781 Best Hotels in Italy

Far from the madding, sunburned crowds—in a sleekly renovated former fortress on Punta Cornacchia above the Bay of San Montano—this luxurious getaway (part of the chic Pellicano Hotels Group) tempts its privileged guests to stay put and relax, with a glamorous heated pool overlooking a storybook cove, fine restaurants, spa treatments, and hundreds of pretty pine and pomegranate trees. Inside, everything is white-on-white, accented with charming retro details, like brass lamps and illustrated matchbooks. Most guest rooms are in the 16th-century Aragonese tower. The restaurants—La Torre and the more laidback, alfresco La Baia—are open to nonguests by reservation.

Opened in 2021, this impressive Neoclassical building near the santuario now houses a well-thought-out hotel that fuses comfortable contemporary design with historic decorative touches. Three chic restaurant hangouts—Circolo, Roof, and RAW—cover social-club pizzeria to rooftop lounge bar to refined gourmet, while the understated but stylish rooms offer ample options for couples and families. 

This delightful hotel has a creaky old feel to it, but that's part of the charm—the lobby area, scattered with books, magazines, and tchotchkes, calls to mind an elderly relative's living room; but the rooms themselves are simple, light, and comfortable. There's a lovely roof terrace with panoramic views—a great place to start the day with breakfast or relax in the evening with cocktails—and a well-known restaurant serving seafood pasta, couscous, and homemade desserts.

Run by the friendly famiglia De Mauro, this modern B&B ticks all the boxes for those seeking great value in a tranquil, scenic setting near the beach. The decor throughout is functional and minimalist, and there are good triple-room options. The highlight for many guests, though, is the rooftop deck. It's a pleasant stroll into town.

Step out of this charming, clean, well-run hotel, and you'll feel like you've landed in the middle of an ancient imperial stomping ground; a stone's throw from the Forum, it's surrounded by the breathtaking splendor of ancient ruins. Guest rooms are on the small side but are modern and offer good value for the location; they feature large comfy orthopedic beds with hounds-tooth-plaid headboards, parquet flooring, marble baths, air-conditioning, and soundproof windows. The Aurora Bistrot & Bar, located in the lounge of the hotel, serves brunch every day and aperitivo in the evenings.

It would be hard to find a modern hotel closer to the Roman Forum—the ancient ruins are practically right outside the door. Rooms feature sleek contemporary furniture and wallpaper stamped with villas from Rome's past. Don't miss drinks on the rooftop terrace, which provides bird's-eye views of Piazza Venezia, Trajan's Column, and the domes of the Santissima Nome di Maria al Foro Traiano Church.

The genial Viti family oversees this property with clean and simple rooms near the train station and well within walking distance of the sights. Air-conditioning and triple-glazed windows ensure quiet nights. Some rooms can accommodate extra beds.

This smart and central B&B offers a calm alternative to staying in Palermo whether or not you're primarily here to visit Monreale. It's clean, modern, and tastefully designed and furnished, with spacious rooms that are named after operas by Verdi (the hosts are both former professional musicians). Extras include underfloor heating for the cold winter months and saunas to replenish body and spirit after sightseeing fatigue. Breakfasts are generous and evening meals are available on a small terrace. Guests can also benefit from a pick-up service for the airport.

For great views of Etna, this centrally located hotel overlooking Catania's main shopping street has a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy breakfast or take in the scenery during happy hour over a cocktail and antipasti buffet. Although it has a bit of a chain-hotel feel, the friendly service makes the experience feel more personal—you can even leave your car in front of the hotel, and they'll park it for you. Upgrading to a larger executive room is highly recommended: it includes anything you want from the minibar.

The only hotel in Italy outfitted by famed French designer Philippe Starck boasts a clubby atmosphere, over-the-top contemporary rooms lined with Murano glass, and so-close-you-can-touch-them Grand Canal views. Sleek white guest rooms feature Carnival mask motifs on the lamps, large-size TVs hidden inside mirrors, and plenty of comfy couches and chairs to relax in; some have their own balconies or terraces. The Restaurant offers modern versions of traditional Venetian cuisine, or you can sip some bubbly in the intimate Krug Champagne Lounge, with mesmerizing Grand Canal views, before dining on the impressive roof terrace, open from May through September. For a decadent oasis within a short stroll of St. Mark’s Square, the Palazzina can’t be beat.

