Best Historical Hotels in Italy

With a view across to the lovely village of Bellagio, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of the most imposing hotels in the heart of Lake Como. Set in lush gardens with the Grigne Mountains as the backdrop, the lovely art nouveau hotel offers luxury accommodation in rooms and suites including a number of historic suites with facilities such as access to private garden areas, and also rooftop suites for spectacular views. Guests can dine in excellent gourmet restaurants (once patronised by Greta Garbo), enjoy treatments in a luxury spa, and swim in various lovely pools and from the lake’s only private beach.

Converted and extended from a 19th-century villa, Villa Flori is a luxury 4-star hotel standing between Como and Cernobbio. As well as a selection of rooms and suites, it offers the spectacular Gran Lago Suite right on the waterfront complete with wraparound terrace and lush gardens that offer almost complete privacy. Hotel guests can dine in the sophisticated elegance of the Raimondo restaurant complete with terrace or relax in the lounge bar or wind down in the mini spa which also offer Technogym machines for a bit of a workout.

The chance to spend the night in a former 16th century monastery is sure to appeal to anyone who has an interest in history. The Belmond Hotel Splendido has managed to maintain much of its original structure while also making room for luxurious touches such as a tennis court, sauna and large swimming pool. Guests can follow in the steps of the former monks by taking a stroll through the large and lovely gardens, while stunning views are waiting to be enjoyed at the Terrazza restaurant. The spacious sea facing suites are simply sumptuous and feature wraparound terraces.

Providing guests with stunning views of the bay of Portofino, this refined hotel is set on the lush hills set above the fishing village. There are just sixteen rooms and suites for guests to choose from, which gives the hotel a very exclusive and intimate feel. Guests should make sure that they secure one of the rooms that look out over the village, which come complete with pretty wrought-iron balconies and spacious en suite bathrooms. The hotel really excels when it comes to its amenities and people who want the chance to get fit while having fun are treated to large tennis courts to make use of as well as a pretty outdoor swimming pool. Those who simply want to unwind in style will love the sauna and luxurious spa.

Patria Palace is a historic 18th-century palace that has been transformed into a luxurious hotel, combining modern design with its storied past. The hotel, located in nestled in the heart of Baroque Lecce, was originally designed by 18th-century architect Mauro Manieri, and underwent a meticulous four-year renovation, preserving its classic and Baroque features while incorporating contemporary Art Deco details. It operates from March to December, benefiting from Lecce’s mild Mediterranean climate. With its prime location overlooking the Basilica of Santa Croce, the hotel offers 58 artfully designed rooms and suites, a stunning rooftop bar, a gourmet restaurant, and an outdoor lounge. Despite its central location, it provides a serene escape, embodying the ‘slow’ lifestyle of Salento. The Patria Palace has a long history of hospitality, evolving from a noble residence to a welcoming inn and now a five-star hotel, that emphasises quiet luxury and attentive service. Guests can also enjoy activities like guided city tours, food tours, and a shuttle service to a partnered beach club during the summer months.

This Grande Dame hotel opened in 1907, under the original name of the Hungaria Palace Hotel. Nicolo Piamonte was the architect of the building’s neo-Rennaisance exterior, whose interiors followed an Art Noveau and Liberty style. Now the five-star venue close to Lungomare d’Annunzio Beach includes a full-service spa with 12 treatments rooms, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a winter garden and two bars (one of which is on the rooftop). A lavish refurbishment has retained original details and stunning frescoes but added many modern amenities like espresso makers and air-con. There are 60 bedrooms in total, including suites, all filled with lashings of character.

Right on the Lido, this luxurious resort has a subtly Moorish interior design. Reminiscent of a former era, the turn of the 20th-century building’s furnishings encapsulate a sense of North African mid-century style. The Excelsior boasts bedrooms with terraces overlooking the sea, tent-like private cabanas on the beach, a swimming pool, complimentary water shuttles, in-room Salvatore Ferragamo bath products, and a renowned intimate candlelit restaurant and some incredible seafood. It may be a glamorous venue – an optimum place to star spot during the film festival – but the resort is very welcoming of families, offering a kids’ club among its amenities.

Hotel Cala di Volpe is found in one of the most popular areas for tourists, known as the Emerald Coast. It takes the form of a village, with its jetty stretching out into the water and was originally designed by Jacques Couelle’s in the 1960s. Boasting a barbecue area, an Olympic-size saltwater pool, direct access to the sea and 121 bedrooms with private terraces, it provides ample opportunity to enjoy the alfresco life. Hotel Cala di Volpe’s Shiseido Spa is uber-modern – fewer than three years old – and the restaurant, Le Grand, provides unrestricted water views.

Named after the piazza in which it’s found, Palazzo Dipinto was once a 13th-century palace. Now it is an elegant design hotel. Bedrooms feature Italian made wooden parquet flooring, stylish furnishings in muted tones and spacious bathrooms. There isn’t a restaurant in-house, but there is a bar (in which breakfast is served), an inner courtyard and room service. And, bringing all of the senses into the experience, the hotel has its own scent, chosen in partnership with Acqua dell Elba, so guests staying at the boutique property, are welcomed with a delightful aroma, as well as a smile.

Offering superb views over Saint Martino’s Cathedral and many of the city’s monuments, the Grand Universe Lucca is a fusion of old and new. Its wall foundations date back to Roman times and there are the remnants of an ancient glassblower’s fountain in the cellar. But in terms of interior design, there’s plenty of contemporary flair, with luxe features such as modern glass chandeliers. Legacy Bistro Wine Bar is the hotel’s restaurant, while the Symphony Lounge pays subtle homage to Lucca’s musical connections. There’s also a stunning rooftop bar, Sommita, with wonderful views over the old town and Piazza del Giglio. And you can book a horse and carriage ride with canapes and aperitifs.

This used to be a Fiat factory – the car testing area that once featured in The Italian Job is now a jogging track – but the warehouse building has since been reimagined as a trendy hotel. In the Lingotto district, the NH branded property is right beside an entertainment complex and a short ride via metro to Turin’s centre. 240 modern rooms with high ceilings and workspaces are light and bright. Some have Alpine views and others come with kids’ toys. Pets are welcome too. The Turtle bar, Torpedo restaurant and tropical garden are the hotel’s food and drink outlets and those staying have free access to the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli gallery.

Dating back to 1870, this palatial establishment has been completely remodelled to ensure plush, contemporary luxury within. Bedrooms come with Simmons pillow-top mattresses, anti-allergy pillows, 100% cotton and linen towels, free drinks in the minibar, bathrobes and slippers as standard, while high-end suites have French beds, large baths and terraces. Les Petite Madeleines is the Turin Palace’s glamorous restaurant and there’s an intimate spa area with hydrotherapy, a sensory shower, Kneipp Course, Turkish baths, a whirlpool and treatment rooms. Due to its centrality, this is a great choice if you want to experience the city on foot, without the need for public transport.