781 Best Hotels in Italy

The dramatic approach (via a curving private drive lined with cypresses) to this Renaissance villa sets the tone: it's all uphill from there, with remarkable high-ceilinged rooms and elegant furnishings. Many have views of the Italianate garden directly below and Florence farther yon. The sweeping main staircase is lit with candles at night to dramatic effect. La Cucina, the restaurant, serves Tuscan food with clever, creative twists. A shuttle bus to Florence runs regularly from the property.

Just out of town and immersed in gorgeous, blooming gardens, this grand, gleaming palazzo turned welcoming resort hotel (opened 2018) has sleek public areas and stylish guest rooms. Facilities including the sophisticated Line restaurant, pool, and 24-hour room service make it an affordable, top-notch option. 

Favored by the glitterati, the San Pietro is several leagues above town (a shuttle bus whisks you back and forth), far from the crowds and paparazzi but camera-ready nevertheless, with seven levels of gardened terraces and a stunning interior that mixes the modern (the hotel was built in the early 1970s) with the magnificent (great antiques, elegant Vietri tilework). Who can resist idling away hours on the majolica benches of the grand terrace? Before you is a god's view of Positano and its bay, magnificently framed by gigantic urns of flowers. Most of the elegantly furnished rooms come with terraces (most look out to the sea, not toward Positano) and plate-glass views; guest-room decor mixes chic and charming in the best country-style manner. The pool on an upper level is not large, so most guests opt to take an elevator fit for James Bond through hundreds of feet of mountainside to the private beach and bar. The proprietors organize boating excursions for those who want to roam farther afield. Don't leave without trying the hotel's incredibly delicious signature drink: Elephant's Milk, a mix of almond milk, mineral water, and lemon juice. The bartenders here also make a mean Bellini.

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).

Enjoying perhaps the most enchanting setting in all of Naples, this modestly priced hotel tops many a traveler's dream list of places to stay. In one of the buildings of the toy-size Borgo Marinaro harbor, in the shadow of the Castel dell'Ovo medieval fortress, Il Transatlantico has guest rooms fitted out in faux-yacht style, featuring a blue-and-white color scheme and swab-the-decks wooden trim. The vistas—over the harbor and the Lungomare and toward Vesuvius at the end of the bay—are better even than those from far more expensive luxury hotels just across the pier on the mainland.

In this home that is part of a 15th-century palazzo, a cozy feeling permeates the charming rooms, all of which are uniquely decorated and lovingly furnished; some have damask curtains, others fanciful frescoes in the bathroom. With the exquisite service, too, the Pini family has made it clear they want you to treat their house as if it were your own.

Set in what was once an architecture school and featuring gorgeous modern design, this intimate hotel is a stone's throw from the Mausoleum of Augustus and not far from the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. Its guest rooms are decked out with canopy beds, Italian-marble bathrooms, and the finest linens, as well as satellite flat-screen TVs and Bose bluetooth speakers. The swanky bar and the timeless library-inspired lounge are the perfect places to relax after a day of wandering cobblestone streets, but for extra pampering you can request a massage in the comfort of your room.

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.

There's plenty of architectural character mixed with contemporary, artsy warmth in the guest rooms of this central, 18th-century building, while the nearby annex offers four spacious apartments. Public areas include a small patio enclosed by Roman walls; the cozy breakfast room is a wonderful spot to share in the owner's passion for coffee, tea, and tisane (infusions) from around the world. 

Friendly and energetic Federica has transformed this three-story property, owned by her family (of De Rossi patisserie fame), into some of the most stylish contemporary apartments—and one of the best values—in Verona, complete with kitchenettes. It's just out of town, in the Veronetta district, and these rentals offer oodles of Veronese neighborhood atmosphere: lots of students live here, and there are interesting local shops and eateries at the doorstep, yet you're still only a short walk to the banks of the Adige and the sights. There are no public areas—from the entrance it's straight upstairs to the apartments—but Federica is always helpful with tips, and she even runs small cookery courses and excursions for keen foodies.

A 14th-century monastery has been converted into this upscale country hotel, where rooms have the style and comfort of an aristocratic villa, with classic prints and bold colors such as daffodil yellow. Common areas are luxurious, with fine woods and leather upholstery. In warm weather, breakfast is served on the patio next to the garden ablaze with flowers.

