Must-see hotels in Italy

  • Agriturismo Due Palme

    Elba

    Utterly tranquil despite being just a few minutes from the Portoferraio–Magazzini road, this agriturismo (farm-stay accommodation) is part of the only…

  • Palas Cerequio

    Langhe, Roero & Monferrato

    Located halfway between Barolo and La Morra, this vineyard-surrounded hotel puts you right in the heart of Italy's fabled wine country. It has nine…

  • Locanda San Vigilio

    Lake Garda

    Not the sort of place you want to rock up to with a backpack and no reservation, this enchanting 16th-century locanda (inn) feels just like a luxurious…

  • Rifugio Ristorante Peziè de Parù

    Veneto Dolomites

    This idyllic Alpine hut sits in a meadow encircled by a crown of high peaks. In summer, guests lounge on the lawn with the cow, then retire to the terrace…

  • Babila Hostel

    Milan

    Set in a beautifully restored neo-Gothic palazzo with high, vaulted halls and steel-grey marble fireplaces, this is finally a design hostel worthy of…

  • Oltrarno Splendid

    Oltrarno

    Original frescoes and Toile de Jouy wall fabrics, decorative fireplaces and a wonderful collection of vintage curios create an enriching sense of home at…

  • Hotel Gutkowski

    Syracuse

    Book well in advance for one of the sea-view rooms at this stylish, eclectic hotel on the Ortygia waterfront, at the edge of the Giudecca neighbourhood…

  • Borgo Corsignano

    Eastern Tuscany

    In a borgo (medieval hamlet) once home to Camaldoli monks, this gorgeous country hotel is the Casentino's finest accommodation option. A 5km drive from…

  • Hotel Orto de' Medici

    San Lorenzo & San Marco

    This four-star hotel in San Marco redefines elegance with its majestic ceilings, chic oyster-grey colour scheme and contemporary furnishings, set off to…

  • Nun Assisi

    Assisi

    An air of Zen-like calm hangs over this super-stylish boutique hotel. Housed in a converted stone convent, it exudes understated class with a decor that…

  • Pensione Tranchina

    Western Sicily

    Sensational home-cooked meals, predominantly organic to boot, and a prime location in downtown Scopello make this – the inviting home of welcoming host…

  • Fattoria Il Poggio

    Lago Trasimeno

    A little corner of Eden, this eco-minded hostel sits in glorious isolation on the unspoiled Isola Polvese. It's housed in a converted farmstead set amid…

  • Marulivo Hotel

    Cilento Coast

    The hotel in tiny Pisciotta is a sublime place; a beautifully restored 14th-century monastery daubed with elegant antique touches and crowned with a…

  • Palazzo Lantieri

    Friuli Venezia Giulia

    This palazzo-stay offers light, spacious rooms in the main house or self-catering apartments in former farm buildings, all overlooking a glorious Persian…

  • Palazzo Marziale

    Sorrento

    From cascading vines, Chinese porcelain urns and Persian rugs in the lobby lounge, to antique furniture, objets and artworks in the hallways, and inlaid…

  • Ostello Bello

    Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio

    A breath of fresh air in Milan's stiffly suited centre, this is the best hostel in town (and hands down the most social). Entrance is through its lively…

  • Il Moresco

    Ischia

    Located in the beating heart of Ischia Porto, yet with tall pines and greenery giving a secluded feel, the very private Il Moresco is a truly gorgeous spa…

  • Scicli Albergo Diffuso

    Southeastern Sicily

    This albergo diffuso (diffused hotel) offers quality accommodation in numerous locations across Scicli's historic core. Options range from simple rooms in…

  • Villa Laetitia

    Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

    Gorgeous Villa Laetitia is in a riverside art nouveau villa. Its 20 rooms and mini-apartments, spread over the main building and a separate Garden House,…

  • Grand Universe Lucca

    Lucca

    Luxury accommodation arrives in Lucca with the opening of this on-trend hotel, part of the Marriott Group's Autograph Collection, in a 16th-century…

