585 Best Hotels in Italy

With decor elements such as original wood-beamed ceilings, retro tiles, rich fabrics, contemporary art, and furniture that nods to 1930s and '40s Italian design, there's a hipster feel to this hotel inside a 17th-century palazzo around the corner from Piazza Navona. Top-floor rooms have little terraces where you can enjoy your morning cappuccino; other amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the building, a coffee and tea maker in every room, and a ground-floor caffè and exhibition space that often promotes works by local artists. 

Occupying a historic building off Piazza delle Erbe in the ancient heart of Verona, this hotel is a romantic fantasia of ornamentation, rich fabrics, and period-style furniture. The abundance of decoration can be overwhelming, but it generally creates an appealing atmosphere. You can relax outdoors in the medieval courtyard or indoors in a plush, welcoming living room.

In a converted 18th-century palace on a quiet street behind Palazzo Ducezio, this smart hotel's main draw is its wonderful panoramic roof terrace bar, while offering less striking but nevertheless spacious, understated rooms. Though amenities are few, the public spaces make up for that: guests can enjoy breakfast outside in the charming garden. Noto's many restaurants and sights are just a few minutes away.

High design resides at this art showcase near the Ponte Vecchio, where sleek, uncluttered rooms are dressed mostly in neutrals but have luxe touches such as leather headboards. The coolly understated public rooms have a revolving collection of photographs by artists like Helmut Newton adorning the walls; the reception area is subtly but dramatically lighted. Both the bar and restaurant attract sophisticated, fashionable locals.

This large property, rising above the lava rocks, right on the sea feels a bit like a time capsule. You can easily imagine the Rat Pack making it their home on a Sicilian holiday. For some, that means the property is stuck in the past and could use a reboot, but for others, it's the perfect amount of old-school panache.

Time seems to have stopped at this charming hotel housed in a 19th-century convent belonging to the Stimmatine Sisters. It is located at the base of the Capodimonte hill and adjacent to the Catacombe di San Gennaro and the Madre del Buon Consiglio church, but a fair walk from the central city sights. The large, tastefully furnished Bourbon-style guest rooms open onto an internal courtyard, dominated by an ornamental skylight. Ask for a quiet room on this side of the hotel.

Rooms at this 1911 hotel—a short walk on tree-lined streets from the center of town and even closer to the thermal baths—are spacious, with high ceilings. Many also have deep bathtubs with water jets. You can enjoy an aperitivo in the majestic lobby or on the rooftop terrace.

Only blocks from La Scala, you'll find everything you would expect from a traditionally elegant European hotel, where tapestries and persimmon velvet enliven a 19th-century look without sacrificing dignity and luxury. The place is sometimes called the Hotel Verdi, because the composer lived here for 27 years; his apartment, complete with his desk, is now the Presidential Suite. The on-site Don Carlos restaurant comes highly recommended.

This contemporary, light-filled hotel makes the most of its position right in front of the sea and the faraglioni. Indulge in a cocktail on the terrace at sunset, ponder over which Sicilian specialty to order in the attached restaurant, or spend some time at the nearby beach club. Whatever you do, it will be met with impeccable and amicable service. 

From the marble lobby to the luxury rooftop-terrace suites, Bologna's oldest and grandest hotel, set in an 18th-century palazzo impresses with its classical aristocratic French decor and top-notch food. The Classic and Superior guest rooms have linen sheets, antiques, draped curtains, and an aristocratic air; while the top suites, including a sprawling Venetian-style apartment, beloved of celebs and royalty, have cathedral views.  

On the shores of beautiful Lake Misurina and just a few kilometers from renowned winter resort Cortina d’Ampezzo, this grand hotel has simply furnished rooms that range from standard fare to full apartments. The on-site spa offers massages, a Turkish bath, and a sauna and Jacuzzi. There are year-round activities offered on the lake, and there's a kids' club available as well.

This stylish 1960s hotel, designed by Gio Ponti, is all white walls and blue glass accents and funky geometric shapes; outside blooms the fabled Parco dei Principi, a lush 19th-century giardino, and paths lead to a romantic, bayside, Rococo villa—a splendiferous setting for the pool area. A shuttle bus connects with downtown Sorrento.

