Best Urban Hotels in Italy

Arguably one of the most stylish hotels in the area, we love this boutique hotel for its refreshing, breezy feel, perfect for escaping that Italian heat. Located right above Sorrento’s original fishing port, hanging onto the cliffs, La Minervetta is owned (and designed) by architect Marco de Luca and has the perfect contemporary nautical look for your ideal summer, seaside retreat! Walls are painted white throughout, whilst hand-painted Vietri tiles and colourful, vibrant ceramics and textiles really make the rooms pop. Many of the rooms have huge picture windows offering unrivalled scenes of the Gulf of Naples whilst open-plan public spaces with comfy sofas offer plenty of opportunities to sit back and relax. This hotel truly feels like someone’s (very stylish) seaside home, with the added luxuries of a sun terrace, a bar, a pool and a small whirlpool tub.

This 16th-century palace is now part of the slick and contemporary NH Collection. It’s an ideal choice for those wishing to escape the throng, yet still within walking distance of the main attractions, as it’s located in the peaceful residential quarter of Sestiere Cannaregio, surrounded by an 18th-century botanical garden. And when you do want a slice of the action, you can easily take a boat trip from the hotel’s private pier, or hop on the complimentary shuttle. 64 Venetian-style rooms are accommodated over five floors, along with its Il Giardino Segreto and La Loggia restaurants and La Voga Bar.

This was a palace back in the early 16th century. Now it’s a palatial boutique hotel with 25 bedrooms that are fit for royalty. Just five minutes walk from the waterside, it has a suitably grand exterior, which gives way to minimal North-Italian designer interiors that are skillfully blended to accentuate original features (think beams, terracotta tiles and frescoes). There’s no restaurant as such, but a memorable breakfast is taken on the rooftop terrace. And with so many Genoan culinary hotspots on the doorstep, you’ll want to try as many as you can manage during your time here.

The Radisson Collection has expanded its presence in Italy with the opening of the Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica. This luxurious establishment is located in Rome’s historic centre, close to landmarks like the Altare della Patria and the Pantheon, offering guests a blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Built around the restored Palazzo Lares Permarini, the hotel boasts 89 rooms designed with Carrara marble bathrooms, Fornasetti wallpaper, and refined furnishings. It features panoramic terraces, a Turkish bath, fitness centre, and is pet-friendly. The hotel’s development uncovered archaeological remnants of the Porticus Minucia, which are now accessible to guests, blending Rome’s rich past with a present-day luxury hotel experience. The on-site restaurant, Modius, and the rooftop bar, Modius on the Roof – Terrazza, offer guests a taste of Roman cuisine that uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, all enjoyed whilst taking breathtaking city views.

ME Milan Il Duca is a unique, contemporary, 5-star escape designed by Aldo Rossi at Porta Garibaldi. The hotel is located in Piazza della Repubblica and close to the iconic Duomo of Milan. There is a range of rooms and suites on offer, including interconnecting options and stunning city views. There are two restaurants serving Italian specialties including the STK Milan Steakhouse. Guests can also enjoy the tranquil Radio Rooftop Bar with its sensational views, sunsets, and cocktail selection. The hotel offers a 24/7 gym facility for guests looking to keep up their fitness regime on the go and is completely pet-friendly. ME Milan Il Duca boasts four sophisticated event spaces, perfect for hosting any function from a business event to a truly unforgettable wedding. The hotel is also part of the MeliáRewards loyalty programme.

The Hoxton, Florence has brought the brand’s distinctive blend of contemporary design and community spirit to the heart of Florence’s historic centre. Following the success of The Hoxton, Rome, this much-anticipated opening spans two contrasting buildings – a beautifully preserved 16th-century Renaissance palazzo and a striking modernist structure by renowned architect Andrea Branzi. The result is a seamless fusion of historic grandeur and bold contemporary style, with interiors by AIME Studios, featuring lime-washed walls, original frescoes, and vintage furnishings.

The hotel offers 161 stylish rooms, with palazzo rooms showcasing elegant marble tones and Renaissance motifs, while Branzi-designed rooms embrace vibrant colours and postmodern influences. For a more exclusive stay, The Hoxton, Florence introduces House, a luxurious three-bedroom apartment with a private entrance, fully equipped kitchen, and terrace, complete with a dedicated House Manager.

Guests can enjoy two exciting dining venues: Alassio, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving classic Italian comfort food with Ligurian influences, and Enoteca Violetta, a sophisticated wine bar offering an extensive selection of local and international wines. Ideally located for exploring Florence’s cultural landmarks, including the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, the hotel also embraces local collaborations, showcasing emerging Italian artists in the Hox Gallery and offering curated goods in its Best Of shop. Additional perks include complimentary Sergio Bianchi bicycles and exclusive access to local fitness studios, ensuring a stay that’s as immersive as it is stylish.

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

Grand Hotel Plaza, located on Via del Corso and a short walk from men’s leather and clothing outlets in the Campo Marzio area. The beauty of this hotel, aside from its prized location, is that it boasts a number of terraces. And not just in many of the rooms and suites, but the Terrazza dei Limoni (with its pretty lemon trees) is the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.

Taking us back to the artery of Venice, PalazzinaG and its rooftop eatery, are perched alongside the Grand Canal. But, like the JW Marriott, it eschews antique interiors. Instead, guests will find chic French infused interior design by Philippe Starck. While displaying modern decor with many an artistic statement piece, the hotel nods to the building’s previous life as a Roman Spa (look out for the giant columns). Rooms come equipped with Bottega Veneto toiletries, nightly sweet treats and – if you bring your pooch – canine beds and bowls too.

Boasting all the opulence and luxury of a top-of-the-range city apartment, this collection of catalogue-perfect suites is ideal for people who are planning a longer trip to Verona and want to experience the best that modern city living has to offer. The suites can be found in the very heart of the city and each one has plenty of space while offering guests all of the luxury and lavishness that they could possibly wish for including stunning views from the picture windows and classic marble bathrooms with walk-in showers.

Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan, is a sophisticated retreat in the heart of Milan, located in the pedestrian Piazzetta Bossi, near Teatro alla Scala & the vibrant Brera district. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the hotel is a restoration of a 1950s Rationalist building by Pietro Lingeri, blending Milanese heritage with contemporary flair. Its 101 rooms & 15 suites feature walnut wood, Fior di Pesco marble, & bespoke Poliform furniture, reflecting Milan’s artistic spirit. Dining is led by Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton, with Scena for Italian cuisine, Etereo for rooftop views, & Odachi for refined Japanese dining. The hotel’s Living lounge & rooftop pool offer stylish social spaces, while its elegant interiors celebrate Milan’s design, art, & fashion legacy.

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.