Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Champagne on the terrace, private gardens, glittering chandeliers and spectacular views across some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. When it comes to the high life, Italy knows exactly how to do it.
And it seems travellers can’t get enough. Overnight stays in the country’s five-star hotels have rocketed by 111.1 per cent since 2008, dwarfing the 14.5 per cent increase recorded across the wider hotel sector.
Luxury hotels generated a staggering €10.4billion (£8.7billion) in direct tourist spending last year alone – 17.3 per cent of the entire sector.
But while Italy’s most exclusive retreats might be playgrounds for the rich and famous, enjoying a slice of la dolce vita needn’t cost a fortune.
From George Clooney’s glamorous Lake Como haunts to historic Roman palaces and chic Venetian hideaways, here are the Italian hotels worth knowing about – including some where you can stay for less than £150 a night.
THE MOST LUXURIOUS…
Passalacqua, Lake Como
Passalacqua, one of Lake Como’s top hotels, is a favourite among celebrities
The star-studded guest list at Passalacqua, one of Lake Como’s top hotels, has shown no signs of dropping its luxury label, exchanging historic politicians Sir Winston Churchill and Napoleon for the equally glamorous modern-day household names of George Clooney, Keeley Hawes, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Charlie Puth, Sofia Coppola and John Legend.
Every inch the aristocrat’s paradise, it has 24 guest rooms, surrounded by seven acres of landscaped gardens.
Interiors ooze with silk, extravagant chandeliers, marble, Murano candelabras and mirrors, one-of-a-kind antiques and historic artworks.
A pool is set on a garden terrace with lake views, and is moments from the hotel’s Winter Garden, a former greenhouse-turned-bar.
Forget a golf cart to get from place to place – a vintage orange Fiat 500 transports guests around the property.
Orient Express La Minerva, Rome
For glamour and luxury, head to Orient Express La Minerva
Orient Express La Minerva is an enchanting spot located in Rome, Italy.
The 17th-century palace is adorned with Roman columns, sculptures and is beautifully decorated.
Meticulously restored by award-winning artist-architect Hugo Toro, the hotel blends Rome’s heritage with new sophistication, offering guests an authentically Roman experience.
Each room is an homage to the golden age of travel, featuring bespoke bedside trunks, rich wooden detailing reminiscent of the legendary carriages, and luxurious bedding crafted by Rivolta Carmignani, the same linens once gracing Orient Express sleeper cars.
Corinthia Rome, Rome
Next up is the Corinthia Rome, a new offering from the popular hotel chain
On the historic Piazza del Parlamento, Corinthia Rome opened its doors in March this year to much fanfare.
The former Bank of Italy has been reimagined as a hotel, retaining its monumental structure and original 1920s frescoes.
Located in the neighbourhood of Campo Marzio, moments from the Pantheon, Roman Forum and Spanish Steps, it’s a great place to stay in the heart of Rome.
Four Seasons Firenze, Florence
Four Seasons Firenze is a natural oasis in the heart of Florence
The 11‑acre Giardino della Gherardesca on the grounds of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is one of the largest private gardens in Florence – making it an oasis in the heart of one of Italy’s best cities for an art- and culture-fuelled weekend away.
The hotel blends Renaissance grandeur with authentic Italian hospitality, and last year reopened its Palazzo del Nero, an intimate historic palace pairing with Palazzo della Gherardesca inside the hotel.
Within its walls, Onde, a glamorous seafood osteria, and Bar Berni, a vermouth-inspired cocktail bar, are top choices for a classy night out.
Forestis, Dolomites
Forestis in the Dolomites is an uber-luxury mountain retreat
Built on the site of a 1900s sanatorium, Forestis Dolomites is a luxury wellness hotel in the Italian Alps (South Tyrol).
The hotel offers stunning panoramic views, biophilic architecture, Celtic wellness rituals and intricate ‘forest cuisine’.
After hiking or skiing in the Plose mountains, guests can recharge over a tasting menu in the amphitheatre restaurant as the sun sets with all the drama of Mount Doom.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento
Guests can unwind with a balcony view from the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, Italy, which is a five-star luxury hotel
Perched on a cliff with views of the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria offers classic elegance, exceptional service, and lush gardens with a pool and spa.
Run by the same family since 1834, it blends opulent interiors with modern amenities, attracting famous guests.
It serves as an iconic base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, known for its Michelin-starred dining and tranquil escape from the busy town.
Castelfalfi, Tuscany
Castelfalfi in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, is set on a historic 2,700-acre organic estate
Strategically located between Pisa, Florence and Siena, Castelfalfi is a sprawling, luxury Tuscan resort and a perfect base for exploring the region.