Cleverly converted from three historic buildings—a bank, a palazzo, and a monastery—this hotel with modern, unadorned rooms is ideally located just off the central axis of Via Vittorio Emanuele. It's an elegant complex, featuring vaulted ceilings and an expansive, airy courtyard lobby with a retractable roof awning that's open in warm weather, plus a beautifully designed restaurant. 

This 13th-century Franciscan monastery turned elegant hotel incorporates modern enhancements while retaining the structure's impressive rose facade, arches, and frescoes. Guest rooms, done in earth tones and blues, are stylishly modern and some have great views of Palmaria Island, the Gulf of Poets, and the town's historic center; Cloister suites set under the building's original arches have expansive terraces. The hotel's Palmaria restaurant offers a robust breakfast (with robust views), and candlelit dinners on its terrace, where you can also watch the sunset with a drink at its Venus Bar. Book direct for free garage parking.

This 1908 extravaganza, made famous by Federico Fellini in his film Amarcord, is grander than ever with ongoing restorations that keep the place completely current while maintaining its Belle Époque charm. The stage is set by enormous crystal chandeliers in the lobby and inlaid wood in the rooms that seem comforting rather than luxurious. The place is full of light, partly because the many large windows let it all in. A spotless private beach provides tranquility (though so does the pool). In summer La Dolce Vita, the terrific restaurant, moves outside to one of the sweeping terraces overlooking perfectly kept gardens and the sea. It also serves lunch on the beach, and in July and August there's live music. The adjacent Residence Parco Fellini offers four-star rooms and suites at affordable prices.

Lush, landscaped gardens surround this large hotel, an oasis of quiet and cool with lots going for it: an elevator whisks you to and from sea level and a private beach; the pool area practically leans out over the bay; guest-room decor marries cool hues with bright accents; and there are both indoor and alfresco dining options.

Set in a Belle Époque–style villa surrounded by gardens, atop a cliff near the village of Cetraro, the San Michele offers Mediterranean charm and old-style elegance. An elevator takes you down to the base of the cliff, where you'll find three private beaches and a summer bar and restaurant. The property also has a 9-hole golf course. As with most hotels on Calabria's coast, substantial bargains are available on room rates outside July and August.

Neapolitan Lungomare enchantment can be yours if you stay at this luxurious, quietly understated hotel, which overlooks the port immortalized in the song "Santa Lucia." Hundreds of boats bob in the water, seafood restaurants line the harbor, and the medieval Castel dell'Ovo presides over it all. The lobby sparkles with chandeliers, mirrors, and gilded antiques, and portraits of Neapolitan aristocrats lend an air of nobility. The comfortable guest rooms are traditional, if somewhat bland (and some are small for the price), the suites come with a whirlpool bath, and the in-house Il Pavone Restaurant offers luxe dining.

Stunning mountain views are the hallmark of this elegant property, dating from 1912, which also has a delightful spa and friendly service. Modern rooms feature wood accents and beamed ceilings; most look straight out to the Dolomites. Ristorante Savoy features international dishes, while 1224 Bar Lounge & Terrace offers lighter bites; both eateries have those awe-inspiring mountain vistas yet again. The spa has a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room, and a well-equipped gym will please active types. Though the location isn’t right near the ski lifts, free transfers are available.

This contemporary, rounded facade stands out among the ancient palazzi nearby, but inside you'll find a handsome marble-paved lobby, rich drapery in the restaurant, and ample rooms with clubby wood-trimmed furniture. The sixth-floor terrace provides a great view of the surrounding mountains. Business travelers are drawn by the hotel's conveniences and efficient service.

