Best Luxury Hotels in Italy

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Guests who choose to stay in one of the nineteen suites set in the large gardens of this luxurious hotel will be treated to plenty of privacy as well as the best that travel has to offer. Each suite is decorated in a unique style and comes complete with a stunning coastal view as well as a huge fireplace, a marble floor and magnificent frescoed ceiling. Lovers of fine dining will want to make sure that they sample a meal or two in the onsite restaurant where a Michelin star chef creates masterpieces in the kitchen, while the swimming pool is set in the large central courtyard and offers pure relaxation.

The enchanting clifftop setting of the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa provides guests with stunning panoramic views of the ocean as well as the charming village of Conca dei Marini. Every aspect of the building and grounds speak of elegance and luxury, from the stunning guest rooms and suites to the fabulous terraced gardens with their heated infinity pool that appears to be suspended over the ocean far below. The outdoor gym also provides guests with impressive views while they work up an appetite for the range of delicious dishes that are served either on the dining terrace or bar terrace, while enjoying complimentary afternoon tea on the bar terrace while soaking up the ocean views is a decadent experience that should not be missed.

Anyone who has ever fantasised about staying in a 13th-century monastery while gazing at stunning ocean and harbour views is sure to love staying at the Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel. The hotel was established in 1885 and quickly became one of the best places to stay in Almalfi as it flawlessly combines traditional style with luxurious touches. The hotel boasts seven floors along with the original church and cloister, while the Monks’ Walk has been transformed into a stunning terrace. Guests will love wandering through the lemon groves and unwinding in the gardens, while the pool provides a pleasant place to sit around and soak up the sun.

Situated on the edge of Almalfi, the Santa Caterina Hotel features charming terraces and gardens that lead the way down to the crystal clear waters of the ocean below. While the hotel boasts all of the create comforts and luxurious touches that guests would expect from an establishment of this calibre, there are also plenty of surprises in store. Riding down the cliff in the glass lift is a delight for the senses and serves as a unique introduction to the intense natural beauty that surrounds the hotel, while the pool bar and swimming pool are cut into the cliff face and are ideal places to unwind in style. People who enjoy messing about in the water can also enjoy a magical boat ride along the coast before returning to their hotel in time to enjoy a delicious dinner created from fresh local ingredients.

This enchanting hotel commands an impressive position on a hilltop in Ravello and guests are treated to stunning views across the Bay of Salerno. This magnificent building was established in the 11th century palazzo and offers guests a romantic atmosphere complete with traditional Italian décor and plenty of charm. The hotel pool with its infinity edge is world class, while guests are also treated to a number of excellent bars and restaurants to choose from, a luxurious spa and fifty different spacious rooms and suites, while walking along the coast as the sun slowly sinks behind the horizon is a popular activity among couples. This family run hotel takes pride in providing guests with personal touches to help make their stay truly special.

Boasting all the opulence and luxury of a top-of-the-range city apartment, this collection of catalogue-perfect suites is ideal for people who are planning a longer trip to Verona and want to experience the best that modern city living has to offer. The suites can be found in the very heart of the city and each one has plenty of space while offering guests all of the luxury and lavishness that they could possibly wish for including stunning views from the picture windows and classic marble bathrooms with walk-in showers.

Conveniently located close to a large number of iconic attractions, Il Relais boasts plenty of style and sophistication. Guests are able to admire the impressive collection of antique furniture and other items that are well-appointed throughout the hotel and they are invited to touch as well as look. There are just four rooms for guests to choose from which provides a very intimate and luxurious feel and each room is very large and boasts a bathroom created from the dark pink marble that this part of the world is famous for. Guests will want to make sure that they take the opportunity to dine in the hotel’s celebrated restaurant, which attracts lovers of classic Veronese cuisine from all over the city and beyond.