Best Luxury Hotels in Italy

Offering a very different experience to the Grand Hotel, this is a six-storey boutique design hotel. At its heart is the i-CE AGE swimming pool, a water ‘sculpture’ for swimming, that’s heated to 31-34 degrees and open 24 hours a day. It has a bubble mat, elevated whirlpools, foot water jets and a large cervical blade waterfall that make bathing a luxurious indulgence. The i-FEEL GOOD Seaview Spa is an uber-modern light-filled space and the i-FAME restaurant features high-quality raw materials and a focus on fish. Bedrooms are known as i-SUITES and follow the minimalist design found throughout.

Made famous by Rimini’s own Federico Fellini, who used the building in his films, the Grand Hotel is also sought after as a five-star residence with an exclusive area of private beach across the road. It opened at the turn of the 20th century, but experienced damage during the war and due to a major fire, resulting in major refurbishments. Fortunately many original features including incredible stuccoed ceilings have survived and the property contains beautiful antique furniture. It has 121 bedrooms, a restaurant with an open-air terrace, a beachside eatery,  a seasonal kids’ club, a beach splash pool, as well as further pools on the terrace and in the spa.

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.

Perched on a quiet hilltop surrounded by lemon and pine trees, the elevated views enjoyed by this property are quite something. The pool, terrace and La Veranda dei Sapori restaurant take full advantage of this vista, allowing guests to watch the glamorous marine activity below. A second restaurant, Franco’s, also overlooks the bay and serves cuisine crafted from ingredients grown in the onsite kitchen gardens, while a piano bar on the roof terrace provides a magical backdrop for sampling cocktails under the stars. All rooms have their own balcony, overlooking either the lush gardens or the sea.

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.

Housed in a 17th-century deep red watchtower located on a leafy coastal track above the bay, the Mezzatorre is now a sophisticated retreat. It was once used to look out for pirates, retaining super thick walls, vaulted ceilings and epic sea views. One of the towers is home to the restaurant, where a coastal theme continues with the catch of the day being cooked simply and perfectly. A further restaurant is found beside the pool with great tunes and superb pasta. Making use of the plot’s own thermal springs, the spa comprises pools of mineral-rich water and seawater, hot Kneipp pools, a steam room and treatment rooms.

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, the interior of ROMEO Napoli forms sleek lines, with modern furnishings. A stunning black marble staircase accents the lobby, and there are antiques and artworks throughout. Up on the ninth-floor rooftop, you’ll find a chic pool and bar and a restaurant serving traditional Neapolitan cuisine with a contemporary twist. Adding to its designer cred, the property has its own cigar room, an on-show wine cellar and access to the Dogana del Sale spa with a salt room, three jacuzzis, two saunas and seven treatment rooms. Situated on the waterfront, the hotel provides panoramic views from many of its bedrooms.

Close to the Stock Exchange, Toledo Station and the port, the Grand Hotel Oriente offers classic Italian luxury. Its colour palette centres mostly around black and white, creating an airy feel, with pops of muted greys and greens here and there. Book a table in the second-floor restaurant; sit outside beside the glass balcony, or close to the windows to watch the cruise ships arrive and depart in the harbour. And attend a themed evening in the rouge-coloured rooftop Terrace Bar, with tunes around the grand piano and hanging egg chairs on the balcony.

Arrive in Napoli by boat and this is the very first building you see. The noble establishment began welcoming guests at the very start of 1908, having been erected in a record time of ten months. Since then it’s attracted a bohemian and refined set, including many academics and artists. There are 100 bedrooms and 22 suites, decorated with plenty of classical local touches, such as Murano glass lamps, Carrara marbles, crystal chandeliers and silk textiles. The top-floor roof garden is home to Ristorante La Terrazza, plus there’s a cafe for snacks.

Founded in 1882, this Grande Dame occupies a spot on the waterfront overlooking the bay and its namesake. It has been visited by many famous guests over the years, including presidents, royalty, literary legends and actors (Keanu Reeves, Alfred Hitchcock, Claudia Schiffer, Giorgio Armani, Grace Kelly and Luciano Pavarotti to name but a few). Amenities here include a spa, a rooftop terrace, and several fine dining restaurants, such as the iconic Caruso Roof Garden Restaurant on the ninth floor. The Grand Hotel Vesuvio has over 200 guest rooms and suites, with some of the most privileged views in town. 

This is the oldest hotel in the area, having opened in 1870 under the ownership of a wealthy English marine biologist. Its vantage point — on top of a hill in the residential district of Posillipo — provides glittering vistas over the Bay of Naples, Capri and Mount Vesuvius, as enjoyed over the wrought iron balcony on the terrace. Guests staying in the Grand’s 67 bedrooms enjoy Neapolitan tailor-made service, antique furnishings and access to multiple restaurants and bars. Its George Restaurant has a Michelin star, whilst the Villa Matilde offers a Wine Archeology experience.

Found in the Chiaia neighbourhood, De Bonart Naples was originally built in 1870. Chic rooms have crisp white bedding, polished herringbone wood floors, and individual features such as wrought-iron balconies, panelled walls, minimalist four-posters, retro and modern artworks and sea views. Pets and kids are welcome (under 18s are not charged if sharing rooms with adults). And interconnecting and fully accessible bedrooms are available. Dine with gulf views at the glass-walled, rooftop eatery Le Pavillon, at the refined Macphersons, or in the Niq Bar. The hotel also has a boutique and a fitness centre.