22 Best Hotels in The Veneto and Friuli–Venezia Giulia, Italy

This elegant pink-washed hotel in a 16th-century building overlooks the main square and has wide views over picturesque Asolo or its leafy hinterland. This was once the actress Eleonora Duse's preferred haunt, and you can choose to stay in the room where she regularly entertained the poet and libertine Gabriele D'Annunzio. All the rooms are large and furnished with turn-of-the-last-century antiques. Decoratively tiled, the bathrooms have massage showers, which might come in handy for legs that have climbed up the hill for a view (or spent time in the fitness room). The terrace is a great place for a sunset drink or dinner in summer.

Bang smack in regal Piazza Unità d'Italia, this grande dame of a hotel is beautifully furnished in Venetian Renaissance style, with dark-wood antiques, rich carpets, and plush fabrics. In the basement, below sea level, is one of northern Italy's most impressive indoor pool-spa complexes: it's reminiscent of ancient Roman baths. On the ground floor is Harry's Restaurant and there are a few smart apartments, especially handy for families. Suffice it to say this place has come a long way since its original incarnation as a 19th-century dockers' café.

Rooms at this comfortable full-service hotel—a five-minute walk from the train station and right in front of the city walls—are ample in size, with a mix of contemporary and traditional accents. A 2017 face-lift added marbled and mirrored swagger to some public areas, including the bar and spacious lobby, as well as to some suites and bathrooms.

Set on gorgeous, verdant grounds with stunning sea views, this cliff-top hotel—a villa with a modern annex—offers a mix of traditional and minimalist rooms, many with private balconies. The restaurant, Le Terrazze, features a mare e terra (sea and land) menu and a lovely terrace above the sea, where breakfasters can linger before heading down to the Riviera bathing area.

There's plenty of architectural character mixed with contemporary, artsy warmth in the guest rooms of this central, 18th-century building, while the nearby annex offers four spacious apartments. Public areas include a small patio enclosed by Roman walls; the cozy breakfast room is a wonderful spot to share in the owner's passion for coffee, tea, and tisane (infusions) from around the world. 

Friendly and energetic Federica has transformed this three-story property, owned by her family (of De Rossi patisserie fame), into some of the most stylish contemporary apartments—and one of the best values—in Verona, complete with kitchenettes. It's just out of town, in the Veronetta district, and these rentals offer oodles of Veronese neighborhood atmosphere: lots of students live here, and there are interesting local shops and eateries at the doorstep, yet you're still only a short walk to the banks of the Adige and the sights. There are no public areas—from the entrance it's straight upstairs to the apartments—but Federica is always helpful with tips, and she even runs small cookery courses and excursions for keen foodies.

The refreshingly funky surroundings in this self-styled art hotel include sponge-painted walls, brush-painted chandeliers, and views of the spires and cupolas of the Basilica di Sant'Antonio. The color-theme guest rooms, from eye-popping red to meditative white, upend sterile hotel decor, and there are tranquil corners including a flowery courtyard garden.

One of the best-situated hotels in the city provides understated modern rooms and public areas that tend toward the minimalist without being severe, while the intimate breakfast room with mid-century Eames Eiffel chairs and adjoining terrace is a tranquil place to start the day. The hotel's combination of well-maintained rooms, friendly staff, and a quiet yet central location make it an attractive choice. There's 24-hour room service but no minibars in the rooms.

In a central location, this 15th-century palazzo, once home to the dukes of Tuscany, is now a charming and romantic bed-and-breakfast with parquet flooring throughout, a pleasant if unremarkable breakfast room, and large guest rooms furnished in antique style. Generous, well-prepared continental breakfasts include homemade cake, fresh fruit, and savory options. The resident owners are friendly and helpful.

In a residential area a few minutes' walk from the Arena, this contemporary Best Western hotel offers respite from the busy city as well as easier parking. Both guest and public rooms have a functional, modern style with light, furniture, and some family rooms sleep up to five.

The public areas and guest rooms at one of the oldest (1883) hotels in the city, just off Piazza dei Signori, are filled with turn-of-the-20th-century antiques, and regulars favor the place because the high ceilings in the main building make it feel light and airy. It's also a bargain—rates stay the same throughout the year, with no high-season price hikes. 

Although this inn dates from the 18th century, the interior is minimalist and clean-lined—Rooms 7, 8, 11, and 12 redress the balance with picture-perfect views of the town's upper castle, while other windows look out onto the city walls or olive-tree-filled terraces. Some rooms can add an extra two beds for families. The buffet breakfast can be taken on a tranquil terrace or in a small, cozy breakfast room with quirky modern paintings. The inn can organize tailored tours and bike hire. Considerable advance booking is required for the weekend of the chess game.

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.

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 tastefully modernized 18th-century farmhouse just outside Asolo retains exposed stone, brick, and wooden joists creating a calming rural ambience in its spacious public areas, simply furnished rooms, and handsome guesthouse. You can relax with a glass in the comfy lobby bar and immaculate grounds or work up a sweat in the small but well-equipped gym.

You have two smart and contrasting choices here: the 19th-century villa, with canopy beds and Alpine-style wood ceilings and paneling; and the more tranquil "Next Wing," with rich colors and spare furnishings in starkly angular rooms. Some rooms have sunken Japanese baths and gardens, there are centuries-old trees shading the terrace, and high-design chaises surround the pool. The staff are all dressed in casual, monklike black.

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. 

Renovation of this 15th-century building took a decidedly minimalist approach: the breakfast room, lounges, and guest rooms feature plenty of light wood, mood lighting, and sleek, angular design. The restaurant offers a seasonally changing menu that includes some traditional local dishes as well as novel flavor combinations and culinary techniques.

Housed within a 16th-century palace, where renowned Florentine architect Bartolomeo Ammannati carved colossal statuary, the four spacious suites and three apartments with kitchenettes here offer a wonderful atmospheric alternative to regular hotel accommodation. Beyond the handsome courtyard there are cavernous rooms with some period furniture and historic artworks.

The former home of James Joyce is a real gem of a hotel—with stylish, unfussy traditional decor and a just-out-of-town location that's convenient for both local sightseeing and trips into the Karst mountains. Beyond the grand lobby, there's a handsome wood-filled breakfast area and a lovely little library and lounge with funky armchairs. The latter is perfect for relaxing with Ulysses or one of the weighty design tomes. Many of the spacious rooms have gorgeous parquet flooring, elegant furnishings, and tasteful artwork.

From its 19th-century furnishings to a 21st-century spa and a romantic garden, this luxurious 16th-century villa turned hotel strives for opulence. Once owned by the Venice restaurateur and hotelier Giuseppe Cipriani, the property is now owned by Massimo Zanetti, the coffee magnate. Superior-class rooms have views; the two suites with private terraces are pricey, but views are absolutely stunning. The restaurant terrace overlooks the garden and hills, a perfect place to sip an aperitif.