223 Best Hotels in Italy

Using space formed from a 17th-century monastery merged with an adjoining 19th-century textile factory, this hotel offers plain, functional rooms, some overlooking a lovely garden. Locals are lunchtime regulars at the restaurant, which offers attentive service, good value, and an emphasis on regional cuisine. 

A broad sun terrace and white, plant-filled decor make this sleek boutique hotel a good choice, as do the spacious and surprisingly quiet—given the busy location—guest rooms, all of which have modern bathrooms and some of which have private balconies. Buffet breakfasts are served on the terrace in fine weather.

Flooded with light and kissed by the island's winds, this bright and airy B&B brings stylish comfort to the harsh Alicudi terrain. Breezy fabrics in classic white and blue soften the stone dwelling that perches high above the sea. Lounge on the two water-facing terraces (one of which is shaded from the unforgiving sun) for panoramic views and unparalleled star-filled nights.

A tiny paradise perched on a cliff overlooking the port of Filicudi, the small hotel is family owned and operated (since 1972) by brother Vincenzo and sister Grazia (also the hotel restaurant’s chef) and their father Pietro, who still tends to their vegetable garden, La Canna is a true hidden gem with a family feel, an approach to hospitality that is friendly and laid-back, much like the overall ambience here, as well as the most breathtaking views of the sea and the Eolie. 

It's not every day you can be a "guest" of a famed 17th-century church, but this distinctive B&B was once part of the giant complex of Santa Maria della Sanità, the main landmark of the Sanità quarter. Before visions of gilded frescoes fill your head, keep in mind that this church was erected by the Franciscans: the hotel's decor would please the spartan taste of their patron saint, though modern majolica flooring and art photographs of local street life inject an upbeat flavor. Guest rooms, however, are minimal modern. La Sanità is a lively, sometimes rough neighborhood, busy with scooters and other traffic, but double-glazed windows cut down on the noise. The owner, Sergio, also offers a comfortable apartment sleeping up to six in the same building, runs an excellent trattoria nearby, La Locanda del Monacone, and  is also responsible for selling tickets to the catacombs of San Gaudioso, situated next door, and those of San Gennaro.

Stepping into this charming apartment off Piazza della Rivoluzione is like entering a different time zone: a taste of Old Palermo where the elegant furnishings evoke a romantic world you might think only exists today in novels. Crystal chandeliers, rococo mirrors, painted and coffered ceilings, oriental rugs on parquet or majolica floors, and doilies on polished oak tables all create a warm ambience you'll find difficult to leave. It's not all Old World—the owner has stamped her own taste on the decor by adding striking works of 20th-century art. It's in a lively neighborhood, with plenty of bars and restaurants in the vicinity. Extensive breakfasts cost €12–15 extra per person. A self-catering option is also possible for longer stays.

In a converted 150-year-old farmhouse that once housed local priests, this really special boutique hotel in Pollara is a family affair, run by husband and wife Mauro and Amelia (and their children Mariachiara and Francesco). Since they originally renovated and opened the property in 1994 to the present-day, the family is still wholly in charge, respecting nature and their surrounding land and promoting environmental sustainability at every turn. Even the structure is Ecolabel-certified by the EU. With little touches from the past, the rustic-chic rooms are decorated in Aeolian style, each with its own personal patio and hammock, making this place all the more special. 

This lovely manor house is on a hill overlooking the historic center, surrounded by dolcetto and nebbiolo vines. Beautifully decorated, reasonably priced rooms and suites are in the main house and an adjacent farmhouse, and some have kitchens.

Located in the center of Petralia Soprana, a stunning, castle-esque house has been converted into a B&B with modern, comfortable rooms and welcoming hosts.

Across the historic center of town, this albergo diffuso (scattered hotel) offers several private apartments, many in buildings that date back to the 16th century. The suites and rooms can accommodate up to four guests. While only some of the rooms have lake views, all offer a taste of village life.   Pick up the keys at the restaurant of the same name and stay for a strawberry spritz at one of the outdoor tables with spectacular lake views.

There's nothing remote or rough-and-ready about this gorgeous bed-and-breakfast in the higher part of Marettimo, where tasteful modern design combines with personable hosts to create the perfect island getaway. You may find it difficult to tear yourself away from the sun-drenched roof terrace, equipped with sunbeds and shade sails, from which village and sea spread serenely before you—and it's perfect for star-gazing, too. The four air-conditioned rooms are spacious, airy, and immaculately clean, with rain showers in the en suite bathrooms. Breakfasts include bread straight from the oven, as well as delicious home-baked cakes, tarts, biscuits, and fresh fruit.

