Best Hotels in Italy

You’ve probably guessed by now that I love Italy – its food, wine, people, scenery and history. I also love its beautiful, distinctive hotels, which are some of the best in Europe at creating a sense of place.

Best Hotels in Italy - Londra Palace Venice - view at sunrise

These are some of the best hotels in Italy in my book. Many are in historic buildings and most have views that define their locations. I love them for their ability to combine comfort and great service with the spirit of the places they inhabit within Italy’s diverse landscape.

Best Hotels in Italy - Londra Palace Venice

Hotel Londra Palace Venice
A couple of minutes stroll from Piazza San Marco, just past the end of the Grand Canal on bustling Riva degli Schiavoni, this grand old palazzo has my favourite location of anywhere in Venice. Sunset and sunrise are especially stunning with beautiful views over Saint Mark’s Basin to the Palladio-designed church of San Giorgio Maggiore.

View of the church wall from a balcony at Art Hotel Commercianti - Bologna Food Tour

Art Hotel Commercianti Bologna
In Bologna I love to stay right beside the imposing Basilica di San Petronio, in this building dating back to the 11th century. Some rooms on the top floor have balconies from which you can almost reach out and touch the red bricks of the church’s looming side wall. Bologna is famous for its food and the breakfast buffet here is exceptional.

12th century marble baptistery - Parma Food Tour-Best Hotels in Italy (c) Franz Scheurer Photography

Palazzo dalla Rosa Prati Parma
This 13th-century, sienna-coloured palazzo on cobbled Piazza Duomo is home to the Dalla Rosa Prati Marquises, whose private residence is on the first floor. Request a room overlooking the sparkling cream and pink Veronese marble of the rare 12th-century baptistery right outside the door.

Best Hotels in Italy - Four Seasons Florence

Four Seasons Florence
I generally avoid five-star hotel chains when travelling. Florence is the exception, where I make like a Medici and stay in the luxuriously-restored 15th century Medici Palazzo della Gherardesca. Surrounded by 5-acres of private gardens, it’s just 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre and many suites have original Baroque frescoes and painted terracotta floors.

Best Hotels in Italy - Grand Hotel Continental - Sienna

Grand Hotel Continental Siena
One of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever stayed in, this 17th century palazzo was a wedding gift from Pope Alexander VII to his niece Olimpia. Ask for a room on the piano noble (the ‘noble’ or best floor of an Italian home where guests were entertained) with a frescoed ceiling and mezzanine.

Best Hotels in Italy - The Inn at The Spanish Steps - Rome

The Inn at The Spanish Steps Rome
The penthouse of this boutique hotel overlooks Piazza di Spagna, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. Located on Via Condotti, Rome’s most fashionable shopping street, it’s walking distance to everything you’ll want to see and the perfect base for exploring The Eternal City.

Best Hotels in Italy - Sant'Angelo Matera

Hotel Sant’Angelo Matera
A night in this cave hotel in the World Heritage-listed city of Matera is a bucket-list experience. Here ancient churches and houses, as well as modern restaurants and hotels, are all carved out of the soft tufa. Ask for a room with a view of the church and try the local cuisine in the hotel’s cave restaurant.

Updated 28 Nov 2024

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What Other Travellers Say

Janet (Tamworth, NSW, Australia)
Janet (Tamworth, NSW, Australia)
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Just back from the most amazing trip to Emilia-Romagna with Roberta. Not only the home of Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar, but scenery to die for and more quaint and exciting restaurants and cafés than you ever imagined. And Roberta is just the person to help you discover and enjoy them! Her knowledge of the history of the region and its wonderful cuisine know no bounds and all added to the excitement of the trip. It was faultless - well organized and lots of fun!
Deb (Belconnen, ACT, Australia)
Deb (Belconnen, ACT, Australia)
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Wow, what a tour – I learned so much! Awesome fun traveling through Emilia-Romagna experiencing first hand some of the produce I've worked with over the last couple of years cooking with Roberta's recipe kits – the family are reaping the benefits now. If you're thinking of joining Roberta in future years get ready for an amazing experience.
Mark (Elizabeth Bay, NSW, Australia)
Mark (Elizabeth Bay, NSW, Australia)
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My wife and I recently joined Roberta's Emilia-Romagna tour. We enjoyed all the temptations offered and learned a lot about that part of Italy, especially its food and wine culture. What was most impressive was Roberta's local knowledge of people and places. The planning and effort she put into making the whole experience seem effortless was remarkable.
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