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,…
Must-see hotels in Northwestern Italy
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
Five minutes from the Germano family's vines, these three pretty, balconied rooms sit above their central enoteca and former bottling plant. It's quiet…
Turin
Marta and Riccardo's three B&B rooms are the epitome of pared back Torinese elegance, and mix warm midcentury Italian design with contemporary paintings,…
Monterosso
Offering soothing views and 15 modern guest rooms set in black and white, this friendly seafront hotel is built into Monterosso's rocky hillside. To find…
Aosta
Old wooden skis, traditionally carved wooden shoes, claw-foot baths, indoor and outdoor pools, a Jacuzzi, sauna and gym, and sumptuous skiers' breakfasts…
Genoa
This lovingly cared-for, well-equipped place at a bargain price has rooms spread over the two top floors of an old palazzo. Top-floor rooms have pretty…
Courmayeur
On the road just outside of the town's pedestrian centre, the family-run Svizzero has 27 rustic-contemporary rooms, as well as a chalet that can be rented…
Alba
Two kilometres from the city centre, Hotel Langhe sits on the edge of vineyards that push up against Alba's not entirely unpleasant suburban sprawl. Staff…
Piedmont
Right across from Cesana Torinese's ski lift, this timber chalet was built for the 2006 Olympics. Its rooms are light-filled and spotless, there's a…
Riviera di Ponente
Overlooking the Gulf of Spotorno, this ‘diffusion’ hotel is a revitalised hamlet with six elegant Provençal-style rooms located in a variety of stone…
Manarola
This choice Manarola hotel has 12 big, comfortable, contemporary rooms, with a few looking over the sea. The lovely lobby and lounge area, which sports a…
Portofino
This low-key hotel has simple, luxurious rooms, but its real appeal is the location. Right on the perfect crescent of Paraggi beach, there's a sense of…
Genoa
A real attention to design is evident in these rooms and apartments, set on the upper floor of a stately palazzo. The larger ones (sleeping up to six)…
Sestri Levante
Leaning over the invisible edge of the swimming pool and gazing down on the Baia del Silenzio and the broad curve of the beach, you have to agree that few…
Genoa
Stay in rarefied splendour at this antique-clad B&B near the Porto Antico. On the top two floors of a lofty building, its palatial rooms (some with shared…
Camogli
The Cenobio's name means 'gathering place of the doges', and yes, the Genovese dukes used to holiday here aeons ago. A private beach and waterfront…
La Spezia
Friendly Andrea will be there to greet you at this small B&B and can be counted on for his local knowledge and restaurant tips. Rooms are spotless, airy…
Valle d'Aosta
Straddling two traditional stone-and-wood buildings, this friendly, family-run spot has cosy, all-wood rooms in a peaceful location a short stroll from…
Rapallo
Close to the beach and with its own spa facilities – a thermal bath and steam room – this beautifully refurbished place is super relaxing. The modern…
Monterosso
This aptly named hotel is right on Monterosso’s spiaggia (beach) and its 20 largish rooms are popular – book early (up to six months in advance). If you…
Turin
Twentieth-century industrial bones mean rooms are huge and bright, while the fit-out is high-2000s designer slick with an industrial edge. This corporate…
Asti
Set in an 18th-century palazzo in the old quarter, this friendly six-room guesthouse has atmospheric rooms set with a mix of period furnishings and artful…
Savona
Rooms are sparkling clean at this chain hotel near the cruise terminal. Each has floor to ceiling windows, a modular design, and some have fine harbour…
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
These large, luxuriously furnished and very pretty apartment-style suites can sleep two to four; they have small terraces and, in the largest, a Jacuzzi…
Alba
Three sisters run this central, upmarket B&B – which was once their family home – with love. Three classically decorated, antique-filled rooms share a…
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
Looking out to Piazza Italia, this cute, rather modern place has four stylish rooms. Some are decked out in grey, white and black tones, while others come…
Tellaro
There's nothing remotely Riviera-fancy about this place, but there's an old-fashioned grace and charm that's beguiling. Rooms are simple with many vintage…
Genoa
A totally charming family-run hotel ideally situated near Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Cristoforo Colombo has 18 colour-accented rooms with eclectic…
Cuneo
A French king and an Italian pope have stayed at this hotel in the heart of the old quarter, which hints at the Lovera's stately past. Rooms are…
Genoa
Clean, uncluttered rooms, service with a smile and excellent prices all inside an art-nouveau beauty. What more could you want? Climb the stairs to the…
San Remo
Set in a lovely art-nouveau building near the waterfront, this well-equipped three-star makes a fine base for exploring the town. It has pleasantly…
Turin
Mozart, Verdi and Napoleon are among those who have stayed at this historic three-star inn. Renovations have fortunately preserved much of its old-world…
Aosta
This sweetly old-fashioned place has six rooms with rustic furniture, wood floors and ceilings, and vintage prints on the walls (plus electric kettles…
Courmayeur
Charmingly folksy Bouton d'Or is in the centre of Courmayeur and not only has incredible views of the imposing hulk of Mont Blanc, but also a sauna, a…
Valle d'Aosta
Set in the village of Gimillan, overlooking Cogne and the towering peaks beyond, the friendly Locanda Grauson has a range of pine-panelled rooms with…
Piedmont
These modern apartments in a low-slung structure of wood and stone are both stylish and comfortingly rustic. There's a communal games room, a spa and a…
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
In a lovely house in the centre of the village, Boffa offers four modern rooms and one suite above a stunning terrace with limitless Langhe valley views…
Alba
High ceilings and beautiful original bones make this one-room family-run B&B a real find. Bonus points come from the fact that it puts you in the historic…
Valle d'Aosta
Occupying a couple of village houses at the entrance to Bard village, this stylish hotel has views of the fort and a fabulous wellness area built around a…
Courmayeur
Overlooking the Courmayeur valley, this auberge (inn) is located in the village of Entrèves. Crackling fires welcome you into warmly traditional Alpine…
