rooms. Other facilities include curving, lawn-surrounded pools, tennis courts, and a small gym. Milanese designers have made the interior an appealing blend of modernity and Sardinian motifs, with traditional island artifacts set amid ceramic-tile floors and sand-hued walls.

This luxury grande dame, now run by Marriott, is lauded for its service, spa, and more—the architecture was immortalized in 1963's The Pink Panther. Guest rooms are furnished in handwoven fabrics and wood paneling typical of the region, but with an attention to elegance and detail that clearly define the resort's level of excellence. The prestigious bar and spa have both set the precedent for other properties in their class around Europe.

This country mansion, once the home of a local bishop, is full of art and warm Sicilian hospitality, having been transformed into the kind of easy, informal place where guests are put instantly at their ease, as if they were old family friends. The food is hearty and fantastic, most of it grown on their organic farm, and is created in a vibrant, cozy family kitchen with wood-burning oven—and it is here that guests can have cooking lessons with the indominable chef, Maddalena; other tours can be arranged on-site. Accommodation is simple and comfortable, and there is a lovely garden and swimming pool.

Used as a hunting lodge in the 19th century, the Fasano has matured into a seasonal hotel with high standards, opulent rooms, and many amenities—including an Aveda Destination Spa and a well-regarded restaurant, Il Fagiano, in addition to three more casual eateries (one a short walk away). There are also two golf courses in the vicinity. To one side you face the deep waters of Lake Garda; on the others you're surrounded by a 31,080-square-km (12,000-square-mile) private park where the original Austrian owners no doubt spent their days chasing game.

Creature comforts in this turn-of-the-20th-century building—one of the top grand hotels on the lake—include a lush park, three heated swimming pools (one of them floats on pontoons on the lake), a small private beach, and sumptuous guest rooms where old-world style meets modern amenities. Get a lake-view room if you can: the Bellagio vistas across the water are spectacular, and for the ultimate splurge, the rooftop suites have their own terraces with heated, outdoor whirlpool tubs. The formal restaurant, La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, serves seasonal cuisine and fresh fish with that same wondrous view from its terrace; L'Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar is a fun, casual option. Continue the pampering at the lovely T Spa, where you may splurge on a Spa Suite with private whirlpool tub, sauna, and Turkish bath.

The entryway's marble relief of St. Theodolus reminds you that this was once a hermitage, but asceticism has given way to comfort and elegance—a fire is always glowing in the enormous hearth, the dining room is candlelit, the bright bedrooms have balconies, and the suites have antique fireplaces and 18th-century furnishings. You can enjoy its extensive health and beauty amenities and play 18 holes at the Cervino Golf Club. Note that summer rates are roughly half what they are in winter.

Dating from 1050, this imposing castle-turned-hotel includes two restaurants, tennis courts, an equestrian center, a spa inspired by Roman baths, and exquisite guest rooms featuring beamed ceilings and bespoke furniture designed by the hotel’s owners. Ristorante Al Castello serves up contemporary Italian cuisine with amazing views, while Ristorante Alle Scuderie has soaring ceilings and an organic kitchen garden; there’s also a cooking school located on-site. The lovely Bathhouse spa features saltwater pool, large-sized steam room, sauna, and treatment rooms.

Throughout this, the first European outpost of the luxe Il Sereno Hotel in St. Barths, you'll find floor-to-ceiling lake-view windows and an understated retro-mod aesthetic, with a muted palette of browns and grays complementing a panoply of wood, stone, leather, and copper accents. Thoughtful guest room touches include heated toilets and comfy beds; splurgeworthy penthouse perks include a private wraparound terrace and outdoor whirlpool tub. Relax by the infinity pool on the lake, sit amid the orange grove, and admire the vertical garden designed by architect Stefano Boeri, creator of Milan’s famous apartment buildings, Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest).

Once you get a taste of the resort's lush gardens, fabulous spa, and fantastic pools—all set on an exclusive island called Isole Delle Rose, a 20-minute boat ride from Venice—you may find yourself quickly settling in to la dolce vita.

This agritourismo, a pretty stone masseria (Sicilian farmstead) is in a beautiful, secluded location that feels as if it is miles from anywhere yet within easy driving distance of most of central Sicily’s points of interest, including Caltagirone, Piazza Armerina, and Enna. Inexpensive, welcoming, and unpretentious, it is hard to think of a better place to base yourself in the region. The 33 rooms are simple but comfortable, and there is a hot tub and a large swimming pool for all guests to share. The Masseria’s produce, including olive oil, jams, and pestos, is available to buy in a small shop and forms the basis for the evening meal, a fixed menu that changes every day. Breakfast is a triumph, with lots of fresh fruit, nuts, artisan compotes, yogurt, and homemade cakes. A small children’s playground and the general feeling of friendliness make this a good choice for families, too, and there are lots of trails to follow on foot or bike in the surrounding woodlands.

Blending beautifully into the mountain landscape, this deluxe lodging just south of Madonna di Campiglio features one of the largest and most impressive spas in the Alps. Elegant, spacious suites incorporate local materials such as wood and stone into the contemporary Alpine decor; all include balconies or terraces with mountain and valley views, and some feature private Jacuzzis and saunas. The 5,000-square-meter (54,000-square-foot) spa includes a dizzying range of pools, saunas, and Turkish baths, along with a fitness center and exceptional spa treatments. The two restaurants, Grual (only for ages 12 and older) and Dolomia, feature seasonal ingredients with a focus on local producers. A shuttle transports skiers and hikers directly to the Pinzolo ski lifts.

