123 Best Hotels in Italy

At this all-suites property, tucked away on a leafy street known for its art galleries, the amenities are top drawer, the design is contemporary, the restaurant features a verdant terrace, and the accommodations have a hip New York–loft feel. Some suites are in the main building at Via Margutta 19; others are in an annex at Via Margutta 54, which once held studio lofts used by Picasso and other great painters. Travelers looking for a little more privacy or space can rent the entire top floor of the annex, as the rooms are adjoining. These rooms are less expensive than the rooms in the main building, but don't come with breakfast; and note that light sleepers might be able to hear the Metro pass underground at night.

Just southeast of Nuoro, in the foothills of the Supramonte range, Su Gologone combines luxury with rural flavor in guest rooms that feel like country retreats (exposed beams, wooden chests, traditional Sardinian fabrics) and a rustic restaurant that pairs local cannonau reds with such Sardinian specialties as maccarones de busa (thick homemade pasta twists), culurgiones (ravioli), suckling pig, and, for dessert, sebadas (fried-dough pockets stuffed with cheese and lemon peel). Relax around the large swimming pool and in the lounging areas, or coordinate with staff members to organize 4WD or hiking expeditions.

The renovated home of owner Eleonora behind the Fenice Opera House offers three spacious, comfortable, and conscientiously appointed rooms; each has its own private bath and overlooks a gondola-filled canal. The largest room has a broad balcony. An ample breakfast (served at a common table) and exceptional service make Al Teatro an excellent value and a relaxing choice in the sometimes-frenetic San Marco atmosphere. Book well in advance.

In addition to Lake Como panoramas, this early-20th-century Art Nouveau landmark has marbled public spaces and guest rooms with floral fabrics, walnut wardrobes, and silk-covered sofas. Relax with a drink on the garden terrace, or enjoy a romantic meal, ensconced in a plush, red-velvet chair at the candlelit Bar delle Terme restaurant.

Fashionable couples and families tend to favor the Aleph, a former bank–turned–luxury hotel, where the motto seems to be "more marble, everywhere." The abundant facilities include a rooftop pool and bar, a cigar lounge, a lobby bar, the casual 1930s Restaurant for breakfast and lunch, and the more upscale Sky Restaurant. Rooms are crisp and modern, and service is everything one would expect from a hotel of this caliber. If money is no object, book the Barberini Suite, which has its own terrace.

The granddaddy of Roman hotels and one of the oldest in the world—the doors first opened in 1467—this charming property is adjacent to the Pantheon and right in the middle of the lovely Piazza della Rotonda. Rooms are small but have been completely renovated and feature frescoes dating from the 17th century. Frederick III, Ariosto, Cagliostro, and Pietro Mascagni (celebrating the premier of his opera Cavalleria rusticana) all graced this hotel with their presence. If you would like a room overlooking the Pantheon, book directly through the hotel website.

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.

This boutique property is housed in a structure dating to the 1400s, but has been fully updated with all the modern amenities, including luxury marble bathrooms, complete with Acqua di Parma toiletries, hydromassage showers, and soaking tubs. Yet the owners have made sure that the grandeur of days past remains intact. You'll find antiques from the 1500s and 1700s throughout; five of the rooms have private balconies; and in the excavated historic stone wine cellar, they host wine tastings. On the ground floor, you'll find Bar Vitelli of The Godfather fame.

Just outside Monteriggioni, this estate lined with lavender bushes and cypress trees has guest rooms featuring wood beam ceilings and terra-cotta floors in either the 17th-century villa or the adjacent workers' quarters (converted into 10 apartments. Festive striped fabrics in yellows, oranges, and reds cover iron canopies in some rooms. The facilities, such as the health club and the tennis courts, are those of a four-star establishment. A poolside restaurant is open in summer.

In a residential area off the tourist track, a thoroughly renovated 15th-century building offers pleasant accommodations and plenty of service. Front rooms have a wonderful view of the lagoon, and the 15-minute stroll along the waterfront between Piazzo San Marco and the hotel is through a genuinely "local" part of the city, with plenty of cafés and restaurants. One of the rear rooms has direct access to a pleasant rooftop terrace with tables.

