Where can I find the best Italian hotels?

Where to stay in northern Italy?

The north of Italy is rich in historical sites, along with beautiful natural landscapes from the green and snow-capped Italian Alps to the sunny Italian Riviera. There are the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, in which the famous cities of Milan and Turin are located, both lively cities with a rich history. A destination that often goes unnoticed is Turin, yet is well worth a visit in particular for its renowned Egyptian museum. Meanwhile, Genoa is one of the most fascinating and beautiful European cities, nestled along the Ligurian coast. Known as the “City of Canals,” “The Floating City,” and “Serenissima” among other names, Venice needs no introduction. It is arguably one of Italy's most picturesque and romantic cities, with its winding canals, striking architecture, and beautiful bridges.

• The splendid five-star Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice is an historic palace decorated with a traditional Venetian style and al fresco art works. You’ll be happy to know you can also enjoy views of the canal from your very own room!
• The Principi di Piemonte UNA Esperienze, is a stylish five-star hotel blending contemporary and classical Italian class, with a perfect location in the heart of Turin.
• The elegant Gran Hotel Savoia is a plush five-star address in the centre of Genoa – enjoy views of the city from the comfort of your room and make use of the hotels' outstanding facilities.

 

Booking a hotel in Milan:

Sometimes discounted for being more of a more modern, working city, the capital of fashion is bubbling with creativity and cultural offerings, including plenty of historical sights. Its famous cathedral, the Duomo, commands the admiration of all visitors, with its monumental stain glass windows and organ. It is the largest church in Italy (excluding St. Peter's Basilica, which is technically in the Vatican rather than Italy). Two of our favourite luxurious hotels in Milan are: the stylish four-star Enterprise Hotel with its 7th-floor spa and panoramic views on the Corso Sempione avenue, near the Mico Milano Congressi convention centre, and romantic five-star Château Monfort hotel, a unique boutique hotel with a fairy-tale touch in the heart of Milan.

Reasons for a stay in Milan:

• Observe a masterpiece of religious art, the famous Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
• Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum and be amazed by his collection of inventions
• Enjoy a great Italian ritual, a glass of Spritz on a lazy sunday afternoon in the city centre
• Admire both the exterior and interior of the Duomo and gaze up at its five awe-inspiring naves
• Marvel at paintings by Titian or Caravaggio at the Pinacoteca Di Brera
• Experience of a show at the stunning La Scala opera house

Booking a hotel by the Italian lakes:

Italy is also known for its magnificent lakes, with the three major lakes all being found in northern Italy. You can opt for a stay that is a little different from usual, away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Lake Maggiore, located in between the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, is beautiful with the alps as a stunning backdrop. It is the second largest lake in Italy and is also home to the marvellous Isola Bella. We recommend the, quite frankly majestic, Grand Hotel Majestic. An elegant Belle Epoque-style hotel with a picture-postcard backdrop of Italy's most magical lake. Next on the list is Lake Como, located directly north of Milan. It is a gorgeous location surrounded by neoclassical villas and the impressive alps. Our recommendation? The Grand Hotel Victoria, a 5-star Luxury hotel set in a renovated 19th-century neoclassic building with an excellent on-site restaurant and spa, beautiful gardens and breathtaking lake views. Finally, partially located in the Veneto region, is Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy with crystal-clear waters. To better explore this spot, you should consider booking a stay at the four-star Donna Silvia Hotel & Wellness Centre. Positioned just a short walk from the lake shores, your stay here will feel intimate and romantic, so come and discover what awaits you.

 

Where to stay in central Italy?

Moving down and into central Italy you'll find a number of fantastic regions, including the Italian capital, Rome, and also the mountainous microstate of San Marino. And of course we also have what is arguably one of the most beautiful regions in the country, Tuscany.

Why choose a hotel in Rome:

With its history spanning 28 centuries, Rome if often described as an open-air museum. From ancient Roman ruins to magnificent medieval architecture, and beautiful Renaissance palazzi, this city never ceases to enchant. Stand in the Colosseum and imagining the gladiators battling in the arena. Marvel at the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Awe at the beauty of St. Peter's Basilica. Yet, far from being frozen in the past, the city beats to the rhythm of the 21st century, with plenty of shopping, bars, restaurants, and modern attractions such as the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Reasons to book a hotel in Rome:

• Imagine yourself as a gladiator in the Colosseum
• Travel back in time at the Roman Forum and on the Palatine Hill
• Stand under the oldest dome in the world, at the magnificent Pantheon
• The the mythical frescoes of the Sistine Chapel with your own eyes in the Vatican
• Discover the masters of the Renaissance at the Villa Borghese gallery
• Dine on a quaint terrace in a picturesque paved street

Of course, there's also an abundance of superb accommodations, including numerous charming four and five-star luxury hotels, such as the elegant Hotel Dei Mellini, just a short walk from the Piazza del Popolo and the Villa Borghese gallery and gardens, or the trendy and fun Mama Shelter Rome, a true home-away-from-home in the chic residential neighbourhood of Prati, just steps from the Vatican Museums and well connected to the rest of the city.

