Best Urban Hotels in Italy

Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Roma is set along the prestigious Via Veneto, bringing together contemporary Japanese design and timeless Roman elegance in the heart of the Eternal City. The hotel offers 117 rooms and suites, including the striking three-bedroom Nobu Villa with a rooftop terrace overlooking the historic skyline.

Designed by the Rockwell Group, the interiors blend calm minimalism with classic detailing, creating a sanctuary that feels both luxurious and serene. Dining is led by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, serving his signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion at the main restaurant, alongside an intimate sushi counter and stylish bar.

The hotel also features a serene spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and flexible event spaces. With its prime location close to the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese, Nobu Hotel Roma embodies sophisticated city living through exceptional design, service, and gastronomy.

NH Collection Palermo Palazzo Sitano is housed in an aristocratic Baroque building along Via Vittorio Emanuele, offering 86 rooms and suites that blend original 18th-century features with contemporary touches. Many rooms have cast-iron balconies overlooking the old town, and select Junior Suites feature painted fresco ceilings restored to showcase the palazzo’s artistic heritage. The interiors create a sense of calm and heritage with classic arches, painted ceilings and warm tones softened by modern furnishings.

Dine in the restaurant located within a bright glass structure, where arches and majestic columns evoke the spirit of the neighbouring convent. The menu highlights Sicilian flavours crafted from premium local ingredients with subtle international influences. A welcoming bar opens directly onto Via Bottai, creating a lively link between the hotel and the city.

Facilities include a ground-floor sauna and steam bath, a fitness club with modern cardio equipment, and versatile meeting spaces for small events. Positioned close to Piazza Marina, Porto della Cala and Palermo Cathedral, the hotel places guests within walking distance of cultural landmarks, vibrant markets and boutique shopping

Nhow Milano, a pioneering design disrupter, is the hotel that helped shape modern-day Zona Tortona, the sought-after fashion and design district of Milan. The hotel has 246 rooms and suites and some of the best meeting spaces in the area. Set above the bold and playful nhow Milano is Vertigo Milano by Purobeach, the rooftop destination for people in the know. With its glass-bottom pool, stylish sun decks, circular plunge pools, and cocktail bar, this is no hideaway, it’s the place to be. Sunbathe, swim, sip Franciacorta, dine under the stars or dance into the night, this is Milan’s summer playground in the sky.

Located on Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, steps from the Duomo, W Florence transforms the former Grand Hotel Majestic into a vibrant, design-led retreat. The hotel offers 119 rooms and suites, including a Penthouse with a 140-square-metre terrace and panoramic city views. Interiors by AvroKO blend 1960s Italian glamour with bold modern details, complemented by artwork from Adam Ellis Studio. Guests can enjoy dining at Tratto, rooftop cocktails at Zefiro (opens late summer 2025), Japanese-Korean cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back, and social evenings at W Lounge. Additional highlights include a central courtyard, 24-hour FIT gym, rooftop garden, and flexible event spaces.

Those seeking more of an escape can stay a little further from the city, in this historic boutique property between Cinque Terre and the Ligurian Gulf of Poets. Back in the 17th century, the Grand Hotel Portovenere served as the Convent of San Francesco. Many of its original features have been preserved, with a creative, informal and elegant refurbishment bringing it into modern times. Looking out onto the marina and Porto Venere, the Grand Hotel’s Palmaria Restaurant has a stunning verandah for a sun-soaked lunch or candlelit dinner with top-notch service.

Located in Turin’s downtown, close to museums and points of interest, this five-star hotel dates back to 1937, an era mirrored in the property’s decor. The public rooms are ostentatious – a Salon Delle Feste and ballroom displaying huge chandeliers made with Murano glass and original mosaics. A blissful basement spa is, by contrast, modern in style and there’s a bar and Italian restaurant above ground. Some of the Principi di Piemonte’s bedrooms provide mountain views and interconnecting spaces for the whole family, while all are soundproofed with blackout drapes to cocoon guests from the city outside.

