Modica
Housed in an 18th-century palazzo just off Corso Umberto I, this family-run hotel has seen better days. Despite the cracks and peeling paint, it's a…
Must-see hotels in Italy
The Dolomites
A simple, welcoming, family-run place, set in a blissfully peaceful spot off the main road atop Badia village. The uncluttered rooms come decorated with…
Cremona
Despite being embedded in the heart of the old town, this is a sleek modern affair, with sparsely furnished rooms, smart bathrooms, music-themed prints…
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
Seventeen old-fashioned but neat rooms are split across two floors (no lift) in this friendly budget stalwart tucked inside a 19th-century building near…
Trani
Located in a restored 17th-century palazzo overlooking a leafy square and close to the Villa Communale, this family run place oozes charm and value…
Giardini-Naxos
Right on the seafront, next to the tourist office, this unintentionally retro, family-run hotel offers individually decorated rooms with traditional…
Riomaggiore
Up the hill, 4km out of town on the way to La Spezia, this '60s hotel is in an utterly stunning location. Rooms are old-fashioned but clean and rather…
Venice
A princely palace with lantern-lit courtyard staircases that beckon to boudoir bedrooms with mirrored bedsteads and Carrara marble en-suite bathrooms…
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
An example of a hostel that's seen better days, this run-down hulk has air-conditioned dorms sleeping up to eight on bunks with uncomfortable foam…
Pescara
You'll find this walled villa on a quiet residential street, about 300m behind the train station. A model of old-fashioned pride, it's laden with gleaming…
Cefalù
If you've got your own wheels, this rural getaway 5km east of Cefalù makes a peaceful alternative to the coastal hustle and bustle. Surrounded by citrus…
Salina
Friendly couple Mauro and Amelia run this whitewashed 10-room hotel, whose main claim to fame is its peaceful end-of-the-line location in the hills above…
Livorno
Its location – inside a striking Medicean bastion built from red brick across from the port in the 17th century – is utterly magnificent. Front-facing…
Western Sardinia
This big four-star resort is part of Marina di Arborea's famous equestrian centre. Set on a green site near the beach, it offers a full range of services…
Venice
Unicorns are easier to find in Venice than a quiet, affordable hotel, five minutes' walk from Piazza San Marco – yet here you have it. This flower-trimmed…
Salerno
A two-minute hop from the train station, the Plaza is convenient, comfortable and fairly charmless, especially the dowdy public areas. But it's not an…
Venice
The Riccio family’s lovingly restored 14th-century residence is a hidden yet convenient getaway between the Rialto bridge and Fondamente Nove vaporetto…
Oltrarno
Across from the old city walls and traffic-busy Porta Romana is this elegant B&B, a mere hop and a skip from the Boboli Gardens, hence its name. Its six…
Murano, Burano & the Northern Islands
Sleep among the artichokes on Venice’s garden isle of Sant’Erasmo in a red-roofed country villa, 25 minutes by boat from central Venice. Spacious…
Chianti
Boutique accommodation in Chianti is often prohibitively expensive, but this hilltop Renaissance-era gem on San Casciano's outskirts bucks the trend…
Aeolian Islands
Sisters Marcella and Isabella preside over three simple but spic-and-span rooms with shared bathroom and communal balcony overlooking the port. It's less…
Reggio Emilia
There's no shortage of space at Reggio's main hostel, housed in a former convent. One- to seven-bed guest rooms line vast, echoing, vaguely institutional…
Azienda Agrituristica Gigliotto
Central Sicily
An ancient masseria (manor farm) dating to the 14th century, Gigliotto is set in rolling Tuscan-style countryside 9km south of Piazza Armerina. The…
Elba
One of the few hotels in the town centre and open year-round, three-star Ombrosa looks out to sea and the pinprick islet of Lo Scoglietto. Decor is a…
Cala Gonone
Cala Gonone’s oldest hotel, opened in 1955, is definitely showing its age, but the harbourside location can't be beaten, and it does have a certain retro…
Lago Trasimeno
On the lakefront about 8km from Castiglione del Lago, this large tree-shaded campground is well set-up for families with a kids' playground, restaurant,…
Reggio Emilia
With three-star comforts and an unbeatable location, this 16-room annexe of the Hotel Posta offers attractive prices (especially if you forgo breakfast)…
Centro Storico
This tranquil convent, named after the Swedish St Brigid who died here in 1373, enjoys a superb location overlooking Piazza Farnese. The resident nuns…
Central Tuscany
Owned by Barone Neri Del Nero, this wine estate built around a medieval castle offers comfortable rooms in a scattering of converted farm buildings. Their…
Southern Tuscany
There's a resolutely old-fashioned feel to these appealing bedrooms, which are set in a bastion of the fortress on Piazza Petruccioli, on the edge of the…
Genoa
In stark contrast to its grand 18th-century stucco exterior, the six minimalist rooms include pieces by Jasper Morrison and Philippe Starck. Great stuff,…
Venice
Relive the Renaissance at 15th-century Palazzo Guardi, right around the corner from Accademia – you're never more than a minute away from a Titian…
Arezzo
Lacking the amenities and comfort levels that guests can usually expect from a four-star hotel, this place occupies the 4th floor of a palazzo tucked…
Eastern Sardinia
On the 6th floor of an elegant townhouse, this B&B has light, spacious and well-kept rooms, with city views from the verandah. Your friendly hosts, Max…
Matera
A good option for budget and solo travellers, L'Ostello dei Sassi is located a short walk from good bars and restaurants. Accommodation options include…
Padua
A central hostel with decent four- and six-bed dorm rooms on a quiet side street. Sheets and wi-fi are free. Breakfast is served between 7.30am and 8.30am…
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
Fittings, linen and comforts are top of the range at this elegant guesthouse. Rooms are impressive, though not large, with designer decor and amenities…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
Some way out of the centre, this is a good option for families or groups in need of quiet, cheap digs. It’s a big, clean place with white, institutional…
Spoleto
Next to a tidy park just outside the old town, this slightly dated four-star hotel is well-placed for the historic centre. Rooms are spacious,…
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
This low-key, polished art-deco hotel has a wonderful location behind the Spanish Steps. Staff are friendly and unpretentious. Its 19 rooms are small …