  • Zio Cristoforo

    Salerno & the Cilento

    With its off-the-beaten-track location and swimming pool complete with grotto, the Zio feels more boutique hotel than farmstay: no one seems to be…

  • Residenze Gregoriane

    Tivoli

    Steeped in history, the Residenze Gregoriane offers a night to remember. Its four suites, all decorated in classic antique style, occupy the 16th-century…

  • Schiara

    Naples

    Freshly minted B&B Schiara offers five contemporary rooms, each with en-suite bathroom and playful artisan details inspired by southern Italian themes…

  • Villa Fontelunga

    Arezzo

    Gorgeous is the only word to use when describing this 19th-century villa in Foiano della Chiana, 35km southwest of Arezzo. Its nine rooms are the perfect…

  • Villa Margherita

    Western Sicily

    One of the most peaceful sleeping options on the island, this enchanting villa-turned-upmarket residence is squirrelled away in extraordinary botanical…

  • Casale Villarena

    Massa Lubrense

    These family-friendly apartments have good facilities, including a shared pool, a playground and a lovely beach within easy strolling distance. There are…

  • Albergo Pietrasanta

    Northwestern Tuscany

    This chic 17th-century palazzo – a perfect fusion of old and new – is Tuscany's luxury address and deliciously boutique to boot. After a day spent…

  • Misia Resort

    Orvieto

    You won't regret going the extra mile to this boutique hotel in Rocca Ripesena, a panoramic hilltop hamlet 6km west of Orvieto. Its light, spacious rooms…

  • De Bellini Apartments

    Palermo

    In a 17th-century palazzo on one of Palermo's finest squares, these 10 architect-designed apartments are spectacular. Six have their own kitchen with high…

  • Villa Pattono

    Langhe, Roero & Monferrato

    Around a 15-minute drive south of Asti, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, Villa Pattono is a painstakingly restored 18th-century country mansion…

  • Seven Rooms Villadorata

    Noto

    This elegantly appointed boutique hotel occupies a wing of the 18th-century Palazzo Nicolaci, one of Noto’s most celebrated aristocratic palaces. With…

  • Su Gologone

    Eastern Sardinia

    Treat yourself to a spot of rural luxury at Su Gologone, nestled in glorious countryside 7km east of Oliena. Rooms are decorated with original artworks…

  • Brandini

    Langhe, Roero & Monferrato

    A five-minute drive below La Morra, this vineyard restaurant and cellar has five cosy, modern rooms. Each is named for a writer and graced with…

  • Camping Casa di Caccia

    Central Coast & Elba

    The glitzy highlight of this seaside campground is undoubtably its tent pitches backing onto a generous swathe of golden-sand beach and – drum roll – its…

  • Agriturismo Guthiddai

    Eastern Sardinia

    On the road to Su Gologone, this bucolic, whitewashed farmstead sits at the foot of rugged mountains, surrounded by fig, olive and fruit trees. Olive oil,…

  • Academy Hostel

    San Lorenzo & San Marco

    This classy hostel – definitely not a party hostel – sits on the 1st floor of Baron Ricasoli's 17th-century palazzo. The inviting lobby, with books to…

  • Villa Lucrezia

    Lucca

    A particularly handy address for those arriving by car, this 10-room B&B is a two-minute walk from the city walls, inside a graceful 19th-century villa…

  • Eco Park Hotel Azalea

    The Dolomites

    This hotel combines impeccable eco-credentials, super-stylish interiors and a warm, welcoming vibe. Rooms are individually decorated and make use of…

  • Hotel Dalí

    Santa Croce

    A warm welcome from hosts Marco and Samanta awaits at this lovely small hotel. A stone's throw from the duomo, it has 10 sunny rooms, some overlooking a…

  • Albergo Antico Borga La Torre

    Abruzzo

    Housed in an atmospheric palazzo incorporating Civitella Alfedena's oldest (medieval) tower, this attractive and spotless hotel is deservedly popular with…

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