Set in an early-20th-century villa amid Franciacorta's hilly vineyards, this Relais & Chateaux property is a true sanctuary, with an enormous spa, a botanical garden, and vast, sculpture-filled grounds to explore. Each guest room is different, though all are decked out with luxurious fabrics; most have balconies or terraces with garden, lake, or Alpine views, and some feature Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. The hotel is owned by the same family as the neighboring Bellavista and Contadi Castaldi wineries, and you can sample these wines with your meals in the on-site gourmet Leone Felice or L'aurum restaurants or La Filiale pizzeria. You'll want to devote time to the spa's top-notch treatments—including hydrotherapy, body scrubs, facials, and massage—as well as its large pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and gym.

This estate, one of the largest still in private hands in Tuscany, was purchased at the beginning of this century and meticulously converted into a second-to-none resort that incorporates a medieval borgo (village) and surrounding farmhouses and has luxurious suites, as well as opulent three- to five-bedroom villas, each with its own pool. There are two on-site restaurants, one formal, the other casual, where cooking lessons are also offered. The highly acclaimed, 18-hole golf course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, is open only to members of the golf club and hotel guests.

Breathe in the scent of orange blossoms as you arrive at this modern boutique hotel surrounded by 32 acres of gardens and citrus orchards just five minutes from the sea by car. The manor house and its adjoining palmento (the wine-making building, which is now the restaurant), was built in 1800; separate cottages were subsequently added for guest rooms. Designed by Iraci Architetti, one of Italy's preeminent architecture firms, the modern accommodations incorporate clean lines, lots of white, lava stone, and a copious amount of glass to open the space to the property's most valued asset: its natural surroundings. Zash offers a modern style without sacrificing a sense of place.

The restored Palazzo Papadopoli (sometimes referred to as "the place where George Clooney got married") provides its guests with sumptuous period details alongside elegant contemporary design, an expansive private garden facing the Grand Canal, a rooftop terrace, and light-filled and spacious rooms with garden or canal views. Some rooms feature exquisite frescoed ceilings (including one by Tiepolo), painted friezes, wood paneling, and silk wall coverings—the palace is a testament to neo-Renaissance and rococo architecture. The private landing dock makes arrivals effortless. From the reception area, a sweeping staircase brings guests to the main dining room set in the palazzo's ballroom, with stunning views of the Grand Canal.

Located just outside of Pisa, in San Giuliano Terme—a favorite playground for 18th-century European aristocrats—this elegant resort maintains a decadent old-world feel with beautiful grounds, spacious rooms and suites, and a luxurious spa.

Housed in a handsome masseria farmhouse building, this countryside resort provides a tranquil base for relaxing by the pool, eating alfresco in courtyards and terraces, and spa pampering. Guest rooms carry on the elegant Pugliese-cool whitewashed and stone-tone theme: deluxe options have small terraces while suites up the airiness with a living area, terraces with elevated views, and spacious bathrooms.  

Ideal for sophisticated urbanites who want to combine a poolside holiday with sightseeing, this stylish, contemporary,  hilltop hotel is an innovative addition to Agrigento’s lodging scene. It's the kind of place you can sit in your own hot tub or plunge pool in complete privacy, sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over the distant temple of Juno. Some rooms even have their own hot tubs, with all water heated by solar power. The main pool has a bar incorporated within it with stools designed to keep guests up to their waists in the water. Rooms are white and feature metal four-poster beds and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The owner is committed to sustainable tourism: the hotel is self-sufficient in energy and has its own vegetable garden and almond and pistachio groves.

Highly personalized service and well-appointed guest rooms (including bungalows perfect for families) are among the hallmarks of Riva's largest resort; another is the beautifully manicured 17-acre garden with more than 200 species of plants. Airy public spaces include a restaurant, poolside-pizzeria, bar, spa, and wellness center. The resort is not on the waterfront, but there's a private path to the public beach and two outdoor pools, with another small outdoor pool just for the younger set, plus one indoor pool to use when the weather doesn't cooperate.

Classic Riviera elegance prevails at this palatial hotel overlooking the bay, where antique furniture and crystal chandeliers fill the high-ceiling rooms. The five-star grading meets all expectations, not least for the fantastic service and facilities. Stroll through the lush garden, then take a dip in the curvaceous swimming pool (April–October) or in the sea, at the beach across the street. The hotel has a state-of-the-art fitness center and beauty treatments.

Worldly cares are softly washed away by the comforts of the rooms (some damask linens, tapestry-like canopies, marble highboys), the superlative attentiveness of the staff, and the hotel's magnificent garden setting. A buffet lunch is served on a canopied terrace above the pool, and numerous smaller terraces are tucked away on the sloping cliffs, perfect for a peaceful afternoon nap. Chaises and white umbrellas sit ocean-side on the beach. Some rooms are in separate cottages. If absolute privacy is your main concern—and you're willing to pay for it—one suite has a private pool.

This resort on the edge of the Parco dell'Etna combines elegantly appointed guest rooms, a stunning pool, a full-service spa and wellness center, and a fine-dining restaurant to create an immersive Etna experience. It's an excellent spot to base your volcanic exploration or just check-in for a few days and never leave the property.