585 Best Hotels in Italy

Converted from an elegant 16th-century Franciscan convent and immersed in gorgeous, flowery grounds and cloisters on the outskirts of Tropea, this pastel-hued retreat-style hotel has stylish, minimalist interiors and wonderful tranquil terraces replete with infinity pool and breathtaking views. Breakfast is bountiful and fresh, and served à la carte, while the De' Minimi restaurant delivers excellent seafood dishes.    

In the hills of Fiesole, a cypress-lined driveway provides an elegant preamble to this incredibly gorgeous (and very expensive) hotel, which is housed in a 16th-century building that was originally a Franciscan convent designed by Santi di Tito. Not a single false note is struck in the reception area (formerly the chapel), the dining rooms (a covered cloister and former refectory), or by the tasteful antiques and art that decorate the rooms. The open-air loggia, where lunch and dinner are served, provides one of the most stunning views of Florence—a good thing, too, as it compensates for the highly overpriced food.

Built into the rocky shoreline just outside Atrani, this small, friendly, family-run hotel with fresh blue-hued rooms has the feel of a private villa hideaway, one with peaceful lemon- and flower-scented terraces that tumble down the cliffs and access to the Mar Tirreno waves.

This yellow, two-story, Mediterranean-style hostelry built in 1974—complete with Capri's signature round windows and a setting amid lovely gardens in a tranquil residential district—has lots of Caprese family spirit and simple but homey, brightly accented rooms that will make you feel like a guest in a private villa. The restful nights do come at a price: it's a 15-minute walk down to the action of the piazzetta. 

Many of the guest rooms at this well-situated hotel have private terraces with gorgeous Instagrammable views of Etna without the crowds (or high prices) of nearby Taormina. Along with a refreshing swimming pool, colorful public spaces include a lobby, bar, and lounge that make the most of the stellar vista, plus a restaurant with a wine bar.

This hotel on the main drag is housed within one of Sciacca's few palazzi that have been renovated to showcase their period finery. The building dates from the 17th century and retains its arched doorways and a splendid internal courtyard. The decor is a mixture of old and new, while the rooms (some with patios) are mainly spacious and equipped with fridges and modern bathrooms—there's also a family suite. It's just steps away from Piazza Scandaliato, and you can park close by. There's a week-long minimum stay in August.

This modern ski chalet-style hotel just south of Cervinia hits all the marks for an active yet relaxing holiday, with on-site equipment rentals, a large spa complete with swimming pool, and even personal saunas in some guest rooms. Rooms feature woodsy, if a tad basic, decor; all have balconies with views of either the forest or the nearby ski slopes. Panorama Restaurant—with panoramic views of the mountains—serves up traditional Italian dishes with a local spin, as well as an expansive breakfast buffet, while cozy wood-paneled Abrì Restaurant (winter season only) specializes in heartier Valle d’Aosta cuisine such as meat platters, cabbage soup, fondue, and raclette. The spa, which must be reserved in advance, includes an indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room, saunas, a salt relaxation room, and a small gym. Though getting to the town isn’t very walkable, a fast and frequent complimentary shuttle takes guests directly to Cervinia and to the ski lifts.

On a quiet street between Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps, the W Rome brings a calculated cool to an upscale old-world area. Spread across two adjoining 19th-century palazzos, the hotel embraces contemporary luxury with bold colors, sleek leather, and maximalist murals and art in the common spaces. With a rooftop terrace, small pool deck, full gym, interior garden, modern Sicilian restaurant by lauded chef Ciccio Sultano, pastry shop, and a sneakers pop-up store by Big Soup, the hotel embodies la dolce vita and offers more amenities than most in the center of Rome.

Ablaze with lights at night, this seven-layer-cake hotel—topped off by its famous cupola—is popular with visiting diplomats (who might be headed to the U.S. Embassy across the street), celebrities, and American conference groups. The interior is classically lavish, with mirrors, elegant moldings, Asian rugs, crystal chandeliers, and huge floral arrangements. Although guest rooms have elegant drapery, marble baths, top-quality linens, and big, firm beds, some could use a face-lift to better match the grandeur of the lobby and the other public areas. The hotel is home to Orvm Bar and Doney's—once the epicenter of Fellini's paparazzi, which features a pâtisserie, a cocktail bar, an opera-themed brunch on Sunday, and fine dining.

Don't be fooled by the functional exterior of one of Milan's key business addresses: inside, rooms have a contemporary look with soothing gray walls and marble bathrooms. Although there's no pool, many of the 30 suites have their own Turkish baths. The in-house PanEVO restaurant focuses on seasonal northern Italian cuisine and has a lovely outdoor terrace in season.

This chic hotel may fool you into thinking the digs are expensive, but the contemporary coolness of Yes Hotel, located around the corner from Termini station, actually comes at a bargain. Guest rooms are decorated in crisp neutral colors and modern fabrics, and come with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, top-of-the-line toiletries, and electronic safes.

The friendly and laid-back owners will pamper you at this small agriturismo (farm stay) where two cottage apartments open onto gardens and the pool is right on the edge of corn and sunflower fields. You may wake up to find that local produce from the surrounding farms has miraculously appeared on your doorstep. The farmer across the way takes pride in showing guests around his small winery and offering tastings of his potent white wine.

Nice wood flooring, comfortable rooms, and contemporary furnishings that maximize space and bring in light all help recommend this conveniently located bargain in pricey Milan. Flat-screens, Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and free use of the minibar are among the many amenities for guests.

Don't let the rustic appearance of the buildings fool you—this is one of the plushest agriturismi (farm stays) in Umbria. The rooms are furnished in varying ethnic styles, with nice little extras thrown in such as bedside kettles and an array of teas and herbal infusions. The owners also organize a series of outdoor activities.

Slow life is the motto for this rustic chic agriturismo in the hills near Todi. The various cottages are surrounded by pristine grounds and the attentive staff make you feel at home. The position is excellent for visiting southern Umbria.