Matera
You won't have trouble spotting the palatial features at this 17th-century palazzo near the cathedral with superb views of the sassi and gorge. The 14…
Must-see hotels in Italy
Perugia
Slip down an alley off Corso Cavour to reach Signa, one of Perugia's best budget picks. The petite rooms are simple, bright and well kept, and many have…
Stromboli
About 2km from the boat dock in peaceful Piscità, friendly owner Pinella runs this laid-back pensione featuring cool, white rooms, a pretty entrance…
Merano (Meran)
This traditional family hotel, just across the river from the Terme, works some fresh ideas. 'New' rooms are Italian designed, bright and slick, but the…
Naples
An easy 600m from the ferry terminals, this friendly three-star hotel offers modern if somewhat generic rooms, with functional furniture, tiled floors and…
Trapani
Across the road from Chiesa di San Francesco, this Art Nouveau–styled residence sports 16 rooms and apartments. Superior rooms and suites have a balcony…
Sorrento
A splendid choice atop a cliff to the west of town, La Tonnarella is a dazzling canvas of majolica tiles, antiques and chandeliers. Rooms, most with their…
Ancient Rome
This stately four star offers formal elegance and inspiring views. From the rooftop restaurant you can survey a sea of ruins, while inside it's all…
Centro Storico
Location and discreet style are the selling points of this elegant guesthouse near the Pantheon. On the 1st floor of a centuries-old palazzo, it has six…
Trentino & South Tyrol
Local skiing legend and 1970s Olympic gold medalist Gustav Thoni presides over this picturesquely sited hotel on a hairpin bend along the road to Passo…
Spoleto
Once a tannery and now a peaceful boutique hotel, the San Luca offers friendly service, refined interiors and a leisurely, relaxed atmosphere. Bold…
Le Marche
Goat bells are likely to be your wake-up call at this serene agriturismo (farm stay) just outside the village of Montemonaco. With its simple rustic rooms…
Umbria
This tranquil bolthole makes a great base in Norcia's walled centre. Run by the same folk as the Palazzo Seneca, it has six light-filled rooms whose clean…
Santa Margherita Ligure
The Miramare, which looks back over to the town across the Gulf of Tigullio, feels from another time, the antithesis of vulgarity. Staff are gracious,…
Reggio Emilia
Smack in the heart of town, good-hearted Alberto Cantarelli's B&B offers three spacious and attractive antique-decorated rooms on various floors of his…
Palermo
Live like a Palermitan in one of these two spacious suites, graced with antiques and occupying a restored 14th-century palazzo. Breakfast includes home…
Oltrarno
A convent until the 1860s, this 114-bed hostel first opened in 1966 to give shelter to flood victims. It has a great little terrace from which to…
Naples
Run by the superhelpful Stefano and Lucia, this B&B is a first-rate choice in the smart, fashionable Chiaia district. Rooms are simple and upbeat, with…
Venice
Venetian charm abounds at this family-run canalside inn. Rooms have princess beds, gilt mirrors, chandeliers and modern bathrooms. The views from the roof…
Pantelleria
Spreading across a gently sloping hillside 1km above the popular east-coast swimming spots of Cala Levante and Cala Tramontana, Pantelleria Dream invites…
San Giovanni & Testaccio
Housed in a debonair art nouveau villa, the Corner Townhouse is the very model of a modern boutique hotel. Rooms are individually styled and quietly…
Taranto
If Taranto's richly historic yet crumbling old town is ever to be reborn, it will be due to businesses such as this hotel – a converted medieval palazzo…
Calabria
Hotel Centrale in Gambarie is a large all-encompassing place with a decent restaurant, a comprehensive modern spa, renovated wood-finished rooms and the…
Trento
A stone's throw from the duomo, this four-room B&B is run by five-star hospitality veterans Elisa and Carlo, who infuse all with a wonderful mix of…
Olbia
The name says it all: the roof terrace and 5th-floor superior rooms at this friendly, central hotel enjoy peerless views over the rooftops of Olbia to the…
Veneto Dolomites
This is the oldest refuge in the Dolomites. It was established in 1883, and little has changed since those days. Perched atop Mt Nuvolau, the 24-bed…
San Polo & Santa Croce
This charming B&B has six large, light-filled rooms and suites decorated with verve around different musical or historical themes. The choicest rooms are…
Cagliari
Sabrina makes you feel instantly at ease at this B&B on Cagliari's main seafront boulevard. There's a clean, modern feel about the place with rooms…
Abruzzo
Set in a unique turreted mansion, this stylish and enticing hotel inhabits a palazzo once owned by local bigwig Baron Grilli. The large, comfortable rooms…
Udine
Two properties, one location: older-style classic rooms are in the original villa, while the contemporary steel-and-glass 'Next' rooms line up around a…
Venice
Corte Vecchia is a stylish steal a stone's throw from Peggy Guggenheim, the Accademia and Punta della Dogana. Choose from a snug single with an en suite,…
Naples
This new-school hostel cranks up the cool factor with its stainless-steel lamps, sleek bar, blonde-wood bunks, brightly coloured bathrooms and communal…
Lecce
This sumptuous hotel is traditionally Italian with large mirrors, dark-wood furniture and wistful murals. The location is wonderful, the bar gloriously…
Trento
This is a true B&B in an architect's beautiful family home, with two private, stylish rooms and breakfasts that are a feast of home-baked cakes, freshly…
Capri
The peeling facade, handsome columns and giant urns lend an air of faded elegance to this 19th-century villa. A short uphill walk from the centre of town,…
Milan
Set in the shadow of the Torre Velasca is this sharp-looking hotel. Enter via the alabaster lobby where LED screens stream fashion shows and glide up to…
Residenza D'Epoca San Crispino
Assisi
This is the real deal: a charming 14th-century mansion complete with a garden and soul-stirring views over Assisi. Each of its seven spacious suites is…
Western Sicily
Fourteen self-catering apartments are scattered across several vintage buildings at this historic tonnara (tuna fishery), theatrically tucked on the water…
Milan
This chintzy boutique hotel with its huge swagged curtains, floral wallpapers, marble pillars and carved stone fireplaces is housed in a stately 18th…
Tyrrhenian Coast
Lovely local couple Cherubina and Giacomo manage this simple but welcoming agriturismo just off the main road between Santo Stefano di Camastra and…
