Must-see hotels in Italy

  • 5 Balconi B&B

    Catania

    The warm and generous hospitality of British-Sicilian hosts Rob and Cristina more than compensates for the slightly out-of-centre location at this…

  • Hotel Stazione

    Lake Iseo

    On the south bank of the river, this three-storey hotel has clean, simply designed rooms with stiff mattresses and simple furnishings (plus fridges). It's…

  • Casa dei Gonzaga

    Mantua

    Close enough to the station to drag even the heaviest suitcase, the Gonzaga is cheap and cheerful with simple rooms complemented by thoughtful little…

  • Piccolo Hotel Olina

    Orta San Giulio

    Jauntily decorated with contemporary prints, bright colours and light-wood furniture, this ecofriendly hotel places modern design right in Orta San Giulio…

  • Giuturna Boutique Hotel

    Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale

    A hop, skip and coin's throw from Trevi Fountain, this stylish boutique hotel is a peaceful and elegant retreat from the madding crowds. Rooms mix parquet…

  • Rifugio Cinque Torri

    Veneto Dolomites

    This summer-only refuge enjoys a spectacular location right at the base of the 5 Torri. Run by the Lelo family since 1937, it has hosted world-famous…

  • Il Golfo

    Naples

    This quiet, family-run bargain is ideal for those wanting to crash near Napoli Centrale. The place feels like a family apartment, its four large bedrooms …

  • Villa Spinosa

    The Veneto

    This agriturismo (farmstay accommodation) and winery is located at the foot of the Masua hills just south of the centre of Negrar. Accommodation is in two…

  • Hotel de Russie

    Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale

    The historic Hotel de Russie is almost on Piazza del Popolo and has exquisite terraced gardens. The decor is softly luxurious in many shades of grey, and…

  • Sunflower City Backpacker Hostel

    Rimini

    Run by two ex-backpackers, the Sunflower welcomes travellers with its laundry and cooking facilities, retro Austin Powers–style wallpaper, in-house bar…

  • Baia Bianca Suites

    Elba

    A picture-perfect manicured garden with pea-green lawn is the only thing separating these designer-chic suites, apartments and rooms from the sand. A much…

  • Casa Latina

    Naples

    Creativity and style flow through this crisp new B&B, accented with eclectic lighting, boho photography, a fully equipped kitchen and a tranquil terrace…

  • Villa Pliniana

    Lake Como

    About 1.5km east of Torno, the waterfront Villa Pliniana is one of the most exclusive places to stay on Lake Como. Constructed in the 16th century,…

  • Casa per Ferie Santa Maria Assunta

    Central Tuscany

    Located behind the tourist office inside the medieval fortress, this old-fashioned church-owned hostel welcomes pilgrims walking the Via Francigena as…

  • Belvedere Pineta Camping Village

    Grado

    This huge campsite is located on the mainland just over the causeway from Grado. Set in a fragrant pine forest it offers shady pitches for tents; fully…

  • Grand Hotel Continental

    Siena

    Housed in a magnificent palazzo in the heart of Siena's historic centre, this luxury choice offers well-sized and elegantly furnished rooms and suites;…

  • Hotel Baglio Santa Croce

    Erice

    Located 9km east of Erice in Valderice, this converted 17th-century baglio (manor house) is set amid citrus groves and lush gardens. The original stone…

  • Gasthof Grüner Baum

    Trentino & South Tyrol

    This gracious guesthouse in Glorenza's historic centre combines arresting contemporary architecture, authentic charm and quiet luxury – free-standing…

  • Ca’ Pisani

    Venice

    Sprawl out in style right behind the Accademia, and luxuriate in sleigh beds, Jacuzzi tubs and walk-in closets. Mood lighting and sound-proofed walls make…

  • Alpin Spa Hotel Die Post

    Trentino & South Tyrol

    A family-run favourite since 1852, this hulking 52-room hotel has it all: comfortable rooms, an onsite restaurant serving Tyrolean specialities, a sauna,…

