Best Luxury Hotels in Italy

Set amongst a shaded garden of citrus trees and Donna Carmela roses is Palazzo Murat, a tranquil oasis at the heart of the town. Legend has it that Joachim Murat, the King of Naples visited the palace when he came to Positano in 1808, loved the property, and spent the hottest summer months here with his lovers. And it’s no wonder – this hotel is beautifully romantic, despite being right at the centre of town. The public rooms have a certain grandeur about them with vaulted ceilings and are peppered with antiques and fine paintings. Whilst the décor is kept quite simple and fresh here, the details do the talking – expect opulent fabrics, four poster beds and tall French windows opening onto private balconies. Pass beneath the intricate wrought-iron gateway and find yourself in the romantic courtyard, covered in sweet smelling Bougainvillea. The hotel also boasts an incredible restaurant where tables sit under a leafy pergola and specialises in fresh seafood like lobster and turbot.  

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! 

Spanning 1700 acres of the Serchio Valley and set into the hillside, the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort overlooks the town itself. An outdoor pool terrace with loungers provides spectacular views, while inside, there’s a further pool as part of the wellness area. The building is a pretty, pink, traditional style villa with shuttered windows. Interiors and 180 bedrooms are decorated in a warming contemporary Italian design, using plush fabrics and earthy colours. Meals can be taken al fresco on the sun-soaked terrace of La Veranda, with regular theme nights offered and drinks can be enjoyed in the Nour Lounge.

A former noble’s residence, this five-century old villa is now a romantic hotel close to the village of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. The country estate encompasses forestry, gardens and a waterfall. Rooms evoke the building’s heritage, with oil paintings, ornate wooden four-poster beds, antique furnishings, heavy drapes, chandeliers and a Regency colour scheme. And in addition to the main villa, there’s a farmhouse containing three apartments — for those wanting a little more private space. Its location provides plenty of opportunities to explore the native parkland and take a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool. Warm Italian hospitality and delicious home baking await the guests at Villa Bertagni.

What was once a reef side fortress has been lovingly restored, to create a whitewashed ten-bedroomed boutique hotel right in Monopoli. Original features such as vaulted stone ceilings, fireplaces and limestone floors have been maintained, complimented by handicrafts, carved wood headboards and mod cons including hydro showers. The rooftop terrace is a romantic spot in which to savour some seasonal Puglian cuisine or take a dip in the little sea-view pool that’s sheltered by a rustic stone wall. Massages can be booked in-room or taken in a dedicated outdoor treatment area and breakfast is served in the 16th-century cellar.

Originally built in 1822, Hotel La Palma, is one of Capri’s most exclusive and luxurious hotels. The hotel’s 50 suites and rooms have all been recently renovated by renowned interior designer Francis Sultana. They are modern yet playful and thus are inviting and fun. Hotel La Palma is home to its own private beach club on Capris white sands, its own fitness centre, spa and picturesque pool. The hotel is home to three separate restaurants which include a lively terrace restaurant and a restaurant at the hotel’s beach club which specializes in fresh seafood. Yet the hotel’s culinary piece de resistance is Gennaro’s, a relaxed yet sophisticated restaurant named after its Michelin-starred executive Chef Gennaro Esposito who specializes in classic Italian dishes.

Just moments away from the Piazetta, La Scalinatella, is the definition of serenity. La Scalinatella overlooks the sea and cliffs of Capri making it one of Capri’s most beautiful hotels. La Scalinatella’s rooms and suites are bathed in natural light which reflects off the room’s exquisite floor tiles, this makes the rooms feel exceedingly welcoming and comfortable. The hotel is also home to private Villas which offer guests the chance to experience the height of luxury. La Scalinatella is home to all the amenities one might want like a pool on the upper terrace, a second pool overlooking the sea, a fitness centre and a beautifully kept garden. The hotel’s restaurant, Casa Morgano, is a perfect choice for guests wishing to enjoy the incredible culinary traditions of Southern Italy all whilst sitting in one of Capri’s most sophisticated restaurants.

