Best Boutique Hotels in Italy

​​Nolinski Venezia, EVOK’s first destination outside of France, is a historic 43-bedroom hotel located in the former old Stock Exchange building in Venice. The hotel’s design, crafted by the French-Italian duo Lecoadic-Scotto, blends Art Nouveau, Stile Liberty, and Modernism in perfect harmony. Situated close to the iconic Piazza San Marco and La Fenice opera house, the hotel captures the refined art de vivre and carnivalesque fantasy of Venice. Nolinski Venezia offers a peaceful oasis discreetly away from the popular shopping district, featuring its own courtyard restaurant and an indoor rooftop swimming pool with stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline. The gastronomy at Nolinski Venezia is overseen by Two-Michelin-starred Chef Philip Chronopoulos, who introduces two restaurants. The courtyard-based Il Caffè Restaurant, inspired by Venetian palaces and the art of the gondola, serves traditional Italian dishes with a contemporary twist, using 100% Italian ingredients. The Library Bar, adorned with art by Simon Buret and a curated library of over four thousand books, offers guests a chance to enjoy live piano music while savouring exquisite cocktails created by Jérémy Bacquet, the Creative Director of the Evok Group’s Bars.

Nestled near cultural landmarks such as the Guggenheim Collection and Accademia Gallery, Il Palazzo Experimental serves as a hub for both tourists and locals. Its 32 well-appointed rooms and suites are bathed in natural light and offer views of a serene canal and garden. The collaboration between the Experimental Group and the founders of the Italian Supper Club has led to the establishment of Adriatica Restaurant, promising an authentic Italian culinary journey with locally sourced ingredients. The bar, designed by Cristina Celestino, pays homage to Venice through a symphony of marble and antique mirrors, drawing inspiration from Carlo Scarpa.

The Pavilions Rome, The First Arte, a boutique five-star hotel, has reopened after a comprehensive renovation by Studio Marincola, transforming the hotel’s lobby, bar, rooms, and suites. The renovation combines sophisticated hospitality with artistic flair, and showcases 200 new pieces of contemporary art, designed to immerse guests in Rome’s artistic heritage. Guest rooms present cream-coloured walls, natural oak floors, and indirect lighting to enhance privacy. Decorative elements like Levanto red marble tables and Canaletto walnut pieces, alongside large, geometrically patterned rugs and vibrant art, add warmth and elegance. The bathrooms have been updated with Emperor marble to further enhance the luxurious feel. The hotel acts as a living art gallery, each floor is dedicated to individual artists, with large installations in public areas and smaller artworks in rooms for private viewing. Key features include a ground floor with interconnected spaces displaying art, including Giovanni Albanese’s ‘Call Centre’ sculpture and Teodosio Magnoni’s ‘Corpo Lungo’ The rooftop garden and Acquaroof restaurant offer panoramic views of Rome, designed to mirror the city’s architecture, and is the perfect place to enjoy coffee at breakfast through to cocktails and sunset. The First Arte, along with The First Musica and The First Dolce, forms part of The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, offering a unique urban resort experience that merges la dolce vita with modern Roman culture.

Those avoiding chain hotel brands will love this unique boutique gem and its personalised white-glove service. It’s found in a romantic Roman palazzo and was once home to the opera composer Gaetano Donizetti. Evoking a sense of drama and theatre, it has been lovingly restored to fuse its grander period aspects with a colourful contemporary style. Each room and suite is a work of art, containing curated furnishings and details. Maalot Rona’s Don Pasquale Restaurant & Bar (named after Donizetti’s famed 19th-century opera) is set in agarden, with food by Executive Chef Domenico Boschi. Although close to A-list sights like the Trevi Fountain and the Via Condotti shopping district this beautiful boutique hotel is a haven in the bustling city.

With an enviable address of Via del Corso, Palazzo Roma, is a historic 16th-century building that has been transformed into a luxurious hotel that fuses modern elegance and historical richness. Once the residence of various noble Tuscan families, this esteemed Roman heritage site now serves as a boutique hotel set across three floors. Its design celebrates the building’s aristocratic past with features like coffered ceilings, authentic frescoes, timeless marble elements, and a remarkable original marble staircase. Each of the 39 rooms and suites is a testament to the thoughtful preservation of the historical essence of the space that intertwines bespoke contemporary luxury. The hotel’s expansive reception areas and distinctive artwork, and dining can be enjoyed in the sophisticated atmosphere of Core Restaurant and the Palazzo Bar is the place for stylish drinks. All this combined with exemplary service and meticulous attention to detail, offer guests an exclusive retreat in the heart of Rome’s dynamic atmosphere.