At this atmospheric late-16th-century palazzo, you can experience warm hospitality, a lush private garden, and unusually spacious guest rooms well appointed with antique-style furniture, frescoed or stuccoed ceilings, and silk fabrics. The location is remote enough to escape the San Marco masses while still within striking distance of major sights, and there's a private dock for taxi arrival. In summer, breakfast is served in the gorgeous garden.

This former palace was formally named Palazzo Barbarigo della Terrazza because of its unique open-air terrace. While it is not unusual to find an opulent hotel along the Grand Canal, it is unusual to discover black marble, matte lacquer, indirect lighting, and 1940s design perfectly ensconced in a 16th-century Venetian palace. Massive mirrors soar from floor to ceiling to create a feeling of spaciousness. Each room, whether suite or standard, feels like a refuge; a long, ultra-chic bar runs the length of the piano nobile (principal floor) to a balcony above the canal, just large enough for a table and two chairs.

Set in a historic, central palazzo, Bezzi is the best bet in town for reliable, friendly customer service, and a comfortable stay amid modern surroundings, a quiet garden, and panoramic rooftop solarium. Guest room and suite decor is mainly muted, whitewashed and minimalist with parquet flooring, while some have accented, striped wallpaper.  

Once home to the Malaspina family who hosted high-society gatherings throughout the 18th century, this former Roman villa has public spaces that are sumptuously decorated with chandeliers, velvet curtains, and eclectic artwork. Rooms feature tasteful navy blue, taupe, or green details against white backdrops, with comfortable beds and minimal furniture. Some suites offer incredible details like beamed ceilings, terraces, design books, and prints by noted photographers. The gorgeous outdoor garden features olive and lemon trees, and a pool with sunbeds.

The guest rooms at this 14th-century palace are named for signs of the zodiac, but the astrological reference stops at the painted symbol on the door, as each elegant room is unique—an antique sewing-machine table serves as a nightstand, a medieval-looking chandelier with a forged-iron ring and a globe hangs from a ceiling, elegant striped silk covers a wooden settee. Some rooms have ivory-color drapes hanging from baldachin beds—iron canopy beds with a painted medallion on the headpiece. A lovely garden opens behind the hotel. Five cheaper rooms, named for constellations, are available in an annex.

Occupying a 19th-century villa up the steps from Atrani's harbor, this hotel has unrivaled beach vistas and a pop-art design-theme, evident in both the modern lobby and in the colorful, individually designed guest rooms, each one dedicated to a movie actress. The star attraction, though, is the Nel Blue beauty center, with its mosaic walls, infused lighting, and selection of massages. Climb to the top-floor solarium for a 180-degree view over Atrani.

This carefully restored 19th-century town house has charm and character that set it apart from the other, more business-oriented hotels in Alba. The rooms are decorated individually in a contemporary style, and the location—on a quiet backstreet steps from the city center—can't be beat. A fine buffet breakfast is served in the vaulted basement.

The perfect place to play the part of a Florentine aristocrat is here at this 16th-century palazzo, which despite its massive halls and sweeping staircase could almost feel like home.

If you dream of waking up to head-on views of the Colosseum, book into this boutique hotel, which is set in a 17th-century palazzo built over the ruins of the Ludus Magnus, the gymnasium used by Roman gladiators, and offers refined luxury. An adjacent building has modern suites and the must-visit cocktail bar, The Court. The upscale rooftop restaurant Aroma rounds out the offerings.

Housed within a 16th-century palace, where renowned Florentine architect Bartolomeo Ammannati carved colossal statuary, the four spacious suites and three apartments with kitchenettes here offer a wonderful atmospheric alternative to regular hotel accommodation. Beyond the handsome courtyard there are cavernous rooms with some period furniture and historic artworks.