This tiny, unpretentious hotel on the outskirts of Positano beckons with bougainvillea-laden views, castaway cottages, terraces growing produce, and a turquoise seawater pool—all perched over a private beach where a boat can whisk you away to Capri. Thanks to the wonderful Mandara family, you'll feel right at home in a few minutes—because this is their home. Guest rooms with coved ceilings, whitewashed walls, and native folk art are simple havens of tranquillity and comfort. Some are in a house above the road (a bit noisy if trucks rumble by, but this rarely happens at night); others are in adorable cottages close to the sea. Very steep, arbor-covered walkways zigzag across the hill, linking these little acres of heaven.

Belonging to the Planeta family of winemakers, La Foresteria is a truly gorgeous contemporary hotel with exceptional food and views from herb-scented terraces over the vineyards to the sea. The 14 rooms are spacious, with glass doors opening onto private terraces, terra-cotta-tiled floors lain with delicate kilims, and traditional Sicilian iron bedsteads with dreamily comfortable mattresses and pillows, superb quality white sheets, and hand-stitched Indian eiderdowns. Bathrooms are made for being lazy, with good showers, oversize bathtubs, and very puffy bathrobes. Along with kettles and coffee machines, there are jars of loose herbal teas and tea bags to enjoy. Wine is, of course, excellent (guided tastings and trips to the main vineyards can be organized) and the food is superb, with an intelligently designed menu where innovative dishes and traditional Planeta family favorites sit happily side by side. There are not only several tasting menus and à la carte dishes, but menus that can be designed to suit individual tastes and appetites, with faultless guidance on wine pairings. Cooking lessons are available most mornings.

At an altitude of more than 1,800 feet, this converted farmhouse is probably the loftiest luxury inn in Chianti. Its views are breathtaking, looking down on Volpaia and Radda, with Siena and the hills of southern Tuscany as a backdrop. The infinity pool, set on the hillside, takes full advantage of the magnificent panorama. Guest rooms are simple but tasteful, with high beamed ceilings, painted, as was once the tradition in these parts, in pale pastels. To get here, take the bumpy gravel road 2 km (1 mile) northwest from Volpaia.

A onetime private home, this chic yet friendly small hotel has become a Capri favorite of those seeking intimate luxury, where most of the bright, airy rooms have panoramic terraces—shaded in bougainvillea and with views of the gardens and the sea in the background. Many guests, however, prefer to congregate in the magical garden, where lunch and afternoon granitas are served beside the glorious swimming pool. Wake up to excellent breakfast on the magnificent rooftop terrace served by long-time head waiter Kamal.

In the rural outskirts of Agrigento sits this charming country home that has been converted into a lovely guesthouse. Owners Francesco and Susi remodeled this early 20th-century home into a modern cottage with a state-of-the-art kitchen, where they make a delicious breakfast buffet featuring the delicacies of the region, including fresh bread made with locally sourced semolina flour, handmade pistachio paste, and platters with cheeses and cured meats from neighboring vendors. The guesthouse only has two rooms, both with a view of the Valley of the Temples; there's a full kitchen where Francesco often hosts cooking lessons, or guests can request a dinner made by the owners. 

One of the Cinque Terre's few "boutique" hotels is in a 17th-century tower that sits high on the hill above the rainbow-hued village of Manarola, with truly lovely views of the terraced vineyards, colorful village homes, and the Mediterranean sea; inside, decor is chic, sleek, and antiques-bedecked. Guest rooms vary from cozy to nearly luxurious suites, while the solarium is perfect for an aperitivo (aperitif), served each evening, and for taking in the enchanting views.

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.

This cluster of trulli has been transformed into luxury suites with original architectural features with exposed stone everywhere, modern comforts, and tasteful flourishes, and breakfast is taken in an intimate inner courtyard and two pleasant rooms.

Just outside Asti in the Monferrato hills, this striking contemporary property in a gorgeous natural setting features a Michelin-starred restaurant, designer furnishings, and art-lined walls. The hotel building, made of raw concrete, crushed stones, and glass, contains ample suites that include bathrooms with soaking tubs and oversized walk-in showers. Many visitors come just for the gastronomic restaurant, overseen by famed Italian chef Antonio Cannavacciuolo; there’s also a bistro for smaller meals. The hotel’s art and music collection includes more than 30,000 vinyl records and CDs as well as 160 paintings by 100 artists, including Leonard Cohen and Miles Davis. Save time for the lovely, though petite, wellness area, which includes a sauna with views of the surrounding scenery and steam room, plus an outdoor pool.