Traditional Venetian style mixes with contemporary design: the clean white-marble entrance leading up to the luminous piano nobile (main floor) of the 15th-century palace gracefully contrasts with the opulent Murano chandeliers and rich wall brocades. Some rooms have canal views, bathrooms are large and modern, and a rich breakfast is served in a bright salon that overlooks a wide canal. The location, just off the Grand Canal near the Ca' d'Oro and a variety of good restaurants, is another plus.

Billed as the first sustainable luxury hotel in Barolo, Casa di Langa uses local materials in its architecture, organic ingredients in its restaurant, and recycled water to irrigate the 104 acres of vineyards and land on its property. Guest rooms are designed in muted colors, and each features a private terrace. Fàula restaurant focuses on local ingredients, using many plants and herbs from the on-site biodynamic gardens; lots of natural wines are also on offer. The lovely infinity pool showcases amazing vineyard views, while you can use the small spa area with Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, and relaxation area for 50 minutes at a time with a prior appointment.

The modern and the ancient contrast beautifully in the contemporary interiors of this renovated palace, only about a 10-minute walk from lively Piazza Walther, but in a quiet neighborhood that seems a world away. Modern, neutral-color guest rooms feature high ceilings, comfy beds, and sitting areas; good-size bathrooms have double sinks and large showers. For a more historical feel, the 936-square-foot Stube Suite has frescoed ceilings in the bedroom and park views. The Cantina Hörtenberg restaurant tucked down a flight of stairs, inside an atmospheric former dungeon, offers a fusion of South Tyrol and Mediterranean dishes. Save time for a swim in the heated outdoor pool, as well as a stop in the spa, with two saunas and a steam room; there’s also a well-equipped gym accessible 24 hours a day.

Housed in a palace dating from 1272, with interiors updated by of-the-moment architect Patricia Urquiola, this deluxe hotel offers rooms with views of San Giorgio Maggiore island, two restaurants, and two internal courtyards, all within striking distance of the Venice Biennale grounds. The outdoor restaurant boasts lagoon vistas, and meals include vegetables grown in the attached garden. The reading room and private courtyards are ideal places to take a break after a hard day of sightseeing.

This calm, quiet mountain lodge offers commanding views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks from the balconies of its simply furnished wood-paneled guest rooms. The restaurant is one of the few dining spots in town to offer regional Valdostana cuisine, and though its wood beams and tables are typical of a ski resort, meals are produced with greater care than your average après-ski affair.

Located blocks away from Piazza di Spagna, Crossing Condotti is a chic, apartment-style escape in an 18th-century palazzo that comes with a curated pantry stocked with complimentary snacks and a library lounge. Rooms and suites are outfitted with vintage furniture by the likes of Hans Wegner and stocked with bath products by L'Occitaine.

In an old convent on Via Giulia, one of Rome's romantic ivy-covered streets, the D.O.M (Deo Optimo Maximo) is an ultrachic luxury hotel that resembles an aristocratic casa nobile. The interior design is cool and eclectic, with wood beam ceilings that date from the1600s, original Andy Warhol silkscreens, exposed brick walls, and scripture-inscribed marble slabs from the 15th century. The rooms, in warm neutral browns and grays, overlook the street. For real pampering, book the D.O.M Suite, which has a large terrace with views over typical Roman rooftops and bell towers. The real gem here, though, is the opulent but cozy bar and restaurant, VERVE, run by chef Adriano Magnoli and pastry chef Antonella Mascolo, where you can sit next to the fireplace during the winter or the stunning rooftop in the summer and enjoy some of the city's best cocktails.

In what was the 19th-century residence of Cardinal Sisto Riario Sforza, this charming hotel has pleasant, spacious rooms, some with frescoed wooden roof beams. Each of the two floors has a large welcoming communal area, but the showstopper is the breakfast room, covered from floor to ceiling with mirrors and gold decorations.

This centrally located, family-run hotel close to Sorrento's major hub, Piazza Tasso has pleasant common areas, the occasional antique, fresh flowers, a solarium, a breakfast terrace, and basic rooms—some of which have courtyard entrances. Reception is on the second floor (an elevator is provided from the street). For a quieter stay, opt for a room that doesn't overlook the busy Corso Italia.

This family-friendly ultramodern hotel near the Plan de Corones chairlift, made up of four sleek connected houses designed by Italian architect Matteo Thun, offers spacious rooms and an expansive spa. Guest rooms have a contemporary mountain feel, with wood walls and floors; each includes a balcony or terrace. Some of the suites include private saunas or infrared cabins. The inviting spa extends over three floors and includes saunas, a hammam, heated outdoor and rooftop pools, and a 24-hour gym. If you can tear yourself away, the hotel’s “experience concierge” is happy to recommend off-the-beaten-path activities nearby.