A central-yet-secreted location, an infinity pool below the cupola of Santa Maria Assunta, and a magical bougainvillea-draped patio garden are among the things that make the Murat much coveted by hotel bucket-listers. The courtyard (part orchard, part terrace) is one of the most drop-dead-gorgeous settings in Campania—a sublime area for dining alfresco at the Al Palazzo restaurant on dishes created by the accomplished chef. The old (18th-century) wing is Positano's grandest palazzo, once the summer residence of Joachim Murat, king of Naples, with massive limestone walls, carved rococo delicacies, and wrought-iron balconies swimming in pink flowers. The many-arched Mediterranean-style new wing has clean, tasteful mainly blue and white Vietri-tiled rooms with shady room terraces overlooking the gorgeous gardens, pool and Positano's limestone cliffs.

Exuding the charm of a bygone era, this palazzo has guest rooms featuring high ceilings and antique furnishings, as well as bathrooms decorated with hand-painted tiles. Many rooms also have hard-wood floors, and all have writing tables. In warm weather, enjoy your ample breakfast in the garden with a trickling fountain and fantastic views. In addition, a wine bar (at reception) offers fine wines by the glass, which can be enjoyed in one of the sitting rooms.

Originally a 17th-century convent for orphaned girls, Palazzo Ripetta is now a stylish hotel designed by Fausta Gaetani, featuring vibrant upholstery, abstract art, and colorful Murano glass fixtures. There is also a bistro in the ground-level courtyard, the San Baylon Ristorante & Cocktail Bar, and a spacious rooftop bar focused on wines.

A 17th-century palace in the historic center of Colle has rooms that exude warmth and comfort, with light-color wooden floors, soothingly tinted fabrics, and large windows. Among the many modern amenities are a wellness center and an indoor swimming pool.

The wood-beam ceilings, terra-cotta floors, and some of the original frescoes of a 19th-century town palace remain, but the marble bathrooms have all been updated, some with whirlpool tubs. A plentiful buffet breakfast is served on a patio to the rear of the hotel.

Just a few minutes' walk from the Castel Nuovo, Palazzo Turchini is one of the city center's more attractive smaller hotels. In a 17th-century building, it has an elegant design that incorporates several historical styles, as seen in the combination of marble floors and piperno stairs throughout. Guest rooms are small but soundproofed, and many have views over the roofs and domes of the old town.

Set in a historic building on the edge of Viterbo’s medieval district, Palazzo Ubertini has converted the stately space into 10 bright, modern rooms with small kitchenettes. The city sights are all within walking distance, and the hotel can arrange transfers to and from the nearby thermal spas if you are visiting without a car.

If you're looking for a swank setting, and the possibility of staying in for a meal (each room has a tiny kitchenette), look no further than this hotel which, while thoroughly modern, dates to the 15th century. It belonged to the powerful Vecchietti family, and you enter the hotel—after ringing the doorbell—through a 13th-century tower. The public room has a large, Renaissance fireplace and very high ceilings: the courtyard is open and looks all the way up.

Overlooking the Arch of Janus and offering glimpses of Palatine Hill, boutique Palazzo Velabro combines timeless architecture and contemporary design in a quiet corner of the neighborhood. Sleek, modern furniture and fittings are complimented by vintage photographs and amenities like Nespresso machines. Each suite comes with a kitchenette, a rarity in Rome. The lobby features ceiling murals inspired by the Tiber, while a rotating selection of contemporary art adorns the walls and books line the shelves. The hotel also offers free nightly screenings of classic Roman films in its cinema room and serves modern Italian meals at the on-site restaurant.

The second floor of this handsome 1930s palazzo in the modern Madonnella district near the lungomare houses spacious contemporary apartments with vibrant color-blocks, well-equipped kitchens, living spaces, comfortable bedrooms, and small balconies. The well-worn wooden front door may seem unimpressive but once inside a grand marble staircase leads to the accommodation which is managed by the charming, ever-helpful host Leonardo.