As legendary as its namesake sirens, this 18th-century palazzo has long set the standard for luxury in Italian hotels: it opened in 1951 with just 12 rooms (John Steinbeck stayed here while writing "Positano" for Harper's Bazaar in 1953) and now sprawls over eight floors, where extravagantly stylish guest rooms are accented with antiques and fine linens. Stunning vine-entwined terraces overlook town—the poolside terrace, the most beautiful on this coast, is the place to have lunch. Fine Campania cuisine is also served in the La Sponda restaurant, which is lit by 400 candles, and in the Champagne and Oyster bar where contented patrons toast the good luck that brought them here. Other perks include a private yacht, Eau d’Italie toiletries, and a designer spa.

Although just steps from the bustling Cattedrale area, this small, beautifully restored B&B is enveloped in complete calm. The lodging is named for its five lush roof terraces, all with sublime views, where breakfast is served in fine weather. When you're not on the roof taking in the vistas and admiring the owner's green thumb, you can pore over the collection of books about Sicily in the sitting area (including one by the owner). Guest rooms, furnished in period style, are a major draw, and discounts are offered for stays of four nights or more.

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.

In the early 18th century this lodging began life as a convent (later suppressed by Napoléon), but now it's a delightful city-center bed-and-breakfast, popular with performers at the city's Teatro Comunale. Filippo Orlandini is the resident proprietor—very hands-on and eager to make your stay as wonderful as possible. The living room, temporarily transformed with linen tablecloths, doubles as the breakfast room. Guest rooms have comfortable beds and flowers in the window boxes. When it's warmer, you can sit outside on a small terrace with a pergola. One self-catering apartment is also available.

It would be hard to imagine a more commanding position for these simply but tastefully decorated accommodations and the Michelin-starred restaurant above Alba. Ten minutes outside town, the inn sits on the top of a langa (one of the hills that form the Langhe region) surrounded by vineyards. Old prints, wooden furniture, and country-style patterned fabrics enliven the rooms, but the place to unwind is the upstairs lounge, with panoramic windows and a fireplace.

This friendly, centrally located, converted 18th-century palazzo off the bustling pedestrian-only Corso Vannucci features spacious rooms soothingly decorated in muted colors; some include original frescoes and beamed ceilings. Rooms on the upper floors at the back have great views and are quieter than those in front. Guests can refill their water bottles and have tea or coffee all day long from a convenient refill station on the main floor; complimentary snacks are also available from the front desk.

Situated at the bottom of the Sassi ravine on Via Fiorentini (limited car access), the Locanda is a more upscale cave-dwelling hotel, with all modern comforts, including an elevator to whisk you up the cliff to your room. The owners have even created underground thermae romanae (Roman-style baths) with a series of pools heated to different temperatures, a dry-heat room, a steam room, and hydromassage. Guest rooms are on four levels and are simply furnished to conform to the original cavern atmosphere—the view from your terrace is like something out of a movie.

In a typical Ligurian terratetto on the old port, this charming locanda, or inn, is reminiscent of old-world voyages but with the amenities to make it a comfortable and relaxing stop for today's traveler. Rooms are decorated in warm tones and outfitted with modern bathrooms, and all offer views on to the harbor or the sea. Breakfast is taken in your room or in the quayside bar.

Atop a hill surrounded by vineyards, this modernized country house–turned–cozy inn offers all the comforts needed for a relaxing stay—large-size guest rooms with comfy beds, a tasty restaurant focused on farm-fresh ingredients, and an inviting indoor/outdoor pool. Each of the 12 rooms are individually decorated and furnished with antiques from Piedmont mixed with contemporary pieces; most offer gorgeous vineyard views. The restaurant features dishes from both Piedmont and Liguria, many using grains, fruit, vegetables, and meats from the surrounding land. The spa, while small, includes a sauna, hammam, and fitness room. Don’t miss a visit to their biodynamic winery, La Raia, accessible by a half-hour walk (or short drive) past contemporary site-specific artworks organized by Fondazione La Raia.

This old farmhouse has been transformed into a marvelous hotel in the midst of vineyards. The three common rooms are cozy but elegant, filled with well-stuffed upholstered couches and chairs; the breakfast room looks out on a sweeping panorama of hills, and a well-stocked honor bar is available for the use of guests. The chirping of birds is about the only noise you'll hear on the grounds awash in flowers. Timbered ceilings hang above beds covered with floral comforters.