Best Historical Hotels in Italy

Part of The Leading Hotels of the World collection this historic hotel is a splendid five-star resort, with a great emphasis on health and well-being. It has regained its former splendour through a series of renovations and restorations bringing new life whilst still maintaining old charm and character. The hotel and spa resort is in San Giuliano Terme which is located between Pisa and Lucca; surrounded by the Pisan Mountains and immersed in the valley carved out by the Arno and Serchio rivers. It is a beautiful part of Italy and is known for its thermal springs and a millennia-old history. Guests can choose from cosy Comfort Rooms to the stylish suites with their 18th-century vaults frescoed in pastel colours, parqueted lofts, floors in marble, Tuscan earthenware and attractive Carrara marble bathrooms. Views from the hotel capture the natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside and from certain points, the Leaning Tower of Pisa can also be seen. The resort is home to a large spa with natural hot springs, there is a wellness centre with an indoor pool, steam bath and sauna. A variety of massages, beauty treatments, and wellness therapies are also available. The Byron Court terrace offers guests the perfect place to unwind with a drink, whilst enjoying the sounds of live piano music and the Dei Lorena Restaurant, overlooking the Leaning Tower, presents delicious Tuscan specialities along with low-calorie and vegetarian dishes on their menu. The stunning five-star resort is a place to reconnect with yourself and with nature.

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.

The casa is an amalgamation of five shuttered houses, to create a 13-bedroom boutique bed and breakfast. Each of the buildings has a lounge on the ground floor, shared with the residents of that house and offering tea, coffee, treats and a daily “help yourself” breakfast. Guests can book out an entire house if desired, or a single bedroom. The suites all have an airy feel, with similarities to a New York loft in places; think exposed red brick and industrial-chic metal bed four-poster frames. Locally made linens and textiles have been woven into the design, including Orsoni mosaic tiles.

Located a short walk away from the Milano Centrale train station, Excelsior Hotel Gallia opened in 1932 and has since been completely renovated with the help of the acclaimed designer Marco Piva. Its rooms all include a flat-screen television, free wi-fi and room-service, while upgrading to a suite will provide guests with a small cooking area, an espresso machine and a butler service. Furthermore, the hotel has its own spa, gym, wine cellar and lounge, as well as a selection of bars and restaurants.

Hotel Ponte Sisto a short walk from the bakeries around the famed Campo de Fiori market and some of the still family-run artisan food shops and neighbourhood markets of the Trastevere and Testaccio districts. In what was a former monastery, some of the rooms here feature balconies and even whirlpool tubs and the lovely garden courtyard or rooftop terrace is the perfect place to relax.

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.

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.

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.

​​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.