Best Historical Hotels in Italy

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

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.

Within two decades of opening, the Cristallo played its part in World War I as a military hospital. It’s had a more glamorous recent history, hosting royalty and the Hollywood elite. The 74 bedrooms have a classic, grand Italian style, but the decor is entirely fresh due to a 2017 refurbishment. A ski resort with an in-house spa, it’s part of Marriott International’s Luxury Collection. There are three restaurants; La Veranda for breakfast and lunch, the fully wood panelled La Stube 1872 which serves mountain favourites and the fine dining room, Il Gazebo, with its stunning 360-degree views across the Dolomites.

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.

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.

Iconic Tuscan resort Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco sits in a 5,000-acre country estate located in Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for a mix of guests who wish to enjoy a Tuscan adventure; from couples, families and groups. The resort now comprises a total of 42 suites and 11 villas all beautifully appointed. Guests can make use of the resort’s infinity pool with views over Montalcino and a newly unveiled pool bar. There is a superb programme of seasonal events and excursions designed for an array of interests and passions; from historical horse races and tours of famous movie sets to bike excursions through spectacular landscapes and wine-inspired spa treatments – the new guest experiences encourage visitors to thoroughly explore their surroundings and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the historical region. Known as a superb culinary destination, the resort features two outstanding restaurants, an organic kitchen garden and a cooking school where guests can enjoy delicious dishes that express local culinary traditions. After the success of last year’s winter season extension, the resort will remain open until 7 January 2023, allowing travellers to discover Tuscany in its quieter ‘secret season’, through autumn, winter and into the New Year.

Award-winning luxury wine resort, Conti di San Bonifacio, is located in Italy’s Tuscany, a region steeped in tradition and breath-taking scenery. The suites within the resort are rustic and romantic and overlook either the pristine vineyards or expansive olive groves, each suite presents an individual charm yet all are equally as comfortable so guests can relax and recharge.The Maremmana Restaurant boasts stunning views and showcases Tuscan cooking in all its glory with an innovative twist, much of the produce is homegrown in its organic garden or locally sourced so dishes are superbly seasonal with an emphasis on zero km ethos. Truffle hunting, olive oil tasting, conscious cooking classes and many more foodie experiences can be enjoyed by guests at the hotel. Excursions to explore the local area can also be arranged by the team.

COMO Castello Del Nero is set within a historic 740-acre estate nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany. The converted twelfth-century castle combines contemporary design with Renaissance frescoes. This theme flows throughout each of the 50 rooms and suites, which were designed by Paola Navone. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences including the Michelin-starred restaurant La Torre, a relaxed Italian vibe in the castle’s original kitchen and Mediterranean-style alfresco dining in the warmer months. The prime location of the resort means there are many outdoor adventures to be had in the nearby area or for those not wanting to stray too far, there is a wonderful selection of experiences on offer at the resort; from cooking classes and truffle hunting to stargazing and wine tastings. The wellness centre, COMO Shambhala Retreat, presents guests with Asian-inspired holistic mind and body treatments and the 25m heated outdoor pool is the ideal place to cool off in beautiful surroundings.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Siena, the Fonteverde hotel in San Casciano Dei Bagni, is steeped in history; this beautiful residence was commissioned in 1607 by the Grand Duke Ferdinand I and is the perfect tribute to the Italian Renaissance. Grandeur, tradition and impeccable attention to detail are themes that run throughout the hotel resulting in a high-end luxury experience. Rooms and suites are elegantly presented with options to cater for a variety of party sizes. Facilities at the hotel include an infinity pool, boasting beautiful views of the garden, a fully-equipped wellness centre, three outdoor pools and one indoor pool for the cooler months. The spa and wellness centre includes a Turkish bath whilst more active guests can take advantage of the onsite tennis court. Cycling, hiking and horse-riding are ideal pursuits to explore the local area in which Fonteverde is situated. There is a fine choice of restaurants and bars at the hotel catering for a range of occasions and palettes; from exclusive flavours and extraordinary wine lists at the Ferminando I Restaurant to the seasonal salads and lavish buffet served at La Corte Restaurant, and not to be forgotten, starlight drinks served on the terrace with views that overlook the Val d’Orcia. Fonteverde has its own helipad and the team can accommodate guests’ requests for arrivals, transfers or other journeys made by helicopter. Impeccable elegance can be expected here at the Fonteverde Hotel.

This stunning resort originally dates back to the 10th century, when it was an ancient monastery located in the beautiful countryside in the Chianti region, ideally placed for visiting the Chianti Classico area and to easily accessing the beautiful cities of Siena, Florence and Arezzo, as well as the most famous villages in the heart of Tuscany. Rooms and suites at the resort are all designed with traditional Tuscan décor and offer a stylish but rustic feel and guests can opt for a countryside or courtyard view. A Jacuzzi and private garden suite is also available, ideal for special occasions. The resort has two swimming pools, so in the height of summer guests can enjoy the outdoor pool with a waterfall and sun terrace and in the winter months guests can make use of the heated indoor pool with sweeping views of the countryside. A fitness centre sauna, Turkish bath, tennis court and billiard room are activities guests can enjoy onsite whilst there are a great number of exciting hiking and mountain biking trails to explore in the local area. There is a choice of restaurants for different dining occasions including Il Pievano which is situated in the castle’s historic hall and for a romantic dinner candlelit dinners are served out in the courtyard. Each year The Wine Cellar creates six exclusive wine labels using the grapes grown in the vineyard on the surrounding hills. Guests can arrange wine tasting experiences can be arranged for guests and many of these wines can be ordered at Il Pievano Restaurant.