From afar on the Amalfi Drive, this 1960s structure looks like a shimmering white palazzo, and although its interior isn't decorated palatially, it nevertheless offers unfussy, light-filled charm—not to mention flagstone terraces and gardens set amid rock pinnacles that take full advantage of the dizzying location. The seaside bathing area, accessed by an elevator excavated through 1,000 feet of rock, is jaw-dropping and complete with private beach, rocky tunnels, buffet, and bar. Not jaw-dropping, however, are the public and guest rooms, all very standard-issue and staidly traditional in style. Still, they are comfortable and come with grand views of the sea and nearby Praiano. All in all, this is a delightfully low-key and relaxing place. Should you wish to give thanks for the region's natural wonders, a grotto on-site contains a small rock chapel.

Winston Churchill, European royalty, and other VIPs have frequented the grand 18th-century Villa Politi, and although it's now a little faded, it retains a sense of elegance with rococo furnishings alongside basic modern luxuries like comfy beds. Set back from the road, the hotel is in the extensive gardens of the Latomie dei Cappuccini, overlooking a small archaeological site. Some rooms have balconies, private terraces, and partial sea views, others have far less salubrious views (be sure to check).

Some rooms here have views of the Palazzo Vecchio, and others of the Arno; the rooftop terrace, where you can have breakfast or an aperitivo, is decked with flowers. The lobby suggests a friend's living room while double glazing and air-conditioning help keep street noise at bay.

Wooden beams and iron columns are some of the original details still visible in this redbrick former flour mill–turned-hotel, which also features sublime views across the lagoon to Venice, particularly from the lively rooftop bar. Rooms are spacious—some have beamed ceilings and chandeliers, while others are more modern—and have comfortable beds, though only some include water views. Italian food is available at the hotel's two restaurants, and you can’t miss the hotel's buzzy Skyline Rooftop Bar for tasty cocktails and fabulous sunsets. The well-stocked gym is open 24 hours a day, and the spa (for an extra fee) includes a sauna, whirlpool, and Turkish bath. There's also a delightful rooftop pool open from May through September.

Set in a four-story terracotta-color villa, within walking distance of a beach and Forte dei Marmi's center, Hotel 1908 reminds you of seaside hotels of yesteryear, but in a good way, thanks, in part, to its attentive, multilingual staff. The buffet breakfast served in a chandelier-adorned dining room more than makes up for the somewhat dated interiors found elsewhere. 

This friendly, comfortable, family-run hotel has relatively gentle rates for such a prime location---directly in front of the Pantheon. The rooms are all white with antique prints, hardwood floors, and contemporary furnishings.

The Palladian facade of columns and arches here hint at the well-proportioned interior layout: expect an elegant contemporary take on Art Deco in public spaces and immaculate if impersonal traditional-style decor in guest rooms. Bathrooms are a decent size and accommodations reasonably quiet, despite the central location, while the clubby library and bar are fabulous places to unwind.

This attractive midrange hotel in the center of Favignana town is in an old palazzo but has modern furnishings and fittings. Most of the guest rooms are spacious; some even have balconies, but all are impeccably clean with comfortable beds, including those located in a nearby annex (which may be a better choice for those who prefer more privacy). There's a good restaurant in an internal courtyard garden, where breakfast is also served. Stays in summer must be for a minimum of four or five nights.

Though the atmosphere of this 15th-century palazzo harkens back to Venice's connection with the Silk Road, the surroundings and amenities are everything you'd expect from a 21st-century establishment. Some rooms and suites overlook the expansive canal along the Fondamenta della Sensa, one of the bright, broad byways typical of the upper Cannaregio district. In good weather, you can also take breakfast or a Venetian spritz cocktail at a sunny table along the canal. Ask about the type and location of room you're reserving when booking; rooms overlooking the canal are especially pleasant.

Spread along one side of the wide expanse of Largo Petrolo, this smart, two-story hotel has warm colors and a welcoming, intimate atmosphere. The reception area has polished parquet floors, modern art on the walls, and a solidly old-fashioned tone. Pay a little extra for one of the best rooms, which are spacious and have balconies overlooking the square. Buffet breakfasts are varied, and you can choose to sit at one of the tables on the piazza. It's an easy walk to restaurants (the harborfront is a 10-minute walk), and guests can make use of a free hotel buggy to a nearby beach.