284 Best Hotels in Italy

Travelers who love peace and tranquility appreciate the position of this chic hotel set in a prestigious palazzo from the 1800s. The old palazzo has been remodeled to provide spacious lounges and a glassed-in garden courtyard; a small private art collection is also on view. Guest rooms, cleverly furnished with sharp gray, black, and red tones, have been designed to create the illusion of space, though they are actually petite. Some rooms have balconies or terraces on the interior courtyard, and the hotel offers free bicycles for guests to explore the city. After a busy day of sightseeing, the calm location on a pedestrian-only street is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle.

On the west bank of the Tiber between the Spanish Steps and St. Peter's Basilica (a 10-minute stroll from Piazza del Popolo and the nearest Metro station), this hotel is removed from the chaos of the centro storico. Rooms are tastefully furnished with mahogany furniture, antique prints, hardwood floors, and marble bathrooms. Amenities include a bar, cafeteria, solarium, gym, and rooftop garden.

High above Sorano, this austere-looking 11th-century Orsini castle has spectacular views of the town and surrounding countryside. Wood-beam ceilings hang above white and pastel walls in most rooms, and windows have dark-wood shutters. A careful mix of antique and modern furniture—Rococo chairs and upholstered couches—makes for a pleasant and comfortable stay. The hotel closes for some time during the winter; the length and month of the closure vary annually.

Most of the large and comfortable rooms in this 1880s villa across from the ferry stop are furnished with interesting antiques and have splendid views of the lake. The impressive lobby has a vaulted ceiling and an imposing Florentine fireplace, and the restaurant and bar draw locals and visitors, who appreciate the friendly and helpful staff.

Prepare to relax at this family-run seaside establishment, where one pleasure is lounging on one of the deck chairs on the hotel's rooftop solarium and enjoying its sea views. Guest rooms are simple and bright, some with maritime decor, and all have a balcony. A generous breakfast buffet is served in the indoor dining area. From the hotel, you can easily get to nearby tennis courts, a public outdoor pool, and a golf course, but being so near the beach is the biggest plus.

The one-time residence of Pisani (in the 12th century) has simple and comfortable rooms with historical touches—look for the frescoed ceiling in the former ballroom, now the dining room. The owners, Agnese and Maria Rosa Marino, are extremely helpful and friendly, making you feel right at home in the heart of Amalfi.

This hotel in a converted 18th-century convent has a truly unique setting on one side of the Fori Imperiali, with cinematic views of ancient Rome across the avenue so impressive that it has drawn celebrities and socialites. The lobby is considerably less exciting: decor is traditional in the extreme, with the requisite gold wall sconces, walnut paneling, red-velvet armchairs, and Asian carpets. Upstairs, guest rooms are low-key though pleasant; suites, which have velvety fabrics and some antiques, can be a little dated. Bathrooms have been restyled using marble and antique tiles.  The panorama from the rooftop restaurant will make you feel like you're standing on the set of a movie about ancient Rome.

With a gorgeous citrus and grape arbored garden and a choice of contemporary-styled accommodations, from small doubles to spacious suites, the Forum is a reliable choice near the Scavi entrance and not far from the train station.

Each room has its own contemporary design, some have saunas with hot tubs and stunning views, and all enjoy a prime location near Piazza del Duomo. The friendly owner gives good suggestions about what to see, do, and eat in the area.

This clean and spacious B&B is just a short walk from ski lifts and the bus stop, and all guests have access to the spa and pool areas. Listed prices are for hotel rooms (which often have a week minimum stay), but there are also mini-apartments available on a weekly basis that offer an equally great value for the area. A discount is available at the restaurant for hotel guests.

The classically elegant and efficient rooms at this hotel are arranged around a courtyard—four have private terraces—and offer good value for pricey Milan. The 1890s building was originally a seminary, though today's level of comfort and service is far from monastic. The included breakfast and free nonalcoholic drinks in the minibar get high marks from guests, and the location, a few steps west of the Duomo and around the corner from the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, is ideal for shopping and sightseeing.

A 17th-century palazzo in the heart of the Quartieri Spagnoli contains this hotel whose rooms—which can accommodate two, three, or four guests—are decorated in modern Mediterranean style and have original architectural features such as arched or beamed ceilings. Two junior suites have private roof terraces.

The former stables of the Villa Bottini have been transformed into a modern hotel with stylish rooms done in a warm wood veneer with blue-and-white fittings. Free bicycles are a nice bonus in this bike-friendly city, and the sumptuous buffet breakfast could see you through dinner. Residenza dell'Alba, the hotel's annex across the street, was originally part of a 14th-century church; now it's a luxe accommodation with in-room hot tubs, high sweeping ceilings, patterned rugs, and lush, comfortable furniture.

Handily placed near both the Arena and train station, the art-inspired Indigo is a handsome 1920s Stile Liberty palazzo with stylish design touches and a sophisticated loungy feel throughout. Many of the more spacious rooms and public areas, including the Arya Bar & Mixology, dining area, and patio/garden marry tasteful design with a peaceful atmosphere. 

They may not have sea views, but the stylish, comfortable rooms here are decorated in a classic style, and some have large balconies. Most bathrooms have been remodeled. The location is very central, within easy walking distance of a choice of eateries, and there is a modestly priced in-house restaurant that offers a daily changing menu. Valet parking and spa facilities are available at additional charges.

