174 Best Hotels in Italy

Just a quick walk from the Spanish Steps, this hotel has captured the hearts of many travelers over the years. Once a convent, this palazzo has seen it all, although now the decor is pure classic hotel decor, with a lot of polished surfaces, mirrors, and fine fabrics. There's also a piano bar, a restaurant with live music, and two panoramic rooftop restaurants, where you can relax after a busy day of sightseeing or retail therapy.

Style, attention to detail, and comfort are hallmarks of this retreat that's furnished like a refined English home. The sitting room has deep-cushioned floral sofas, a library, a collection of bric-a-brac, and windows overlooking an enclosed garden. Fine prints and patterned fabrics abound in the charming, though dated, guest rooms. The well-equipped spa area includes an indoor pool, whirlpool, saunas, and steam room.

British brand The Hoxton's first foray into Italy is a design lover's dream filled with 1970s-inspired bespoke furniture, art tomes, and plants that transform the large lobby into intimate seating nooks perfect for socializing and coworking. The signature restaurant, Elio, serves delicious Italian cuisine, while Cugino offers pastries in the morning and creative Spritz cocktails with light bites in the evening. Rooms are modestly sized, with plush beds, Roberts stereos, flatscreen TVs, and free tea and coffee. Minibars have only water and milk, but guests can purchase snacks at the front desk. There's also a large event space called the Apartment, which can be rented out.

The grounds of this former Etruscan settlement—a series of low-slung medieval stone buildings with barrel-tile roofs—feature cobbled paths and cypress trees; the interior has unfussy rooms with terra-cotta tile floors, attractive woodwork, and elegant but comfortable furnishings. The fire-lit reading room with a bar is particularly inviting.

The 15th-century building has all modern conveniences, but Renaissance charm still shines in the high-ceiling rooms. The Bargiacchi family has run the place for more than 20 years, and their collection of 20th-century art contrasts nicely with classic furnishings. Larger-than-usual single rooms have French-style beds, and are a good choice for those traveling alone. Breakfast can be taken in a small outdoor garden when weather permits.

Formerly the retreat of a rich noble family, this 15th-century house is now one of Rome's most intimate and luxurious hotels, with gorgeous terraces and a rooftop bar affording views of the never-ending theater of the Spanish Steps. Even the Hassler, Il Palazzetto's iconic sister hotel on the other side of Piazza Trinità dei Monti, can't make this claim. The four tranquil guest rooms are outfitted in soothing taupes and creams (three look out over the Steps); none of them have room service, but guests enjoy full use of the facilities at the Hassler. Without the 24-hour attention of the Hassler, and with their sense of privacy and independence, Il Palazzetto's accommodations feel more like small, luxury apartments than hotel rooms—something that's seen as a major perk by guests, who tend to book up the rooms months in advance.

Inspired by the beach resorts of the Greek isles, La Guardia is a minimalist retreat with sweeping sea views and plenty of wicker lamps, seagrass accents, and wooden furniture. Aperitivi on the terrace are a large part of this hotel's appeal, as is the Mediterranean menu conceived by chef Milena Andretto and prepared using only island-sourced ingredients.

A cut above other lodging options in the Cinque Terre, these small, white-walled guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, marble showers, and comfortable bedding and have views of the sea or the port, which can also be enjoyed at their most bewitching from a shared terrace literally suspended over the Mediterranean. Call ahead to be met on arrival in the village for help with finding the place and carrying luggage—and make sure to reserve far ahead, as the four rooms book up quickly. There's a two-night minimum stay. 

On a quiet street in the upper part of town, these unpretentious lodgings are given sparkle by the welcoming and friendly service of the owners, Roberto and Vittoria Giardinelli. Rooms are a bit kitschy and filled with family knickknacks, but each has a private, modern bathroom. Your lively hosts are on hand to serve breakfast in the morning and an honor bar is available to all guests. There's also a quiet garden terrace for lazy afternoons.

The closest hotel to Vivara, this inviting hotel in a former warehouse maintains the characteristics of its marine history while flaunting modern decor. Guest rooms are bright and airy, and all but two (on the ground floor) have a view of the beach. The hotel has a small but immaculate garden, and the marina, beach, and Vivara island are just steps away.

Just around the corner from Piazza della Repubblica, this extremely Instagrammable hotel has a lobby lounge with surrealist design elements, like lip-shaped sofas, and an interior courtyard done up in millennial pink. Guest rooms are a bit more subdued, with pastel fabrics, terrazzo floors, and Carrara marble bathrooms. After you've settled into your room, shimmy down to the bar, which is decked out in gold and mirrors with cloud-shaped hanging lamps.

In an evergreen forest at Perrères, just outside Cervinia, this family-run inn is quiet and cozy, with three big fireplaces and a nice view of the Matterhorn. An excellent restaurant serves local specialties.

This boutique property inside the former residence of opera composer Gaetano Donizetto aims to be a restaurant with rooms above rather than a hotel with a restaurant below. In fact, you have to walk through the restaurant to check in at the reception desk. The design is inspired by English colonial clubhouses, with plush banquettes and gallery walls featuring Old Master–style paintings with a humorous twist. Rooms have plush beds with oversize headboards, bold colors, and luxe marble bathrooms.

Right in front of the Plan de Corones chairlift, this is a great base for a skiing or hiking vacation, with bus service to the ski slopes and a spa and pools on-site to unwind after a big day out. The hotel can help to arrange discounted ski passes with advance notice. In the warmer months, staff can help you find the best hiking in the area; the hotel even has its own guides. The decor is typical of the region, with warm wood and fabrics, and plenty of amenities. Some rates include breakfast and dinner, which are rotated regularly for variety, and discounts are offered for stays longer than four nights.

You can do your sightseeing from the rooftop terrace of the Marcella, a midsize hotel with the feel of a smaller, more intimate establishment, where staff go the extra mile to make your stay pleasant. Many rooms also have good views, and all are decorated in tasteful color schemes, some with floral prints and mirrored walls. The spacious suites are ideal for families. The hotel is 10 minutes from Via Veneto and Termini Station.

Modern, bright, and sleekly decorated guest rooms and the on-site gourmet restaurant add allure to this five-star chain hotel in the modern part of the city. The wide variety of amenities includes plasma TVs and some Jacuzzi tubs, but all of this chic luxury is relatively inexpensive for hotels in the area. Breakfast can be omitted from your booking, if preferred.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, this boutique hotel is a sleek retreat in the center of the action. The design is clean lined and modern, with amenities like smart TVs, minibars stocked with full-size bottles of wine, and smartphones you can use while exploring the city. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Idylio by Apreda, serves creative cuisine by one of Rome's most renowned chefs, Francesco Apreda (formerly of the Hassler), and the Divinity Terrace on the rooftop offers a relaxing spot for an aperitivo (aperitif) surrounded by the church domes and terra-cotta roofs of Rome.