Best Urban Hotels in Italy

The Anglo American Hotel Florence, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, has opened its doors in the heart of Tuscany, following a thorough renovation overseen by Italian architect Chiara Caberlon. This historic 19th-century building, which has previously hosted notable figures like Leo Tolstoy and Maria Callas, combines preserved historical features with a modern and eclectic design, vibrant colours, and artwork from the 1920s. The hotel, which boasts 118 rooms and suites, a sun-drenched interior courtyard, a modern gym, and meeting rooms for up to 70 people, aims to provide a unique guest experience by blending its storied past with contemporary amenities. The Whisper Wine Bar and Courtyard, inspired by the British ladies’ community “Scorpions” from the 1930s, and Vivi Bistro, offering local and international cuisine, add to the hotel’s allure. Located within walking distance of Florence’s renowned Renaissance art and architecture, the Anglo-American Hotel Florence is positioned as a distinctive addition to the city’s vibrant hotel scene, offering a bespoke stay in one of Italy’s most sought-after destinations.

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.

Four Seasons gives travellers a chance to experience the magic of some of the oldest yet most fascinating cities in the world. It is located in the northern stretch, right at the nexus between the Old Florence suburbs of the nineteenth century and those of the twentieth century. While sitting in the vast tranquil garden, you get to enjoy a panoramic view of numerous historic buildings in Florence. As you step into the stucco-decorated lobby, you are welcomed into a modern and upscale abode furnished with extravagant silk, velvet, marble, and antique décor. The suites are elegantly decorated in Renaissance style. Other luxurious amenities offered here include a state-of-the-art spa with 10 treatment rooms, a pool, steam room and fitness centre for health enthusiasts. For a taste of some of the world’s best cuisines, you can visit the Michelin-starred Il Palagio found within the premise.

The St. Regis, which is located at the south end of Santa Maria Novella, has been the destination for most travellers in Florence since the eighteenth century. This historic five-star hotel is a true reflection of the rich Florentine heritage. This is evident from its Renaissance-style furnishings mixed stylishly with antique decor native to the region. There are 81 spacious rooms and 19 unique suites, all of which are embellished with coloured velvets, bespoke frescos, spectacular Murano chandeliers, and painted coffered ceilings. The customer service at this Hotel is tip-top – a culture that is innate in the St Regis family. A private Guest Experience Manager is provided to help visitors plan their dream getaway. With the presence of amenities such as sizeable fitness centre, spa, and art gallery, guests won’t run out of fun activities. The hotel also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and Winter Garden, which serves splendid dishes of Tuscan.

This majestic Westin Excelsior hotel is established in a 14th-century palace and is one of the time-honoured five-star hotels in Florence. It doesn’t cease to amaze with its opulent interior, outstanding service, and a host of luxury amenities. The property still dons the original rustic furnishings including terracotta floors, coffered ceilings, and massive stained glass windows. However, there have been refurbishments to add a touch of modernity without compromising its contemporary character. Located in the northern bank of Arno, Westin Excelsior hotel is adjacent to a series of high-end fashion boutiques along Via Tornabuoni Street. You can also access the infamous Domenico Ghirlandaio’s workshop displaying his masterpiece fresco, ‘The Last Supper’. Guests occupying the three top floor suites get to enjoy a hot tub, massive terraces, and a magnificent view of the city. The has 171 rooms, each supplied with the hotel’s signature ’Heavenly Bed’, whose comfort is hard to beat. The rooftop Sesto bar & restaurant is a game changer. Besides its great food, it also offers a 360-degree view of the city, which couldn’t be more magical, especially at sunset.

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.

This boutique guesthouse follows an ethos of authenticity and personalised service, catering to a new generation of travellers. It comes from Neri Baccheschi Berti, whose family launched the award-winning Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany, and it only recently became a hotel; prior to this, it had been the Legnano racing bike factory and the Baccheschi Berti family’s fashion brand studio/showroom. Guests can curl up in the sitting room with a good book from Vico Milano’s curated library, work out in the gym and spend evenings in the hotel’s speakeasy bar, sampling Baccheschi Berti award-winning organic wines and nibbling on classic Italian snacks.

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, the interior of ROMEO Napoli forms sleek lines, with modern furnishings. A stunning black marble staircase accents the lobby, and there are antiques and artworks throughout. Up on the ninth-floor rooftop, you’ll find a chic pool and bar and a restaurant serving traditional Neapolitan cuisine with a contemporary twist. Adding to its designer cred, the property has its own cigar room, an on-show wine cellar and access to the Dogana del Sale spa with a salt room, three jacuzzis, two saunas and seven treatment rooms. Situated on the waterfront, the hotel provides panoramic views from many of its bedrooms.

This is the oldest hotel in the area, having opened in 1870 under the ownership of a wealthy English marine biologist. Its vantage point — on top of a hill in the residential district of Posillipo — provides glittering vistas over the Bay of Naples, Capri and Mount Vesuvius, as enjoyed over the wrought iron balcony on the terrace. Guests staying in the Grand’s 67 bedrooms enjoy Neapolitan tailor-made service, antique furnishings and access to multiple restaurants and bars. Its George Restaurant has a Michelin star, whilst the Villa Matilde offers a Wine Archeology experience.

Found in the Chiaia neighbourhood, De Bonart Naples was originally built in 1870. Chic rooms have crisp white bedding, polished herringbone wood floors, and individual features such as wrought-iron balconies, panelled walls, minimalist four-posters, retro and modern artworks and sea views. Pets and kids are welcome (under 18s are not charged if sharing rooms with adults). And interconnecting and fully accessible bedrooms are available. Dine with gulf views at the glass-walled, rooftop eatery Le Pavillon, at the refined Macphersons, or in the Niq Bar. The hotel also has a boutique and a fitness centre.

Close to the Stock Exchange, Toledo Station and the port, the Grand Hotel Oriente offers classic Italian luxury. Its colour palette centres mostly around black and white, creating an airy feel, with pops of muted greys and greens here and there. Book a table in the second-floor restaurant; sit outside beside the glass balcony, or close to the windows to watch the cruise ships arrive and depart in the harbour. And attend a themed evening in the rouge-coloured rooftop Terrace Bar, with tunes around the grand piano and hanging egg chairs on the balcony.

Arrive in Napoli by boat and this is the very first building you see. The noble establishment began welcoming guests at the very start of 1908, having been erected in a record time of ten months. Since then it’s attracted a bohemian and refined set, including many academics and artists. There are 100 bedrooms and 22 suites, decorated with plenty of classical local touches, such as Murano glass lamps, Carrara marbles, crystal chandeliers and silk textiles. The top-floor roof garden is home to Ristorante La Terrazza, plus there’s a cafe for snacks.