In a 12th-century monastery, vaulted ceilings and exposed stone walls, along with wooden beams and polished terracotta floors covered with rugs, establish rustic elegance in guest rooms. The rolling park around the hotel provides wonderful views of the valley and is the idyllic location for a lovely pool. The good restaurant may tempt you to stay put at dinnertime.

In addition to a tremendous view of the Boboli Gardens, this mazelike pensione near the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti has simply furnished but mostly large rooms and a sunny breakfast room. In warm weather, two flower-bedecked terraces are open; one has a stunning 360-degree view of Florence and is the perfect spot to sip a glass of wine or enjoy dinner, and you don't even have to be a hotel guest.

This boutique hotel might be in the center of Scopello, but once within its secluded grounds, you might believe you're in the open countryside. Facing away from the village, the huge and lushly planted garden is the hotel's best aspect, especially for its pool and stunning vistas over the coast, and Scopello's tonnara can be easily reached on foot from the back gate. The views can also be appreciated from the outdoor terraces of the hotel's bar and restaurant, where tasty local cuisine is served. Breakfasts, too, are memorable, and the service is always friendly. The guest rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, most with a secluded outdoor area, and there's a two- or five-night minimum stay depending on the season.

In a villa and garden a short walk from the beach, this hotel has bright, airy guest rooms decorated with antiques. Meals are served in the roof garden, overlooking the town of Ischia and the Bay of Naples—and you must reserve well in advance. Part of a family-run chain of four hotels in the town of Ischia, it's in the heart of Ischia Porto, just off the busy shopping street Via Roma.

This friendly home away from home in a quiet residential area close to the Colosseum has been run by the Khan family since 1971. Its carefully and courteously attentive staffers go the extra mile for their guests. Clean and comfortable guest rooms have basic antique furnishings and big windows—some even with a view of the Colosseum—and all have air-conditioning, TVs, and Wi-Fi. Higher priced rooms have terraces or balconies as well. In the high season, the on-site restaurant serves dinner as well as breakfast, and the bar is always open for a drink.

A cozy hotel just a stone's throw from Termini Station sounds like some sort of a miracle, and yet, the Morgana welcomes guests with classically designed accommodations and friendly smiles. Rooms feature kitschy striped walls, comfy beds, flowing drapes, satellite TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is abundant, and there's free access to a fitness center in the Hotel Ariston, a sister hotel that's just across the street. 

The relaxed country-house elegance and comfortable rooms at this spa hotel are a sharp contrast to the brisk and clinical atmosphere of the Terme dei Papi spa itself, which bustles with doctors, bathers in bathrobes, and uniformed staff. Breakfast, a sumptuous buffet, is taken in a wood-beam gallery overlooking a small garden. Hotel guests have free access to the pool, as well as a 15% discount on all spa treatments.

This hotel, in a building dating from the 12th century, has public rooms with timbered ceilings, warm yellow walls, and brocaded chairs and guest rooms with high ceilings and still more of that glorious damask. Top-floor suites have sweeping views of the town. One suite is on the mezzanine floor but also has city views.

Formerly the Grillo family palace, this sumptuously comfortable boutique hotel integrates architectural details from the 1500s to the 1700s—like an original marble entryway and staircase, frescoed ceilings, and frieze details in some rooms—with clean-lined modern luxury. All of the furniture has been handpicked and combines vintage pieces with those from some of Italy's best designers, with an emphasis on minimalism and surprising pops of color. Public spaces such as the ballroom-size living room, billiards room, and top-floor terrace add to the appeal.

There's an air of seclusion and a respite from hectic San Remo in these bright, well-equipped rooms—some with balconies and sea views—that face a quiet, palm-fringed garden and pool. The hotel is surrounded by manicured grounds and an adjacent, lush public park. A pleasant restaurant offers a fixed-price menu for lunch and dinner, or a variety of à la carte options. There's a four-night minimum stay in July and August.

In 1288, this diminutive property overlooking the coastline housed an order of Augustinian friars; today the intact cloister hosts travelers intent on enjoying themselves under the coved ceilings of the former eremitani scalzi (shaved hermit) cells. Ancient, ivy-covered stone arches and a tiled walkway lead to a cozy interior that still feels like a retreat. In the garden, sun loungers, a fishpond, and alfresco dining all share the vista.

A rambling farmhouse has been transformed into a handsome hotel with understated contemporary furniture in the bedrooms and country-classic motifs in the bar. From this charming spot you get a splendid view of San Gimignano's towers.

Sea-view rooms at this small hotel along the promenade have nice little balconies, and there's a terrace perfect for enjoying the sunset and vistas of France. Many of the clean and simple accommodations have been updated in a pleasantly contemporary style.

Ask for a room on the third floor.

Situated in a remodeled Renaissance palazzo with one of the prettiest patio-courtyards in Rome, this hotel is a relaxing retreat close to Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere. Rooms have cherrywood accents, recessed lighting, and luminous marble floors. Some overlook the garden of the historic Palazzo Spada, and others offer a distant glimpse of the cupola of St. Peter's Basilica. Some suites have whirlpool tubs and balconies. The rooftop terrace is a great place to contemplate the city's skyline.