Best Luxury Hotels in Italy

Villa Cora is a luxurious 5-star hotel in Florence, set within a historic 19th-century villa that exudes the charm and sophistication of a bygone era. Perched on the hills overlooking the Boboli Gardens, it offers panoramic views of Florence and a serene retreat from the bustling city. The hotel features 44 rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated with lavish details and period furnishings.

The architecture of Villa Cora reflects a blend of Neo-Classical and Baroque influences, with intricate frescoes, opulent chandeliers, and exquisite marble accents throughout. The interior design harmoniously combines historical elements with modern comforts, providing a timeless elegance that appeals to discerning travellers. The hotel’s lush, Italian-style gardens are an extension of this luxury, offering a peaceful oasis with manicured lawns, towering trees, and colourful flower beds.

One of the highlights of Villa Cora is its expansive outdoor heated swimming pool, set amidst the gardens. This area provides a tranquil space to relax and enjoy the Tuscan sun, with poolside service offering refreshments and light meals. Adjacent to the pool, the hotel’s spa, located in the Moorish Pavilion, offers a variety of treatments and wellness experiences, including a sauna, hammam, and a small gym.

Dining at Villa Cora is an experience in itself. Le Bistrot, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves a menu inspired by traditional Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can dine al fresco on the terrace, enjoying views of the gardens and the Florentine skyline. The hotel also features the Bar Longhi, known for its elegant atmosphere, rich with antique mirrors, and a selection of fine wines and signature cocktails.

Situated in the heart of Florence, overlooking the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge, the Portrait Firenze is one of Florences most luxurious hotel’s due to its emphasis on providing guests with a uniquely personal experience. The Portrait is home to 37 rooms and suites which include a mesmerizing rooftop suite. The rooms and suites are elegant, well equipped and are bathed in natural light. The Portrait is home to many exclusive experiences and even offers guests the chance to sit on a private terrace below the Ponte Vecchio for a unique perspective of the world’s most famous bridge. The Portrait boasts many exquisite dining options ranging from the secretive Rumore cocktail bar to the exceptional Michelin starred Borgo San Jacopo restaurant. In the heart of the hotel lies the beautiful White Iris Spa which provides guests with a range of treatments. The Portrait is often acclaimed as one of the world’s top hotel’s and it is easy to see why as its uniquely personal service is hard to rival.

The 25 hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino is one the quirkiest luxury hotel’s to be found anywhere in the world. Its interior is designed along the lines of ‘Paradiso and Inferno’ meaning that whilst the hotel is incredibly inviting and cosy it is also ‘hellishly amusing.’ The hotel’s décor is amusing and fun, each space is different yet distinctly welcoming. The hotel has a large variety of rooms, and all take inspiration from Dantes Paradiso or Dantes Inferno. The rooms are unique and chic, they are equipped with luxurious beds, Bluetooth speakers and smart TVs. The hotel is home to its own fitness centre (which has a yoga area), spa and sauna, cinema and even has bikes which guests can use to explore Florence. The hotel also has many dining options like the San Paolino restaurant which serves fresh Italian dishes in its incredible glass ceilinged dining room and cosy Companion Dolcemaro Bar which is speakeasy-esque in nature.

Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze Hotel is located in the historical centre of Florence and is within easy walking distance to the main cultural attractions, including the Duomo complex, the Piazzale Michelangelo, the Medici Chapel and the San Lorenzo market. The hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk from Santa Maria Novella railway station and a 20-minute drive from Amerigo Vespucci Airport. This boutique hotel comprises 86 guest rooms, including eight suites with The presidential suite boasting a panoramic terrace with breath-taking views over the city´s skyline. Originally made up of two historical buildings belonging to two aristocratic Florentine families – the Gaddis and the Arrighettis, Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi showcases its noble past with unique historical and artistic treasures, such as frescoed rooms, artist’s paintings and art objects, many dating back to the 16th century. Guests can enjoy a range of culinary experiences including Tuscan and Italian fine dining at Terrae, a cosy meal at The Secret Garden, cocktails, snacks and sunsets at Aria Rooftop bar and pre-dinner drinks or cheese and wine at the Milton Bar. The hotel also offers a range of experiences to the guests, from the romantic dining delight dinner by candlelight in a frescoed ballroom, to a cooking class with Chef Iside de Cesare, a Michelin-starred chef (who also leads the restaurant offering at the hotel) to discover the art of homemade pasta or an unforgettable Tuscan meal in the private winery of the hotel.

So named as it’s housed in a perfume factory, Magna Pars L’Hotel à Parfum features olfactory motifs throughout its spaces. As such, each of its 60 subtly decorated suites takes on a floral, fruity, aromatic, woody or resinous theme. Some bedrooms have their own bars, libraries, seating areas with chaise longue, jacuzzi baths and outdoor terraces with sun loungers; all have paintings by up-and-coming Milanese artists. The alfresco dining room has two fireplaces and a state-of-the-art open kitchen. And, when you fancy a beverage, enter the secret door (made from copper, by artists at the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera) to Liquidambar.

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 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.

Rome Glam Hotel sits right on the edge of the cool, boho Monti neighbourhood where young and local designers are dotted throughout. Its location makes it great for shopping and exploring this area as well as quick access to many of the museums in the centre including Palazzo delle Esposizioni and the Scuderie del Quirinale. Designer and boutique interiors plus a rooftop terrace is a bonus.

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.

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.

For sounds of the sea, a high-end shopping spree and the ultimate in luxury relaxation this five-star establishment is the hotel for you. Located in the centre of Forte dei Marmi just a stone’s throw from the famous shopping boutiques but discreetly tucked away in its own private haven of pine wood tranquillity sits the Grand Hotel Imperiale Forte Dei Marmi. The hotel comprises a selection of rooms and suites and no detail has been overlooked in the luxurious exclusive rooms and superior suites; pastel colours, natural fabrics and hints of gold exude an elegant and intimate ambience. Guests can enjoy the use of the beautiful private beach, swimming pool, spa, sauna, Turkish bath and fitness centre along with the nearby boutique shopping experience. For guests with children, there is a Kid’s Club, with a highly-qualified team to look after the little ones. Dining options include three different concept restaurants; fine dining can be enjoyed at the Olivo d’Oro Restaurant, and seafood lovers will enjoy the extensive offering at the Beach Restaurant whilst the Garden Restaurant is ideal for light lunches or simple bites. The hotel has Italian sophistication and style at its best.

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.