Best Historical Hotels in Italy

Surrounded by olive groves and beside the Salento Sea, Masseria Muzza boasts a beautiful countryside location. Decorated in classic Puglian style, 40 bedrooms and suites have a cool vibe, with much use of local stone and neutral tones. Some come with a futon in addition to beds and a private patio, and with a maximum occupancy of five per room. The hotel has three restaurants (Le Site, Mirto and La Limonaia), a spa, kids’ club, indoor and outdoor pools and a chic pool bar. Close to Otranto, there are many excursions to be enjoyed from here, like coastal kayaking, gourmet tours, sailboat trips, e-bike rides and horse treks.

This enchanting Masseria San Domenico dates back to the 15th century and provides a luxurious retreat surrounded by lush palm tree-filled gardens. Guests are sure to enjoy wallowing in the large lagoon-style pool and indulging in a little pampering in the modern spa. The hotel can be found on the edge of the sleeping fishing town of Savelletri, while the ocean is just a 500-metre stroll away. There are forty spacious rooms to choose from here and by far the most luxurious is the San Domenico Suite, which boasts a raised patio that overlooks pretty olive groves and the ocean.

Located in the quaint village of Minervino di Lecce Palazzo DucaleVenturi is a luxury 5-star boutique hotel in a restored aristocratic palace from the 16th century. The palace has been carefully restored to offer 20 refurbished guest rooms including four majestic suites with floor-length windows – with one offering guests direct access to the outdoor pool whilst another direct access to the indoor pool. Guests can also enjoy delicious cuisine in the unique restaurant, make use of the outdoor saltwater swimming pool and indoor pool, relax in the luxury spa, rejuvenate in Puglia’s first Cryotherapy chamber, enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces at the hotel or discover a wealth of Apulian traditional experiences in the local area.

Located in the very heart of Lecce, The Fiermontina Urban Resort in Lecce provides guests with a large outdoor swimming pool that is set in a pretty garden. An Italian-style breakfast is served each morning, while food lovers can enjoy a range of dishes that are created by the onsite restaurant and served on the large outdoor terrace. The Duplex Suite provides an impressive 35 square metres of space and features a large patio area to unwind on as well as a modern bathtub and a wide range of other modern conveniences.

This family-friendly establishment has grown up around a traditional 16th century Masseria and provides a wide range of activities for guests to take part in during their stay. In addition to activities that are organised in the two private beach clubs, regularly cooking classes are held here. The pretty garden is set with pomegranate trees as well as bougainvillaea and hibiscus. There are 36 spacious guestrooms and suites to choose from and luxury lovers can book a large private villa, while those who book the Suite Aranceto, will be treated to a sunken swimming pool that is shaded by orange trees.

People who want the chance to get back into the swing of things while surrounding themselves with luxury are sure to love staying at this traditional Puglian Masseria as it comes complete with its own golf course. Forty bougainvillea-draped rooms feature balconies that face the ocean, while there is a pretty a vine-shaded collonaded pool. Guests are also treated to a private beach as well as several beachside restaurants to unwind at.

This luxurious hotel makes full use of its historical architecture will provide guests with a wide range of lavish amenities and facilities. The emphasis here is on pure relaxation and there are plenty of different areas where guests are invited to simply unwind such as in the solarium and the well-stocked reading room. The large Spanish garden is set with orange groves and olive trees and is a pretty place to take a stroll and work up an appetite before heading to the terrace to indulge in a delicious meal at the Michelin-starred onsite restaurant.

Just around the corner from Cappella Colleoni church, one of the most visited attractions in Bergamo, the GombitHotel sits at the intersection of two ancient Roman roads. The interiors are the work of forward-thinking young artists, crafted using simple materials and pastel hues to foster a sense of freedom and creativity. 15 bedrooms have an airy, urban feel. This is augmented by original features, such as heavily beamed wooden ceilings, adding an element of history to the otherwise contemporary styling. Housed in a stone tower, the alternative boutique hotel has a bar, a library, and a pool.

Those preferring a greener setting can book a stay at the Relais San Vigilio. Found in a provincial park, it houses nine bedrooms with minibars and soundproofing for an extra peaceful night’s sleep. A large outdoor terrace looks down across the city and the hotel’s manicured gardens, a delightful spot to enjoy a sundowner after a day’s sightseeing – there’s also a funky modern bar. Rooms are soothing and simple, making use of the building’s existing materials, revealing original stonework, brick, wood and curved ceilings. There’s a restaurant and snack bar, as well as a cosy fireside seating area in reception.

A boutique hotel housed in a restored 14th-century palace, the H10 Palazzo Galla is steeped in history. Built in a classic Roman style, with modern amenities and elegant decor, the property is within walking distance of the city’s iconic attractions (the Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum are fewer than 500 metres away and can be seen from the rooftop). 43 bedrooms have a vintage flair and are equipped with coffee machines and bathrobes. The best views can be enjoyed from the sunny terrace, but there’s also a bar and lounge area and a restaurant that serves traditional Italian cuisine.

Marking the brand’s first urban resort, Six Senses Rome brings a wellness-focussed approach to a bustling metropolis. Lashings of interior foliage and planting help create a city-centre oasis that belies its super central location, with celebrated landmarks, such as the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Colosseum all within an easy stroll from the hotel door. Once a bank, the 18th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini has been transformed into a stunning five star hotel that offers guests elegant accommodation, supreme wellness and spa facilities, a rooftop terrace and casual dining restaurant – all enhanced with impeccable service.

The youthful W brand has made its first foray into Italian territory with a Roman property, which opened at the end of 2021. Two historic palazzos a stone’s throw from the Spanish steps were combined to create W’s 162 bedroom flagship hotel in Italy. The outside may represent the country’s heritage, but inside, it’s entirely evocative of modern Italian style. A secret garden, hand-painted mural, the Michelin-starred Sicilian restaurant Ciccio Sultano, an open-air courtyard, a patisserie selling homemade gelato and the Daria Reina fashion store are all part of the concept, with interiors designed by Meyer Davis. A rooftop bar with WET deck and pool makes the bold, funky hotel party central.