While dating back to the 18th century, the interior of this property exudes a chic Riviera-style decor. And you can soak up plenty of that Italian sunshine, with an onsite garden (in which you can breakfast) and rooftop terrace, the latter providing loungers and drinks service. Guests can also take it easy, with some time in the wellness suite; it has a sauna, steam room, experience shower and treatment rooms. Hotel Palazzo has 32 bedrooms, including a two-bedroom suite, and is a very short stroll from the Sant’Apollinare Nuovo (one of the foremost mosaic sites).

La Gemma Hotel offers a perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary elegance. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the hotel features an array of uniquely designed rooms and suites that exude sophistication, combining classic Florentine architecture with modern amenities.The hotel is renowned for its exceptional dining experience, led by Michelin-starred Chef Paulo Airaudo, offering gourmet cuisine that celebrates the rich flavours of Tuscany. Guests can indulge in a luxurious wellness journey at the Allure Spa, a serene oasis designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. The spa offers a range of treatments and therapies using high-quality products, ensuring a truly relaxing experience. La Gemma’s rooftop terrace provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a cocktail at sunset. The hotel’s prime location also means that guests are just steps away from Florence’s most iconic landmarks, including the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. The hotel’s interior design reflects a sophisticated blend of past and present, with antique furnishings, original artworks, and carefully curated decor creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The service at La Gemma is impeccable, with a dedicated concierge team that caters to every guest’s needs, ensuring a personalised and memorable stay.

Hotel Lungarno, a part of the high-end Salvatore Ferragamo family, is a must-visit holiday refuge. It is situated right on the Arno River, with its lobby overlooking the medieval Ponte Vecchio Bridge. The hotel was renovated recently and currently features a bold style with nautical furnishings. From the living room, one can catch a glimpse of the water flowing below. Visitors get to enjoy a serene atmosphere created by the blue and white accents on the leather surfaces within the premises. The rooms and suites are furnished with antique furniture and more than 450 pieces of art, including Picasso’s art, Tuscan artisanship, and works from renowned Italian artists. Historic galleries and fancy shopping malls are a stone’s throw away from the hotel. World-class cuisines are served at the Michelin-starred Borgo San Jacopo restaurant located within its vicinity.

Il Salviatino is a striking five-star hotel reclaimed from a 15th-century villa located in the hillside of Fiesole. Being situated at a relatively high altitude, it offers a spectacular view of Florence and its undulating landscape. It boasts a museum-like styling with antique paintings and marble fireplaces. This hotel offers an unmatched concierge service. Guests are assigned personal advisors who offer invaluable advice regarding perfect restaurants, sightseeing destinations, and upcoming events. There is a luxurious spa that ideal for the entire family (even kids). Five-star standard cuisines of Mediterranean and Tuscan culture are served in the formal restaurant in this villa. This would be the perfect destination for guests looking for a stately home experience.

Belmond Villa San Michele is one of the priciest five-star hotels in Florence located in a serene woody hillside near the village of Fiesole. The hotel is established on a building that was once a Franciscan Monastery. Its currently weathered portico and imposing terrace are said to have been sculpted by the infamous Michelangelo. The peaceful gardens, as well as the massive pool bordered by a lush lawn, are perfect spots to unwind. Being a historical building, the rooms sport vaulted ceilings, bottle glass windows, and some rustic bedsteads. The main restaurant is designed with a veranda that offers a magnificent view of the city. The menu consists mainly of Tuscan dishes prepared by competent chefs.

This historic property is located in the eastern part of Centro Storico. It was initially one of Florence’s oldest townhouses built by the Pope’s treasurer in the 19th century. The hotel is currently a five-star hotel with 24 chic rooms decorated with original frescos and antique furnishings. Palazzo Firenze delivers a perfect blend of both contemporary styling and modern luxury and comfort. The rooms are spacious and graceful offering amenities such as room service, spa, laundry, and Wi-Fi. Guelfi e Ghibellini, a three-star Michelin restaurant located within its vicinity, offers delicious menus. Its strategic location offers quick access to the Santa Croce church and the Duomo.

When you’ve visited the delightful town of Sirmione, you’ll understand why this area of Lake Garda is one of the most popular of tourist destinations. A stay at the 5-star Palace Hotel will allow that extra time needed to explore this most beautiful area of north Italy. Situated in the old town area, a five-minute stroll through the cobbled streets of old will have you entering the alluring Italian-style gardens with their marble fountains, statues, fragrant shrubs and flowering plants. With much use made of marble and ceramics in reception and guest rooms, the interior has a light contemporary feel, while the location provides the most stunning of backdrops.