Best Design Hotels in Italy

Hotel Indigo Milan – Corso Monforte is yet another sensational luxurious getaway to be included in IHG Hotel’s expertly curated portfolio. This boutique hotel is a short walk from the iconic Duomo of Milan and right in the heart of the historical centre. It has been beautifully designed with contemporary furnishings in each of its 51 guestrooms which are perfectly in keeping with Milan’s historical and fashionable reputation. There is a modern fitness centre complete with excellent equipment and open 24 hours a day. The on-site Restaurant Mezzo offers tasty and traditional Italian cuisine for lunches and dinners while Mezzo serves early morning breakfasts and late-night cocktails. This elegant hotel makes for the perfect venue when it comes to hosting any event and its function spaces are fully equipped with state-of-the-art for hosting sophisticated and professional meetings.

Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale is conveniently located near the bustling Milano Centrale station and offers a true Milanese experience. The pet-friendly hotel is located where old meets new and boasts 141 comfortable and contemporary guestrooms including 17 suites – two Deluxe, five Premium, five King, four Terrace, and one Skyline Suite. Exquisite food and beverages are available at the three on-site bars and restaurants – Rivington Cucina New York, Organics SkyGarden @ Cielo, and Intermezzo – where there is truly something for everyone. There is a state-of-the-art fitness centre and blissful Wellness Area for complete relaxation far removed from the lively metropolis. There are a range of options when it comes to hosting an event with Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale and sumptuous catering is on hand.

Château Monfort is a five-star sanctuary, part of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux family, in the very heart of Milan and its location allows for easy exploration of this iconic city. A stone’s throw from the iconic Duomo and Teatro alla Scala, this hotel is the perfect blend of classical and contemporary style. There are 77 lavish guestrooms and suites available and suitable for guests of all ages. Each room is beautifully and uniquely decorated and is a welcoming haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Dining is an experience at this hotel thanks to the stunning décor of Restaurant Rubacuori while guests can partake in wine tasting at the traditional Cella di Baccio wine cellar or indulge in a cocktail or two at Bar Mezzanotte. Guests can feel at home thanks to the range of amenities including a fully equipped fitness centre or experience bliss at Spa “Amore & Psiche” thanks to the range of treatments to soothe your body and mind.

Violino d’Oro Venezia is an elegant, inventive, and exquisitely designed boutique hotel set in the heart of the city. This 5-star hotel is the brainchild of the aunt-and-niece team, Sara and Elena Maestrelli, brought to life with the imaginative flair of architects Piera Tempesti Benelli, Riccardo Burigana, and Tiziano Folin. Within close proximity of iconic landmarks such as St Mark’s Basilica, Harry’s Bar, and Rio San Moise, this 32-room boutique hotel is a the perfect base from which to explore Venice. It showcases an impressive art collection that ranges from classical to contemporary, paintings, glass art, and textiles, along with historical tile work and an authentic Venetian seminato floor. Within the hotel, Piccolo Ristorante and Bar, serves traditional and regional dishes tastes, along with cocktails, and guests are always guaranteed a warm welcome.  with cocktails and chicchetti in the elegant comfort reminiscent of a beloved Venetian friend’s home.

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.

​​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.

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.

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.

Brand new in 2023, Bulgari’s Rome residence had a glittering launch befitting the glamorous brand. It’s the second Bulgari hotel to arrive in Italy, spanning 151,000 square feet across six floors. Set on the Piazza Augusto Imperatore, it inhabits a grand 1930s-era building, with stunning views afforded from the chic alfresco terraces. Inside you’ll find lots of marble and hand-blown Murano glass. The spa seeks to evoke the aesthetic of ancient baths, with a columned pool, eight treatment rooms and a suite featuring an onyx bath. And there are five dining venues under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito.

Conceived and brought to life by entrepreneur Ian Schrager and executed by the Statuto Group, the Rome EDITION hotel redefines luxury in the Eternal City. Boasting 91 intimate rooms and situated near Via Veneto, one of Rome’s most coveted streets, the hotel combines sophistication, meticulous attention to detail, refined aesthetics, and high design to create a meeting place for both locals and travellers. Housed in a magnificent building from the 1940s, the hotel retains its original features, including stunning courtyards, statues, and lamps. The Rome EDITION offers three unique bars, a rooftop lounge with a pool, a show-kitchen restaurant led by renowned Roman Chef Paola Colucci, and an urban wellness space. Chef Colucci, known for her emotional approach to cooking, presents a menu of traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist at the signature restaurant, Anima. The hotel’s expansive garden serves as both a piazza and a dining space, surrounded by lush greenery and featuring a relaxed all-day terrace. The Lobby, with its grand ceilings and travertine floors, sets the social tone, while the Punch Room and Jade Bar provide unique mixology experiences. The seventh-floor rooftop, The Roof, offers panoramic views of Rome and a place to enjoy Chef Colucci’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and regional cocktails. The guestrooms showcase EDITION’s signature design elements with an Italian touch, featuring custom furniture, Italian artwork, and luxurious amenities.