For travellers
The Most Beautiful Hotels in Italy: 10 Places from the Dolomites to Sicily
Few countries have as many hotels steeped in history as Italy. Here you can stay in a doge’s palace, a former monastery above a harbour or a villa where noble families once spent their summers. At the same time, the choice is so vast that searching can quickly become overwhelming.
Based on our research, we’ve picked ten of the most beautiful hotels in Italy – ordered from north to south, one per region, so you can also see them as stops on a longer journey. What they all share: they’re truly special, and they’re firmly in the luxury bracket.
In the north: mountains, lakes and lagoon
1. Forestis, South Tyrol
At around 1,800 metres on the Plose mountain above Brixen, Forestis pairs a 1912 building with three modern towers. All 62 suites and rooms face south towards the Odle peaks. Wood, stone and lots of glass bring the forest almost into your room. Ideal if you’re after peace, hiking and a spa.
Best for: couples, hikers, wellness
2. Passalacqua, Lake Como
This villa in Moltrasio dates from 1787 and has been a hotel since 2022, with just 24 suites spread across the main villa, the former stables and suites right by the water. Terraced gardens step down to the lake. If you want to experience Lake Como at its most elegant, this is the place.
Best for: special occasions, garden lovers
3. The Gritti Palace, Venice
In the 16th century, this palace on the Grand Canal was the residence of Doge Andrea Gritti; it has been a hotel since 1895. Later, the art critic John Ruskin lived here while writing about the stones of Venice. From the waterside terrace you look across to the church of Santa Maria della Salute.
Best for: culture, art, romantic city breaks
On the Riviera and in Tuscany
4. Splendido, Portofino
High above Portofino’s harbour stands a building that began life as a 16th-century Benedictine monastery and became a hotel at the start of the 20th century. Between olive trees and terraces, you look down onto the little bay and its colourful houses. Down at the harbour, Splendido Mare is a second, smaller sister property.
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel: Book now*
Best for: couples, sailors, la dolce vita
5. Il Pellicano, Monte Argentario
Since 1965, Il Pellicano has stood on the slopes above the sea near Porto Ercole in southern Tuscany. Rooms are spread between the main house and cottages set in the gardens, many with sea views. Down on the rocks there’s a pool right above the sea, perfect for a sunset aperitivo.
Best for: beach and style, long summer evenings
Rome and the south
6. Hotel Hassler Roma, Rome
At the top of the Spanish Steps, the Hassler is one of Rome’s best-known addresses and has been run by the Wirth family for decades. From the upper floors and the rooftop restaurant you look out over the city’s rooftops and domes. Via Condotti and Piazza di Spagna are right on the doorstep.
Best for: first-time visitors to Rome, shopping, culture
7. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento
Owned by the Fiorentino family since 1834, this grand hotel sits on Sorrento’s cliffs looking across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius, surrounded by a park of citrus trees. Past guests are said to include Richard Wagner and Oscar Wilde. From Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast are all within easy reach.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria: Book now*
Best for: families, day trips, classic grand-hotel atmosphere
8. Le Sirenuse, Positano
In 1951, the Sersale siblings opened their summer villa in Positano to guests – and the family still runs it today. Its red façade, its terraces and the view over the colourful houses down to the sea make it one of the most famous hotels on the Amalfi Coast.
Best for: honeymoons, photography, that classic Amalfi feeling
9. Borgo Egnazia, Puglia
In Savelletri di Fasano, Borgo Egnazia was built from local limestone to look like a traditional Apulian village. Alongside the masseria at its heart, there are houses in the “village” and villas, plus a large spa, golf and a private beach. The resort also made headlines as host of the 2024 G7 summit.
Best for: families, longer stays, spa
10. Villa Igiea, Palermo
By the sea, just minutes from central Palermo, stands this Art Nouveau palace designed by architect Ernesto Basile for the Florio family of entrepreneurs. A hotel since 1900, it now belongs to Rocco Forte after an extensive restoration. Don’t miss the Sala Basile with its Art Nouveau murals.
Best for: culture and sea, Sicily road trips
Tips for your dream-hotel trip to Italy
- Check the season: many coastal and lakeside hotels only open from around spring to autumn. Check opening dates before you plan.
- Book early: for the summer months, the best-known hotels are often booked up many months ahead.
- Choose your room category carefully: sea or lake views aren’t always included – but they’re often worth it.
- Travel by train: Rome, Venice and many other destinations are easy to reach by rail. Find out about new routes in our article on train travel in Europe 2027.
- Travel off-peak: May, June and September are usually more pleasant – and often cheaper – than high summer.
Conclusion: Italy in ten hotels
From the Dolomites to Palermo, these ten hotels show just how varied Italy is: mountain air at Forestis, lake views at Passalacqua, history at the Gritti Palace, la dolce vita in Portofino and Positano. Choose the region that suits your trip – there’s a dream hotel everywhere.
For more help choosing a hotel, read our guide on how to find the perfect hotel. See whole hotels on video in our hotel tours. And if you know a hotel in Italy we should visit, recommend it to us.
Sources
- Travel4News: Forestis – new five-star hideaway with 62 suites in South Tyrol (German)
- Falstaff: The Passalacqua on Lake Como
- Wikipedia: Palazzo Pisani Gritti, Belmond Hotel Splendido and Villa Igiea
- World's 50 Best Hotels: Hotel Il Pellicano
- Hotel Hassler Roma: History of the hotel
- Leaders Magazine: Guido Fiorentino, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
- Butterfield & Robinson: At Le Sirenuse, it's all in the family
- Sky TG24: Borgo Egnazia – history and owner (Italian)
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