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 historic Palazzo Perotti in the center of old Viterbo's San Pellegrino district is the setting for three stylish double rooms. In good weather, breakfast is served outside on the adjoining roof garden, where you can admire the sweeping view over the rooftops of the old town.

This instantly beguiling and intimate country resort with just four sensitively restored dammusi stands in the utter peace and quiet of the village of Mueggen. The glory of this spot is that its owners Matilde and Giancarlo are completely in tune with the land and landscape, and they would be happy to invite people to stay simply for the joy of sharing what they have created with like-minded people. Everything they grow on their land is preserved and served to guests during the months they are open, as witnessed by the storehouse of homemade pestos, jams, sott’olio (vegetables preserved in olive oil), juices, and olive oils. They even make their own ricotta from their four goats using the traditional island method of adding seawater to help the curds form and collect eggs every morning from their lovingly tended chickens. Grounds include a small woodland area (with a treehouse for massages) and a pavilion where breakfast and aperitivo are served. Dinner is served on request. In summer, Giancarlo can take guests on trips in his own boat and can lead them on country walks.

Located not far from the port, Lisola Residence offers complete tranquility in the form of charming, adults-only apartments that accommodate either two or four people, each retaining a degree of privacy from its neighbor. The apartments come equipped with air-conditioning, a kitchen with a coffee machine, and a barbecue and garden furniture for cooking and sitting outside. Public areas are scrupulously maintained, especially the lovely, partly paved garden from which views extend over the landscape, and within which nestles a decently sized swimming pool. If you don't want to cover the distance to or from the port, which takes less than 10 minutes on foot, the owners offer a free Jeep service. There's a minimum-stay period, from two nights in low season to a week in peak season.

The idea that the Campanati sisters named the 15 rooms in their renovated 17th-century locanda after the stars and constellations of the highest magnitude in the Northern Hemisphere says something about how personally this place is run. That's a real plus, as is the location on one of the brightest, most tranquil canals in the Dorsoduro area, but only two minutes from the Salute, the Accademia, and the Guggenheim Museum, and also handy to the Zattere promenade. The cheeriest rooms are on the top floor overlooking the canal.

The space for part of this tiny guesthouse has been carved out of the tufa rock beneath the aqueduct at the entrance to the old town. Rooms are small and simply decorated, with painted armoires, floral print chair rails, and wood dressing tables. Only one room, the smallest, has no air-conditioning, and all are immaculately clean. A two-bedroom apartment with private terrace is available for minimum three-night stays.

Down a narrow lane near the castello, you'll find these four good-value, simply furnished apartments of various sizes with kitchenettes. Choose from two small studios, which share a cute rooftop terrace, a more spacious split-level one-bedroom, or the two-level family affair with a spare sofa bed. 

This central downtown hotel has a reassuringly old-fashioned style, with its grand, columned exterior and elegant neoclassical lobby hung with chandeliers. The staff are professional but friendly, while the well-kept, comfortable rooms have lovely wood or marble floors, solid wood furniture, striped bedding, and efficient bathrooms. There's an internal garden, and the hotel's brick-vaulted Blao restaurant pulls in the locals.

Up on the Hyblean plateau, a good 15-minute drive north of Noto, this rural masseria (farm) is surrounded by tastefully designed two-story lodgings and immersed in olive groves. Though it's close to Noto Antica and some fabulous hiking, you could be forgiven for spending your day drifting between the pool, bar, and restaurant.

Small and select, this hotel enjoys one of Palermo's best locations—opposite the Teatro Massimo, on the border of the old and new towns—and has guest rooms that are spacious, comfortably furnished, and well insulated from the noise on pedestrianized Via Maqueda. The service is personal and polite, with breakfast served in your room or in the lounge, which has limited capacity. Book in advance for one of the seven rooms that have theater views.

Though given a stylish modern makeover, the courtyards, vaulted brick lobby, and breakfast room of this 15th-century palazzo retain much of their lordly Renaissance flair. Guest rooms are a little more down-to-earth, but standard doubles and some of the enormous bi- and tri-level suites have dark wooden floors, exposed roof beams, and cozy antique furniture. Top-floor rooms and suites—some with terraces—are roomy and especially good for families. Everything here, including room service, is impeccable. The location is quiet but fairly convenient.

Set in a restored 19th-century palazzo, this Bergamo Basso hotel has modern comforts and a friendly, efficient staff, making it a good choice for both business and leisure travelers. Although rooms can be a bit dark, they're quite spacious, and some have views of the old town.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.