Best Luxury Hotels in Italy

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.

“Hospitality is an art and Portrait Roma has made it a masterpiece.” This is the level of excellence that Portrait Roma has been delivering for years as one of the Eternal City’s most stylish five-star establishments. Another of Michele Bonan striking designs, Portrait Roma epitomises luxury and elegance and is just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The hotel is also one of only 10 in Italy, and 26 in the whole of Europe, to have been awarded a coveted five-star rating in Forbes Travel Guide. Breakfast and dining can be enjoyed on the rooftop terrace or for a more private occasion opt for white-linen room service. And to ensure guests make the most of their visit, a lifestyle assistant is on hand to tailor experiences and itineraies; from booking restaurants, experiences and activities to coordinating your private mini-bar they are on hand to help.

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.

Over a century old, this elaborate and effortlessly classy villa first belonged to a Cornish native. Found in the seaside suburb of Taormina, it has direct access to a private beach and charming views from the wrought iron balconies. Inside you’ll find Baroque artwork, marble staircases and room scents by Ortigia. There’s a kids club and programme of themed activities for the bambinos, watersports onsite, a spa and a terrace restaurant. Guests also have access to its sister hotel, the Grand Hotel Timeo, in Taormina itself (a free shuttle bus will whisk you there in moments).

The Mandarin Oriental Milan is located around five minutes from the city’s iconic Teatro alla Scala opera house, within the Montenapoleone district. The hotel itself spans four different 18th-century buildings, with the combination of Milanese architecture and Oriental decorations giving it a unique appeal. Rooms within the hotel come with large flat-screen televisions and marble bathrooms, while suites include a living room area. Meanwhile, a variety of food options are headlined by Seta; a two Michelin-starred Italian restaurant.

There aren’t many luxury accommodations in the whole of Rome that can top the sheer splendour of this multi-award-winning private townhouse hotel. J.K. Place is situated in the heart of the Eternal City and offers five-star accommodation that is within walking distance of the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and other places of interest. Each of the hotel’s 23 double rooms and seven suites was designed by world-renowned Italian architect, Michele Bonan, and decorated with upscale furniture by some of the best Italian artisans. The J.K. Roma experience is pet-friendly and features all the amenities that one would expect from a world-class hotel.

Another establishment in the area of Anacapri, with its artisan shops and chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro, the hotel is steeped in history. First noted in 1850 as a private villa, it became an inn that served workers constructing the Capri-Anacapri road in the 1870s, and then a twentieth-century refuge for a Russian exile who added art and culture. Sold around the time of the Second World War to the family of the present owners, it is now a renowned five-star resort. Rooms retain a mix of antique and modern, but with state-of-the-art amenities. Facilities on-site include a fitness centre, spa, infinity swimming pool, entertainment and a shuttle service (a local bus service also passes by), with wine-tastings and cookery classes that have to be experienced! Guests can absorb the breath-taking views from the terrace and bar, or from the restaurant, which has its own kitchen-garden.

Situated north of San Teodoro, close to Lu Impostu—one of the island’s most stunning beaches—this elegant 98-room resort is nestled within the splendid Mediterranean landscape. With its white sands and crystal-clear waters, the resort is an idyllic setting for experiencing the natural beauty of Sardinia. Guests have access to a variety of water sports activities including diving, snorkelling, kayaking, and boat tours. Culinary aficionados will delight in the resort’s multiple dining options. For those seeking relaxation, the exquisite spa at the hotel offers a peaceful retreat.

The Gritti Palace dates back to 1475, although didn’t become a hotel until just before the turn of the 20th century. Opening right up onto the Grand Canal, with its own private jetty, the Luxury Collection property has 82 bedrooms. Inside, guests can enjoy the Sisley Paris spa, hammam and hairdressing services, or take cookery classes at the Gritti Epicurean School. Its Club del Doge restaurant serves an award-winning Venetian heritage-themed menu. These dishes are (in part) crafted using vegetables from the hotel’s private garden, which is hidden on an island in the lagoon. The resulting gourmet meals can be taken in the sumptuous dining room, or on the candlelit waterside terrace. And the Gritti Palace’s Riva Lounge – styled to reflect the mid-century design of the Monaco Yacht Club – is one of the most glamorous spots in town for late-night cocktails.

Take a romantic break away in Sir Rocco Forte’s 18th-century palazzo. Allowing guests to immerse in classical Roman culture, the hotel also introduces elements of contemporary Roman life. Start the day with breakfast under a parasol at the Mosaico courtyard and take lunch on the rooftop at Cielo. Da Sistina is a fine dining establishment, with elegant period features and you can complete your evening at Fulvio Pierangelini, the lively rooftop bar. Hotel de la Ville offers two categories of suites and a Sicilian-inspired spa. Conde Nast named this their readers’ third most popular hotel in the city, at their 2022 awards.

Hotel Savoy part of the prestigious Rocco Forte Hotels collection is located on the vibrant Piazza della Repubblica, this five-star hotel captures the essence of Florentine elegance. The interior design, led by Olga Polizzi and Laudomia Pucci, beautifully marries contemporary style with the city’s rich artistic heritage, featuring elegant Tuscan materials and custom-made furnishings.

The hotel’s 80 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated, offering comfort and luxury with views of the historic cityscape. Each room combines classic Italian design with modern amenities, such as marble bathrooms, state-of-the-art technology, and luxurious linens. The suites, particularly the Duomo Presidential Suite, provide unparalleled luxury with expansive spaces, private terraces, and unique artwork.

Dining at Hotel Savoy is an exceptional experience. Irene, the hotel’s restaurant, is named after Sir Rocco Forte’s mother and reflects her dedication to authentic, seasonal cuisine. The menu, crafted by renowned chef Fulvio Pierangelini, celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Tuscany, with a modern twist. Guests can enjoy a relaxed meal in the stylish dining room or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the bustling square.

For those seeking relaxation, the hotel offers a luxurious Spa Suite where guests can indulge in a range of treatments using Irene Forte Skincare products, made from organic Sicilian ingredients. The fitness centre, equipped with the latest technology, ensures that guests can maintain their wellness routines while travelling.

Hotel Savoy’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring Florence’s cultural landmarks. The hotel offers a range of bespoke experiences, from private tours of the Uffizi Gallery to exclusive wine tastings in the Tuscan countryside. The attentive concierge team is dedicated to ensuring that every guest’s stay is tailored to their desires, whether they are seeking cultural immersion or simply wish to relax in the lap of luxury.

Opened in 1951 by four Neapolitan brothers who turned their summer house into a charming hotel overlooking the bay, Le Sirenuse is now a 58-room resort and known to be one of Italy’s leading and most enduring seaside luxury hotels. Located at the centre of the town on the Amalfi Drive, the rooms and terraces are 70m above the beautiful sea and offer views of the town itself but also the breathtaking bay. The maroon painted frontage makes Le Sirenuse stand out amongst the other neutral buildings on the terraces. Inside you will find an eclectic collection of antique furniture and curated art in the rabbit warren of rooms. Walls are kept white and contrast with the terracotta-tiles on the floor, whilst large French windows opening onto massive terraces provide lots of light. If you fancy spending more time outside, the compact pool terrace has outdoor loungers with lemon trees offering welcoming shade, whilst the Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant is entirely candle-lit and views over the twinkling resorts lights – romance at its best!