Best Luxury Hotels in Italy

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.

Known as Rome’s first luxury hotel, has been in business since 1894 when Swiss hotelier, César Ritz, welcomed the first guests. The hotel epitomises world-class accommodation and is situated in the city centre, overlooking one of the city’s most impressive palazzos Piazza della Repubblica. The hotel is conveniently located next to Termini Train Station, as well as the Baths of Diocletian and offers easy access to many of the city’s major landmarks. Old world grandeur blends effortlessly in a sophisticated and distinctive style to bring a contemporary vibe to this historic address. And it’s not just the interiors and amenities that are detailed and intricate, the level of service and attention provided by highly-trained staff is second to none. Guests can enjoy classic Italian and Roman dishes and cocktails and beverages in a relaxed atmosphere at Lumen, the onsite restaurant. The hotel is pet and child friendly. It is clear to see why The St. Regis Rome is regarded as one of the world’s finest hotels.

Offering the most spectacular view over Rome from its elevated position on Monte Mario, the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort will exceed your expectations in so many ways. From its Michelin-star dining room, to its luxury palatial spa and resort style pool, through to its 15 acres of lush parkland and world-class art collection the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort offers an elegant refuge away from the hustle and bustle of the city that will satisfy the most discerning of luxury travellers. At the hotel all rooms are designed with sleeping and living areas and come with a range of stylish features like their indulgent marble bathrooms and spacious balconies for an al fresco breakfast or evening aperitifs. For all-out luxury choose a room on the Imperial floor which includes access to their club lounge and for over the top luxury choose the Planetarium suite which includes masterpieces throughout and a vast private roof terrace and jacuzzi.

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.

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.

Featuring natural hot springs, Bagni Di Pisa is the resort for a sumptuous spa break in this part of Italy. Not only this but guests are afforded views of the city’s main attraction and world wonder (the healthy eating restaurant has some of the best views in the building). The former home of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, the hotel has original frescoed ceilings and its 52 rooms are classically decorated, using traditional royal colours. Offering medi-spa and relaxing treatments, it also hosts holistic fitness classes and has a second alfresco restaurant named after Lord Byron.

Located one street further back from the waterfront than the Grand Hotel, Principe Forte Dei Marmi provides guests with free bicycle hire to explore the party district of Forte Dei Marmi. The hotel itself is a sanctuary, however, perfect for dipping in and out of the fashionable local bars with live DJ sets. It’s a large, gated property incorporating a serene spa with a hammam, cold lavender mist shower, Russian banya, cold mint storm and an indoor pool (in addition to the outdoor pool with comfy loungers). Italian designers have worked their chic magic with the 28 rooms and there are several sophisticated dining options, plus a sought-after rooftop bar – one of the most exclusive spots in the area.

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.

Arrive via Aman Venice’s private jetty into the gardens that lead down to the water. Built in the 16th century, this was once the Palazzo Papadopoli, a grand Baroque masterpiece which retains its original frescoes to this day. The decor is Neo-Renaissance and very opulent, its 24 bedrooms balancing this period grandeur with the modern niceties like Bang & Olufsen flatscreen TVs and Nespresso coffee makers (as this was the first building in the city to get electricity, it’s fitting that it should include some cutting-edge gadgets). Aman Venice has a small spa, Arva restaurant, a bar and a library stacked with books, board games and puzzles.

Surrounded by seven beautifully tended acres of land, this 52-bedroom residence is the place to choose for seclusion and private walks. It has an authentic Ischian feel, with local dishes created in the il Corbezzolo restaurant from the freshest island ingredients (many of which originate from the hotel’s organic vegetable garden). An outdoor pool and jacuzzi is fed by the natural thermal waters, as is the spa. Botania Relais & Spa is ideal for older families (children over 12 are welcome) or as a romantic boutique break. Lacco Ameno is just a short stroll away, accessed by a series of stone steps.

On the island’s north-western coast is the village of Lacco Ameno and the Albergo Della Regina Isabella, which was built on the site of ancient Greco-Roman ruins. As it was opened by the successful movie producer and publisher, Angelo Rizzoli (in 1956), it drew many a film star from the mid century era, including Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The property remains evocative of this time, with a classic charm. It has 128 bedrooms, a hot tub supplied by the island’s thermal springs, four swimming pools, a wellness programme, three exquisite restaurants, a private beach and a dock for those arriving by yacht.