Set on a historic 2,700-acre organic estate, Castelfalfi blends its medieval setting with modern amenities.
It was ranked the number one resort in Italy in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025.
Pensione America – The Leading Hotels of the World, Forte dei Marmi
Joining the list of Italian properties is Pensione America
Originally built in 1899, Pensione America is now a luxury, adults-only retreat.
Property highlights include an exclusive beach club, swimming pool and spa.
One visitor wrote: ‘Best hotel in Forte dei Marmi! If Hemingway was still alive, this is the kind of place he’d stay during his holiday to write, eat and drink… I spent three nights there, today was my last day and I already can’t wait to plan my next holiday at Pensione America.’
… AND THE MORE BUDGET-FRIENDLY
The Hoxton, Rome
Up next on the budget-friendly list is The Hoxton in Rome
Rome’s The Hoxton offers 192 bedrooms, a coffee bar and takeaway counter, as well as an airy restaurant and a beautiful outdoor terrace – perfect for your next stay.
It’s situated in a neighbourhood filled with parks, cultural highlights such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and plenty of shopping options.
On-site restaurant Elio serves up delightful Italian food with a relaxed approach – you can even book onto a two-hour immersive masterclass experience into the art of Italian mixology.
Borgo Antichi Orti, Assisi
The hotel Borgo Antichi Orti overlooks the Umbrian countryside
Borgo Antichi Orti is situated right at the foot of the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.
The restored retreat has deep historical roots dating back to 1444, having been founded as a small Benedictine monastery. It’s easy to see why this was once a place of retreat and refuge.
Rustic wooden beams on the ceiling and authentic hardwood floors decorate the interiors, creating a true slice of la dolce vita.
Palazzo Santo Spirito, Bergamo
For modern style and a calm getaway, try Palazzo Santo Spirito in Bergamo
Palazzo Santo Spirito in Bergamo is a budget-friendly getaway housed in the complex of a former convent dating back to 1309.
Rooms are comfortable and the courtyard is pretty but the main event? That’s the spa.
For just €20 (£16.70) per person, you can access the Finnish sauna, Turkish bath and pool (with a maximum of just eight guests).
Hotel Shangri-La Roma by OMNIA hotels, Rome
Up next is Hotel Shangri-La Roma by OMNIA hotels
Nestled in greenery, the hotel is located between Rome’s ‘Colosseo Quadrato’ and the magnificent ‘Palazzo dei Congressi’.
The hotel might not be right in the centre of the city but that’s what helps keep costs low.
‘The property is beautiful, with a peaceful atmosphere that made mornings feel calm and special,’ said one recent guest. ‘Our room was beautiful, clean, and had its own balcony – a real bonus.’
Hotel Milu, Florence
In Florence, opt for accommodation at Hotel Milu
Hotel Milu Florence offers a more intimate, gallery-like approach to hospitality.
Set within a 14th-century palazzo on Via de’ Tornabuoni, the 22-room boutique property has been conceived as a living gallery, where curated contemporary artworks sit alongside original Florentine architectural details.
The hotel appeals to travellers drawn to aesthetics, art and understated design, combining bespoke Italian furnishings with calm, thoughtfully curated interiors – moments away from the city’s key cultural landmarks, cafés, boutiques and museums.
Hotel Da Bruno, Venice
Few Venice hotels can compete on price and location like Hotel Da Bruno
Venice is known for being exorbitant – so when you find a hotel that’s genuinely great value here, you’ll want to bookmark it.
Hotel Da Bruno might not be the most aesthetic spot on this list, but it’s incredible for location and value, with rooms right in the heart of Venice and for less than £100 a night.
One visitor commented: ‘The location was absolutely ideal. Situated between the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square, we were within easy walking distance of Venice’s most famous attractions while still feeling tucked away from the busiest crowds. It made exploring the city incredibly convenient.’
Hotel NH Collection Milano CityLife, Milan
The rooftop pool is a huge part of the appeal at Hotel NH Collection Milano CityLife
Fashionistas, listen up – if you want a city break in Milan, book a budget-friendly stay at the Hotel NH Collection Milano CityLife.
Housed in an old church which has been preserved and redesigned, it also boasts a rooftop pool and bar.
It has 185 guest rooms and suites decorated in a modern style.
Hotel Antigo Trovatore, Venice
Rounding out the list is Hotel Antigo Trovatore, Venice
Hotel Antigo Trovatore provides central, comfortable accommodation at the lowest price on this list.
‘The hotel is in a very good location. The staff were really kind and helpful at all times,’ said one visitor.
Another wrote: ‘Cosy hotel with an excellent location close to Piazza San Marco. The balcony was a huge bonus and part of the reason we went for this hotel.’
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