The boutique Hotel Villa Brunella Capri boasts one of the most scenic views of the iconic Marina Piccola. It is located on the Via Tragara which makes it the perfect place for those wishing to be near the town centre whilst remaining away from the crowds. Villa Brunella’s rooms and suites are light and spacious, with many of them featuring private terraces which gaze out at the glistening Mediterranean. Villa Brunella is also home to a panoramic pool, fitness centre and has its own in-room spa service. Located on the top floor of the hotel, L’Agave restaurant gazes out over the towns, cliffs and sea of Capri. L’Agave is regarded as one of the best restaurants on the island as it serves deliciously fresh Italian classics and seafood.

Hotel Bristol Palace Genoa is located in the very heart of the beautiful port city of Genoa and allows for easy exploration of the stunning and historical surroundings. The hotel is conveniently surrounded by incredible sights including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Via Garibaldi. The hotel has recently been renovated and incorporated modernity and functionality into its charming design. There are 133 rooms and suites to choose from and are completely pet-friendly. Each room is decadently decorated with a traditional design in spacious and brightly lit spaces. The hotel also boasts 10 reception rooms and 8 meeting spaces which are perfect for hosting any event. The on-site Giotto restaurant makes for the perfect venue for special occasions and banquets and includes a seasonal terrace option from June to September. The restaurant itself serves exquisite delicacies throughout the day and is open to guests and the public alike.

The luxurious 5-star Palazzo Sangiorgio is a first-class, contemporary getaway in the heart of Catania. The hotel building itself is full of history while the modern interior exudes comfort and sophistication. There are 25 guestrooms made up of Superior and Deluxe rooms in addition to 5 suite types. Each of the spacious rooms has been stylishly decorated and is a cosy retreat for travellers. The exquisite on-sire Ristorante Basalto offers nothing but culinary excellence in a truly stunning setting. Guests can indulge in specially crafted, sumptuous Sicilian dishes and authentic local wines while soaking up their surroundings amidst the charm of the island. The rooftop bar serves many purposes and ranges from a lively bar with a DJ to a relaxing solarium area with a mini pool. The fully equipped Magma Harmony Spa is the perfect place to relax and treat yourself to a specialist treatment. Palazzo Sangiorgio is also home to spectacular event spaces for hosting anything from a simple business meeting to a swanky celebration. 

The Excelsior Palace Hotel Apollo is the exclusive 5-star getaway on Portofino Coast and is located 2km from Santa Margherita Ligure. The hotel offers spectacular views of the Bay of Rapallo and the Coast of Portofino. The guestrooms are luxurious and elegantly designed with a choice of spacious rooms and suites including the exquisite Presidential Suite – this accommodation option includes an expansive terrace with a deluxe jacuzzi. Fine dining is on offer at the Restaurant Lord Byron and Restaurant Eden Roc where guests can opt to dine alfresco and enjoy the Mediterranean air. The Yachting Bar is open all year round while the seasonal Sporting Bar also offers ambience and a mixture of tasty tipples. Guests can enjoy the relaxing Beauty & Wellness Club including a range of treatments. Excelsior Palace Hotel Apollo is also the perfect venue for hosting any event from an intimate business event to a grand wedding celebration.

NH Collection Genova Marina provides deluxe accommodation in the heart of Genoa. There are 140 guestrooms made up of comfortable, contemporary rooms and suites which offer beautiful views, optional balconies and adjoining rooms. There is a spacious dining terrace where guests can dine alfresco overlooking the busy harbour. The hotel’s ideal location makes exploring a breeze while the hotel offers a high-tech gym for guests to get active from the comfort of the hotel. There is plenty of space available on-site for hosting any kind of event thanks to the state-of-the-art business equipment and wedding and event planning staff. There are dining options available at all times of the day thanks to 24-hour room service and the child-friendly selection ensures there is something for everyone. The on-site restaurant, Il Gozzo, is sure to impress with its array of modern and traditional Italian specialties.