Costa Smeralda
Immersed in peaceful countryside along the Tempio di Malchittu trail, this converted stone-and-stucco farmhouse makes an idyllic spot for an overnight…
Must-see hotels in Italy
Abruzzo
True to the spirit of Santo Stefano accommodation, La Torre effortlessly gels modern comfort with primitive village style in a series of apartments dotted…
Capri
It's hard to envisage this level of seclusion so close to the tourist-filled Piazzetta, yet here it is. Dating from 1953, the gracious Gatto Bianco offers…
Rimini
Apologetically dangling the high-tech carrot to millennials and digital nomads, this newer, design-forward 25-room boutique hotel is high-wired (USB ports…
Como
The Quarcino is one of those modern Italian hotels where a relatively run-of-the-mill building gets a lesson in clever design aesthetics. What doesn’t…
Naples
Close to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, this artful B&B is adorned with Neapolitan-themed paintings and ceramics by gracious owner and artist Federica…
Lucca
Not a hotel but a handful of family-friendly self-catering apartments in the historic centre. Available on a nightly basis (minimum two nights), the…
Modica
Smack in the heart of Modica Alta, this four-star, family-run hotel in a nostalgic 18th-century palace has retained much of its historical splendour, with…
Arezzo
Occupying the floors above the designer clothing retailer of the same name, this recently opened boutique B&B in a 15th-century palazzo (mansion) is the…
Le Marche
Once you make it to this lovely rural retreat you won't want to go anywhere in a hurry. Nestled in verdant countryside 9km west of Macerata, it offers…
Merano (Meran)
In what's fast becoming a five-star enclave up in Avelengo, the San Luis' luxe-rustic wooden chalets are either by a small lake or nestled 'tree house'…
Trapani
Husband-and-wife team Francesca and Riccardo have run this atmospheric guesthouse with much TLC since 2003. In an 18th-century palazzo with Instagram…
Trentino & South Tyrol
This Othmar Barth–designed hotel dates to 1973 and is remarkably intact. Gentle revamping has not altered its fabulous 20th-century charm. All rooms from…
Val d'Orcia
Most of the 14 rooms on offer at Banfi's flagship Tuscan wine estate command wonderful views over the vineyards and towards majestic Monte Amiata. Elegant…
Fiesole
Hidden among cypress trees in the Fiesole hills 3.5km east of Florence, this villa is the stuff of Tuscan dreams. Italian literati gathered here in the…
Castello Tafuri Charming Suites
Southeastern Sicily
You'll be slumbering in an eclectic, early 20th-century castle at this 18-room boutique hotel, its restaurant terrace and inviting pool overlooking…
Catania
Artist couple Anna and Antonio own this urbane B&B, set in a vibrant quarter dotted with galleries and bohemian bars. Anna's custom-made furniture graces…
Corniglia
Located at the midpoint of the Sentiero Azzuro hiking trail between Corniglia and Vernazza, this friendly place has spectacular views overlooking the…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
With only three rooms in a divinely pretty villa set around a courtyard in Gianicolo, this upmarket B&B is a haven. The rooms – themed Rome (inspired by…
Syracuse
Two elegant apartments await in this palazzo, owned by a Milanese art collector. The larger apartment is utterly decadent, with luxurious sofas, king-size…
Lake Garda
Located 1.6km outside Riva, the Angelica is classified as one of Lake Garda’s historic villas with antecedents in the 14th century. Inside, the handsome…
Bologna
Occupying two meticulously renovated historic residences (one superbly located mere steps from Piazza Maggiore; the other at Via Santo Stefano 16), Casa…
Lake Como
Como's most celebrated new high-end property is this lakeside blockbuster, located near the sleepy village of Torno. Elegant lines and a bold modern…
Southwestern Sardinia
Location, location, location. This hotel is all about its prime spot on Spiaggia di Piscinas, one of the best beaches in Sardinia. It's a classic hotel,…
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
Stresa
With its grandiose Liberty-style facade dominating the southwest shore of Lake Maggiore, the Borromeo is more of a palace than a hotel. One look inside…
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
A gorgeous contemporary design is a departure from the usual stately traditional upmarket hotels of this region. The look throughout is dark glamour, with…
Bellagio
Located above the fishing hamlet of Loppia a short walk from the village, this family-run hotel is one of Bellagio's most relaxing spots. Here you can…
Positano
If you were to choose the best place to take a quintessential Positano photo, it might be from the balcony of this hotel. But the view isn't all you get…
Pistoia
This utterly irresistible guesthouse, run by the same creative team behind Palazzo Puccini, oozes Italian chic. Terracotta herringbone-tiled floors,…
Modica
Run by two Milanese architects, this urbane oasis of 10 rooms and five houses occupies a series of converted stone cottages, graced with lush gardens and…
Basilicata
Located in the hill town of Bernalda near the birthplace of director Francis Ford Coppola's grandfather, this 19th-century palazzo has been thoughtfully…
Termoli
An albergo diffuso with rooms scattered throughout the centro storico (historic centre), this is a great base from which to explore Termoli, the Isole…
Bergamo
An air of elegance pervades this 14th-century townhouse in the Città Alta which cleverly fuses vecchia (old) with new with its honey-coloured beams,…
Oltrarno
The smartly painted taupe door with shiny black doorknob reflects the contemporary twist on the historic at this stylish residence, at home in a…
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
Noble 19th-century palazzo turned 'luxury art hotel' is the essence of this boutique, five-star choice. Room decor features walls of art and shelves of…
Salerno & the Cilento
Hidden in the historic labyrinth that is Teggiano, this former palace is distinguished by its sumptuous burnt-sienna exterior. An atmospheric and…
Milan
Armani's flagship hotel rises above Via Manzoni like a New Age temple, attracting acolytes who slip into its branded lifestyle as easily as they do its…
Calabria
This B&B in the mountains has five clean, comfortable and characterful rooms, all with separate entrances. Owner Raffaele is a great source of information…
Noto
Enviably located in a mid-18th-century palazzo on Noto's showcase thoroughfare, this thoughtfully designed, seven-room property contrasts historic…
San Giovanni & Testaccio
A great location near the Colosseum, striking views and super-helpful English-speaking staff – the family-run Lancelot scores across the board. The lobby…
