Best Luxury Hotels in Italy

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.

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.

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.

The Radisson Collection has expanded its presence in Italy with the opening of the Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica. This luxurious establishment is located in Rome’s historic centre, close to landmarks like the Altare della Patria and the Pantheon, offering guests a blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Built around the restored Palazzo Lares Permarini, the hotel boasts 89 rooms designed with Carrara marble bathrooms, Fornasetti wallpaper, and refined furnishings. It features panoramic terraces, a Turkish bath, fitness centre, and is pet-friendly. The hotel’s development uncovered archaeological remnants of the Porticus Minucia, which are now accessible to guests, blending Rome’s rich past with a present-day luxury hotel experience. The on-site restaurant, Modius, and the rooftop bar, Modius on the Roof – Terrazza, offer guests a taste of Roman cuisine that uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, all enjoyed whilst taking breathtaking city views.

Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, one of the best luxury hotels in Rome and the biggest is located on the grand Piazza della Repubblica, directly opposite the renowned Diocletian Thermal Baths and the 19th-century marble palace hotel offers an ideal base for a city break in Rome. Nearby attractions include Piazza di Spagna, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the main Opera House. This regal hotel features 232 rooms styled in Neoclassical elegance, an Anantara Spa, and a rooftop plunge pool. Dining options include fine dining restaurant INEO and the “Seen By Olvier” Restaurant & Lounge Bar, perfect for enjoying a cocktail while taking in stunning city views.

Those avoiding chain hotel brands will love this unique boutique gem and its personalised white-glove service. It’s found in a romantic Roman palazzo and was once home to the opera composer Gaetano Donizetti. Evoking a sense of drama and theatre, it has been lovingly restored to fuse its grander period aspects with a colourful contemporary style. Each room and suite is a work of art, containing curated furnishings and details. Maalot Rona’s Don Pasquale Restaurant & Bar (named after Donizetti’s famed 19th-century opera) is set in agarden, with food by Executive Chef Domenico Boschi. Although close to A-list sights like the Trevi Fountain and the Via Condotti shopping district this beautiful boutique hotel is a haven in the bustling city.

With an enviable address of Via del Corso, Palazzo Roma, is a historic 16th-century building that has been transformed into a luxurious hotel that fuses modern elegance and historical richness. Once the residence of various noble Tuscan families, this esteemed Roman heritage site now serves as a boutique hotel set across three floors. Its design celebrates the building’s aristocratic past with features like coffered ceilings, authentic frescoes, timeless marble elements, and a remarkable original marble staircase. Each of the 39 rooms and suites is a testament to the thoughtful preservation of the historical essence of the space that intertwines bespoke contemporary luxury. The hotel’s expansive reception areas and distinctive artwork, and dining can be enjoyed in the sophisticated atmosphere of Core Restaurant and the Palazzo Bar is the place for stylish drinks. All this combined with exemplary service and meticulous attention to detail, offer guests an exclusive retreat in the heart of Rome’s dynamic atmosphere.

For an independent hotel stay when in Rome the Palazzo Ripetta couldn’t be a finer choice. This 78-bedroom property is part of the Relais and Chateaux portfolio and presents an inimitable style of Italian hospitality combined with historic and artistic elegance. The interiors were designed by Fausta Gaetani, using a mix of muted tones and jewel-coloured accents and pieces that evoke period sensibilities, but through a modern bold lens. Salone Bernini (which includes a cloister space), the Piazzetta, the Etere Rooftop and the garden provide places for guests to wine and dine in style, with food by the hotel’s Executive Chef Marco Ciccotelli. Palazzo Ripetta is just a few moments’ stroll from both the iconic Piazza del Popolo and river Tiber.

Brand new in 2023, Bulgari’s Rome residence had a glittering launch befitting the glamorous brand. It’s the second Bulgari hotel to arrive in Italy, spanning 151,000 square feet across six floors. Set on the Piazza Augusto Imperatore, it inhabits a grand 1930s-era building, with stunning views afforded from the chic alfresco terraces. Inside you’ll find lots of marble and hand-blown Murano glass. The spa seeks to evoke the aesthetic of ancient baths, with a columned pool, eight treatment rooms and a suite featuring an onyx bath. And there are five dining venues under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito.

A stroll away from the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Roman Pantheon, this five-star residence occupies a 16th-century mansion house just off the Via Condotti. The interiors showcase classic Italian style, with ornate gilt mirrors, oversized oil paintings, polished wood antiques, panelled rooms and tactile velvet textiles. Its Roman rooms and suites, now refurbished, previously hosted the likes of Mark Twain, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck and Henry James. Cafe Romano, the in-house restaurant spills onto the streetside during the warmer months and the hotel bar is one of the oldest in the city, having served customers since 1845. For guests wishing to explore the heritage trades and traditions of Rome guests can book an Exclusive Craft Experience through the concierge team.