Set in a 19th-century neoclassical palace, this cozy boutique hotel was remodeled to feature high-tech, elegant guest rooms while keeping the core structure, including unique windows and tall ceilings, intact. Spacious rooms feature plush blue velvet furniture, oak desks and bookcases, elegant marble bathrooms, and free Illy coffee. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Acquolina, serves innovative seafood dishes. The Acquaroof offers drinks and Mediterranean and Roman cuisine on the romantic top-floor terrace, with incredible 360-degree city views.

With decor elements such as original wood-beamed ceilings, retro tiles, rich fabrics, contemporary art, and furniture that nods to 1930s and '40s Italian design, there's a hipster feel to this hotel inside a 17th-century palazzo around the corner from Piazza Navona. Top-floor rooms have little terraces where you can enjoy your morning cappuccino; other amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the building, a coffee and tea maker in every room, and a ground-floor caffè and exhibition space that often promotes works by local artists. 

Occupying a historic building off Piazza delle Erbe in the ancient heart of Verona, this hotel is a romantic fantasia of ornamentation, rich fabrics, and period-style furniture. The abundance of decoration can be overwhelming, but it generally creates an appealing atmosphere. You can relax outdoors in the medieval courtyard or indoors in a plush, welcoming living room.

High design resides at this art showcase near the Ponte Vecchio, where sleek, uncluttered rooms are dressed mostly in neutrals but have luxe touches such as leather headboards. The coolly understated public rooms have a revolving collection of photographs by artists like Helmut Newton adorning the walls; the reception area is subtly but dramatically lighted. Both the bar and restaurant attract sophisticated, fashionable locals.

From the marble lobby to the luxury rooftop-terrace suites, Bologna's oldest and grandest hotel, set in an 18th-century palazzo impresses with its classical aristocratic French decor and top-notch food. The Classic and Superior guest rooms have linen sheets, antiques, draped curtains, and an aristocratic air; while the top suites, including a sprawling Venetian-style apartment, beloved of celebs and royalty, have cathedral views.  

This 13th-century Franciscan monastery turned elegant hotel incorporates modern enhancements while retaining the structure's impressive rose facade, arches, and frescoes. Guest rooms, done in earth tones and blues, are stylishly modern and some have great views of Palmaria Island, the Gulf of Poets, and the town's historic center; Cloister suites set under the building's original arches have expansive terraces. The hotel's Palmaria restaurant offers a robust breakfast (with robust views), and candlelit dinners on its terrace, where you can also watch the sunset with a drink at its Venus Bar. Book direct for free garage parking.

Stunning mountain views are the hallmark of this elegant property, dating from 1912, which also has a delightful spa and friendly service. Modern rooms feature wood accents and beamed ceilings; most look straight out to the Dolomites. Ristorante Savoy features international dishes, while 1224 Bar Lounge & Terrace offers lighter bites; both eateries have those awe-inspiring mountain vistas yet again. The spa has a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room, and a well-equipped gym will please active types. Though the location isn’t right near the ski lifts, free transfers are available.

Set in a four-story terracotta-color villa, within walking distance of a beach and Forte dei Marmi's center, Hotel 1908 reminds you of seaside hotels of yesteryear, but in a good way, thanks, in part, to its attentive, multilingual staff. The buffet breakfast served in a chandelier-adorned dining room more than makes up for the somewhat dated interiors found elsewhere. 

Though the atmosphere of this 15th-century palazzo harkens back to Venice's connection with the Silk Road, the surroundings and amenities are everything you'd expect from a 21st-century establishment. Some rooms and suites overlook the expansive canal along the Fondamenta della Sensa, one of the bright, broad byways typical of the upper Cannaregio district. In good weather, you can also take breakfast or a Venetian spritz cocktail at a sunny table along the canal. Ask about the type and location of room you're reserving when booking; rooms overlooking the canal are especially pleasant.

At this family-run hotel, the lobby's marble columns and ceramic tile make a lasting first impression, bright pastels make guest rooms feel comfortable and airy (despite the lack of views), and a citrus garden with sections of ancient city walls makes even the swimming pool feel classically elegant.