223 Best Hotels in Italy

Not far from Ragusa Superiore's cathedral, this smart hotel in a handsome 1700s-era stone palazzo has comfortable, spacious rooms with understated decor, a grand breakfast room with ornate ceiling, and a lovely garden with pool. Expect a curious and intriguing mix architectural styles, from grand noble saloni to rustic, stone-coved ceilings in the corridors. Unfortunately, while the building's unique historical features dazzle, the modern guest rooms can be slightly underwhelming.    

When the Eternal City becomes too chaotic for you, head to this budget hotel inside a 19th-century Roman villa just minutes from Termini Station. There's a tranquil rose garden where guests typically have breakfast or sip afternoon tea. Rooms are simple and functional, decorated in soft neutral tones.

A practical choice near Pompeii's archaeological site, this hotel run by a friendly staff has a pleasant sun terrace and spacious, ultramodern rooms, five with kitchens and cooking utensils.

Some 2 km (1 mile) from downtown Marsala, this luxurious retreat with extensive semitropical gardens was built as a baglio, or wine estate, and it retains strong echoes of its 19th-century origins. Public areas are positively grandiose: the cool courtyard, tall white walls, and pointed arches evocative of a Moorish palace. The accommodations come in two forms: classic rooms and, scattered around the grounds, very basic igloo-shaped bungalows that are large enough for a family. The large swimming pool is also great for families. Quality meals and pizzas are served in the evenings, and the English-speaking staff are discreet and attentive.

A stay at Villa Luisa might not put you in the lap of luxury, but its location just off a busy road—though still near Lake Lucrino, Lake Averno, and the Stufe di Nerone thermal baths—as well as its spa facilities, beachside lido, sun terrace, and mini-apartment option make it a good-value option.

If you want to be pampered in the refined atmosphere of a private villa, this is the spot, with the warmth of a fireplace in the winter, a pool to cool you down in summer, and cozy reading nooks and guest rooms year-round. It's just outside the town walls and is a short walk from all the local sights. Cooking courses are given on the premises; horseback-riding and golf trips can be arranged; and shopping excursions for local textiles, cashmere, and ceramics are popular diversions.

About 2½ miles outside the main town, Villa Paradiso offers a collection of mountainside apartments that are great for groups or individual travelers who want to escape the hubbub. Each one has spectacular sea views of Vulcano and the Sicilian coastline (including Etna on a clear day)  from their private terraces. The staff can help arrange everything from treks and boat tours to bicycle and car rentals.

Many of the guest rooms at this well-situated hotel have private terraces with gorgeous Instagrammable views of Etna without the crowds (or high prices) of nearby Taormina. Along with a refreshing swimming pool, colorful public spaces include a lobby, bar, and lounge that make the most of the stellar vista, plus a restaurant with a wine bar.

This hotel on the main drag is housed within one of Sciacca's few palazzi that have been renovated to showcase their period finery. The building dates from the 17th century and retains its arched doorways and a splendid internal courtyard. The decor is a mixture of old and new, while the rooms (some with patios) are mainly spacious and equipped with fridges and modern bathrooms—there's also a family suite. It's just steps away from Piazza Scandaliato, and you can park close by. There's a week-long minimum stay in August.

A striking white and artsy contemporary building on the lungomare offers a dozen spacious, immaculately whitewashed apartments that make for a fabulous beachside base.  

This chic hotel may fool you into thinking the digs are expensive, but the contemporary coolness of Yes Hotel, located around the corner from Termini station, actually comes at a bargain. Guest rooms are decorated in crisp neutral colors and modern fabrics, and come with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, top-of-the-line toiletries, and electronic safes.

Don't let the rustic appearance of the buildings fool you—this is one of the plushest agriturismi (farm stays) in Umbria. The rooms are furnished in varying ethnic styles, with nice little extras thrown in such as bedside kettles and an array of teas and herbal infusions. The owners also organize a series of outdoor activities.