Milan
Relais & Chateaux’s self-styled 'urban chateau' is housed in a pink, art nouveau palazzo which looks like it's taken its decorating tips from Wes Anderson…
Must-see hotels in The Italian Lakes
B&B Hotel Milano Sant'Ambrogio
Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio
There’s no doubt that B&B Milano’s ‘econochic’ formula is proving popular in this style-conscious city. Instead of Milan’s trademark small, dated budget…
Lake Maggiore
On the Lombard side of Lake Maggiore, this delightful rural inn is a favourite of horse riders, trekkers and those who simply need a dose of nature. You…
Lake Como
In the heart of Lezzeno (the longest village on Lake Como), 11km southwest of Bellagio, this is a comfy family hotel in a village off the mainstream…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
Porta Garibaldi & Isola
Marco and Fabio's four-room B&B in the former Rabarbaro Zucca factory is a multicultural treat with rooms inspired by their travels through India, Mexico…
Duomo & San Babila
Tucked down a cobbled street in the historic centre, this renovated Renaissance property is a heritage hunter’s dream. Parquet and terrazzo floors, wood…
Bergamo
It may be metres from Bergamo’s main square, but Il Sole has the unhurried feel of a family-run B&B in a quiet Italian village. Enter via the eponymous…
Lake Como & Around
Tucked in the hillside village of Bianzone, Altavilla is well worth the effort getting off the beaten path so you can dine at the excellent on-site…
Milan
Having grown their bakery business to a citywide franchise, the Pandenus entrepreneurs have now turned their critical eye towards Milan’s limited bed and…
Lake Como West Bank
Situated just 50m back from the water on Cernobbio's main street, the attractive, wood-shuttered hotel has 32 rooms with parquet floors, muted pastel…
Milan
Designed around a sporting theme, The Yard has dark, moody interiors kitted out with worsted leather sofas, tartan prints, period portraits and curious…
Stresa
Luxuriate in turn-of-the-century style at Villa Aminta, which offers picture-perfect views of an island-studded lake. Rooms decked out with Murano…
Brescia
A short stroll from the train station, the very modern Hotel Igea offers affordably priced rooms that boast all the essential creature comforts (decent…
Verbania
With its private boat landing, private little beach, wellness centre, bars and restaurants, you may never feel inclined to venture out into the world…
Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio
This historic residence has a tiered façade and two quiet interior courtyards. Designed by Pestagalli in 1860, it retains some beautifully inlaid parquet…
Lake Como West Bank
About 600m south of the cobblestone centre, Menaggio's best-loved penny pincher makes a fine base to meet other travelers. You can join in communal…
Porta Garibaldi & Isola
Bed down in one of Domitilla's tranquil bedrooms painted in pistachio, sand, cobalt and jade, and immerse yourself in Milanese life. Situated in the hip…
Milan
This chintzy boutique hotel with its huge swagged curtains, floral wallpapers, marble pillars and carved stone fireplaces is housed in a stately 18th…
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…
Lake Garda
The guest list at this gorgeous, 15th-century hotel has featured actors, writers, statespeople and kings. Painted wood and antiques fill the bedrooms,…
Duomo & San Babila
This golden-yellow palazzo, literally a stone's throw from the Duomo, was once a residence for scholars working in the nearby Ambrosiana library. While…
Lake Garda West Bank
Run by the Cavazza family of Isola del Garda, La Breda enjoys an unspoilt location. The old farmhouse accommodates six apartments kitted out in pine…
Duomo & San Babila
The Gray is an intimate, opulent place set behind a handsome art nouveau facade. That said, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and the hot pink swing in…
Verbania
One of three hotels in the same group, all encased in Liberty-style buildings on Pallanza's waterfront, the Belvedere is all heavy drapes, creamy colours…
Milan
These 40 super stylish apartments dotted around Brera, San Babila and Porta Garibaldi are decorated with the design-conscious in mind: sleek wooden floors…
Lake Garda West Bank
With its cool lines, pastel colour schemes and sleek bathrooms, the epicentral Aromi is a solid choice. It is set beside a main road, but the swish design…
Duomo & San Babila
These swish rooms overlooking Piazza San Babila offer acres of marbled space, king-sized beds with Frette linens and orthopedic mattresses, minimal…
Bellagio
Tradition rules at Barchetta amid the swanky hordes that often populate Bellagio. Suspended above one of those old family-run restaurants decorated with…
Como
Overlooking the Piazza Volta, a few blocks south of the waterfront, this smart hotel has bright, spotless rooms. Don't be put off by the somewhat gloomy…
Brescia
Given this grand 1938 hotel's chandeliers, extravagant ballrooms and luxurious guest rooms, resting your head here represents unexpectedly good value…
Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio
An old-school, homely B&B in a handsome 19th-century residence near Leonardo's The Last Supper. Rooms are small and decorated in an old-fashioned style…
Milan
This 19th-century 'palace' of secrets hides a shockingly modern interior and 18 subdued rooms with raw concrete finishes, rough antique wooden floorboards…
Bellagio
About 1km outside Bellagio's centre, the Hotel Fioroni offers excellent value for its sunny, handsomely appointed rooms with wood floors and framed prints…
Lake Garda
Someone with a flair for design has created 11 smart central apartments – expect suspended furniture, moulded chairs and glass-topped tables. With their…
Stresa
A welcoming family-run hotel just off the central piazza in Stresa's pedestrianised centre. Rooms, which are simple, spacious and functionally furnished,…
Lake Como West Bank
Magnificently set amid the rocky heights at 1383m, this rifugio makes a fine base camp with its clean, simply set rooms and sweeping views. If you're…