 

Why book a stay in Tuscany:

The landscapes, art, heritage, and food of Tuscany is truly unique and divine. The region is home to quaint countryside, rolling hills and vineyards, eye-catching architecture and of course, Renaissance art. A well-rounded destination perfect for all types of tourists, you have the option of staying along the coast or explore the inland and cities like Florence and Pisa, even venturing on a wine tour in the hills of Chianti. This region is perfect for the food and wine lovers who are always in search of new flavours, it is ideal for seekers of art and marvellous architecture, with Florence often named as the birthplace of the Renaissance. And last but not least there are the stretches of beautiful coast facing the Tyrrhenian Sea.

• One of our favourite places to stay in Florence is the four-star Hotel Villa Fiesole, a charming 19th-century villa immersed in the greenery, nestled in the hills on the outskirts of the city. This tranquil boutique hotel offers cosy rooms, a pool and a panoramic terrace, along with a restaurant.
• If wellness and rejuventation is your thing, then a stay at the Grand Hotel Croce di Malta, located next to the thermal park of Montecatini Terme, is a must. It is one of the most prestigious hotels in the town; bordering the thermal baths and found on Montecatini’s most elegant boulevard, aside from the hotel's spa, the two restaurants offer delicious Tuscan specialities, and the lounge bar has a wide sitting area on the terrace.
• The Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection, perfectly positioned in the heart the city of Lucca, feels like a dive back in time, as you reside in a palace dating back to 1857. Enjoy all the five-star comforts that you could need, with modern interiors and authentic exteriors. Be sure to wine and dine in the hotel’s elegant restaurant, for a truly luxurious experience.

 

Where to find the best resorts and hotels in Southern Italy:

Finally, the south of Italy is a great choice for a summer holiday, and finding accommodations at reasonable prices here should not be an issue as offers are always available, whether it's a boutique hotel in the heart of Naples, or a luxury resort in Puglia. Exploring Southern Italy is an adventure, and it is far more recommended to rent a car to get around and explore here than in the north. Regions include the likes of Campania, Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia. Spend your days discovering the famous Amalfi Coast, visiting the perfectly preserved ruins of Pompeii and climbing to the peak of Mount Vesuvio, exploring the fascinating cave dwellings of Matera, or basking under the sun on a pristine beach in Puglia.

A stay in bustling Naples:

• One of our favourites is the Grand Hotel Parker's is a stately five-star 19th-century with a delightful view over the Bay of Naples. It boasts posh rooms with period furnishings and luxurious marble bathrooms. There's an excellent rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views, along with a gym and spa with a hammam, sauna and hot tub.

A stay on the chic Amalfi Coast:

• The Hotel Bonadies is an upscale four-star boutique hotel perched on a hillside overlooking the sea and the mountains. Set in a villa dating from the 1880s, it features refined rooms and suites with tiled floors and sea or mountain views. There is also an elegant restaurant featuring a terrace with sea views, a bar, an outdoor pool and a sundeck with a hot tub.

A stay in gorgeous Puglia:

• Hotel Resort Mulino a Vento is a relaxing oasis in the peaceful Salento countryside, set amongst olive trees and typical Mediterranean vegetation, just a few kilometers from Otranto on the coast and the crystal clear waters of the bay of Porto Badisco. This four-star hotel offers charm, comfort and excellent cuisine.

A stay in often-overlooked Basilicata:

• The charming La Suite Matera Hotel & Spa is a five-star establishment which is well positioned for exploring each and every corner of the city, including the Sassi di Matera – ancient cave dwellings that make up the historic centre. However, it is also ideally placed for discovering the surrounding region.

 

Booking a hotel on one of the Italian islands:

The two great Italian islands are of course those of Sicily and of Sardinia, both of which boast beautiful nature, incredible beaches, and their own unique identity and cuisine. You will be spoilt for choice when searching for a hotel or resort in either of these destinations, to help you, here are a few suggestions for some extraordinary accommodations in Sicily and Sardinia:

Hotels in Sicily:

• Kepos Etna Relais & Spa – this luxurious modern address offers absolutely breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the surrounding area.

• Hotel Caparena – a remarkable four-star hotel located in Taormina, set within a private garden and just steps away from the beach.

Hotels in Sardinia:

• Tartheshotel – a charming four-star boutique hotel in a quaint village in the south of the island, the hotel boasts an immense outdoor pool.
• Hotel Palumbalza – another four-star address that seemingly blends right into the sea, provide direct access to a private port and beach.