Located one street further back from the waterfront than the Grand Hotel, Principe Forte Dei Marmi provides guests with free bicycle hire to explore the party district of Forte Dei Marmi. The hotel itself is a sanctuary, however, perfect for dipping in and out of the fashionable local bars with live DJ sets. It’s a large, gated property incorporating a serene spa with a hammam, cold lavender mist shower, Russian banya, cold mint storm and an indoor pool (in addition to the outdoor pool with comfy loungers). Italian designers have worked their chic magic with the 28 rooms and there are several sophisticated dining options, plus a sought-after rooftop bar – one of the most exclusive spots in the area.

Boasting two Michelin stars, The Piccolo Principe is this establishment’s destination restaurant and sits opposite the seafront. There’s a further dining room, Maitò Viareggio, on the top floor. Both exude five-star elegance and tables are in demand. Located on Pisa’s edge, on the coastal road, guests can combine a historic city trip and a lido break in one (those staying can use the exclusive Teresita Beach club with hotel service). Rooms and suites are neutral and simple, yet plush and deeply refined. The spa includes a Thermarium, Kneipp water-treading pool and Blue Sun tanning shower. The Grand Hotel Principe Di Piemonte also accepts feline/canine guests.

Stay in Bologna’s oldest hotel, just yards from the historic centre. Housed in a Palazzo created by architect Alfonso Torregiani in the 18th century, its build was ordered by a Cardinal who went on to become Pope. Inside are 109 bedrooms, reflecting the property’s past, in antique furnishings and an opulent Regency style of decor. The restaurant serves traditional Northern Italian cuisine with wines from the Grand Hotel Majestic’s own huge cellar and features original frescoes. Guests also have access to a terrace bar, a cocktail lounge with piano music and a spa.

For sounds of the sea, a high-end shopping spree and the ultimate in luxury relaxation this five-star establishment is the hotel for you. Located in the centre of Forte dei Marmi just a stone’s throw from the famous shopping boutiques but discreetly tucked away in its own private haven of pine wood tranquillity sits the Grand Hotel Imperiale Forte Dei Marmi. The hotel comprises a selection of rooms and suites and no detail has been overlooked in the luxurious exclusive rooms and superior suites; pastel colours, natural fabrics and hints of gold exude an elegant and intimate ambience. Guests can enjoy the use of the beautiful private beach, swimming pool, spa, sauna, Turkish bath and fitness centre along with the nearby boutique shopping experience. For guests with children, there is a Kid’s Club, with a highly-qualified team to look after the little ones. Dining options include three different concept restaurants; fine dining can be enjoyed at the Olivo d’Oro Restaurant, and seafood lovers will enjoy the extensive offering at the Beach Restaurant whilst the Garden Restaurant is ideal for light lunches or simple bites. The hotel has Italian sophistication and style at its best.

You don’t get any more boutique or high end on Via del Corso than Corso 281 Luxury Suites. Located on the main thoroughfare of the city right in the heart of high street brand shopping, this 12 room property is positioned perfectly. With stunning designer interiors, Nespresso machines, and luxurious Bulgari amenities, each of the architecturally appointed rooms boasts views of Roman rooftops or the grand Piazza Venezia. An added comfort and touch is the smart device in each room to help you navigate the city like a true local.

In the buzzing Navigli district of Milan lies the modern and luxurious Aethos Milan with 32 vintage Italian-style rooms, suites and an apartment featuring original décor. The Aethos Dependance apartment is located mere steps from the main hotel building and offers charming views of the Darsena. Guests can opt to dine in the divine ZAÏA restaurant with its Mediterranean menu which has influences from all over Italy and the countries that influenced their cuisine. Be sure to stop by the The Doping Bar for an expertly crafted cocktail by one of the inventive mixologists or take part in any of the exciting events. Aethos offers a private member’s club offering benefits in their hotels and restaurants with a club location in this hotel. The hotel also boasts a fully equipped fitness centre and diverse private event space options.