  • Re Vittorio De Luxe Accommodations

    Messina

    Hidden away on the 2nd floor of a historic, centrally located palazzo, Re Vittorio harbours stylish, modern rooms with high ceilings and a muted colour…

  • Casa Burano

    Murano, Burano & the Northern Islands

    Wake up in one of Burano's famous candy-coloured houses, courtesy of the stylish folks at Venissa who have converted five classic homes into an albergo…

  • Romeo Hotel

    Naples

    All art, glass and steel, this top-end design hotel contrasts sharply with its scruffy port location. Rooms vary in size, but all are luxe and supremely…

  • Hotel Villa Sarah

    Capri

    On the road up to Villa Jovis – a 10-minute walk from the centre of Capri Town – Villa Sarah retains a rustic appeal that so many of the island’s hotels…

  • Goethe Guesthouse

    Bolzano (Bozen)

    If you don't mind hopping down the stairs to a pasticceria or the market for breakfast and don't need front desk or other hotel facilities, these historic…

  • Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa

    Palermo

    Grandly situated in Palermo's former stock exchange, this four-star show-off encompasses three separate buildings housing 127 rooms. The hotel's elegant…

  • Villa delle Rose

    Le Marche

    In the small town of Amandola on the northeastern fringes of the Monti Sibillini National Park, this is a lovely five-bedroom hotel. A warm welcome and…

  • Hotel Mozart

    Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale

    The Mozart ticks all the boxes: its location is central; the 56 classic rooms (some with balcony) are comfortable and well-equipped with satellite TV and…

  • Ostello Chiosco delle Monache

    Volterra

    This excellent hostel occupies a 13th-century monastery complete with a frescoed refectory where breakfast is served. Airy rooms overlook the cloisters…

  • Camping La Roccia

    Lampedusa

    Spread out across a series of tree-shaded terraces between rock walls leading down to tiny Cala Greca beach, this campground has a little something for…

  • Imperial Art Hotel

    Merano (Meran)

    Upstairs in what was once a belle époque coffee palace, this inconspicuous, luxurious hotel has 11 distinct artist-designed rooms – Tyrolean furniture…

  • Il Barocco

    Ragusa

    An easy five-minute walk from central Piazza Duomo, this is a friendly three-star. Behind its distinctive salmon-pink facade are modest, homely interiors,…

  • Villa dei Vescovi

    The Veneto

    Renovated by the British Landmark Trust, Villa Vescovi is one of the best-preserved pre-Palladio Renaissance villas in the Veneto, and staying in one of…

  • Decumani Hotel de Charme

    Naples

    This classic boutique hotel occupies the former palazzo of Cardinal Sisto Riario Sforza, the last bishop of the Bourbon kingdom. Its simple, stylish 42…

  • The Liberty

    Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo

    Newly opened, this boutique hotel occupies a handsome heritage villa designed in the Liberty style – Italy's version of art nouveau. Decor, service and…

  • Laubenhaus

    Bolzano (Bozen)

    High above the city's ancient arcaded shopping street, these apartments combine interesting historical architectural details with comfortable and stylish…

  • Hotel Bellavista

    Capri

    This hotel is more than 100 years old, so it's a grande dame among accommodation here. Rooms are large and have 1960s-style tile floors with enormous…

  • Le Camere di Gio

    Alba

    In the heart of the old quarter, you'll find these spacious, comfortably equipped rooms, each set with a king-sized bed, minifridge and a Lavazza espresso…

  • Art Hotel Boston

    Turin

    The Boston's austere classical facade gives no inkling of the interiors that await inside. Common areas are filled with original works by Warhol,…

  • BAD

    Catania

    An uninhibitedly colourful, eclectic style prevails at this genuinely cool B&B. Artworks include a specially commissioned mural by prolific street artist…

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