*One of the best countryside hotels in Umbria - Borgo dei Conti*

Best Luxury Hotels In Italy

Italy is one of those destinations that everyone loves. My sister-in-law’s wedding took place in Italy’s Umbria region this summer, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to extend our trip and visit my Virtuoso partners across Italy. From Renaissance masterpieces and centuries-old architecture to fresh pasta, local wines, and charming piazzas, every region has its own unique personality. We were excited to spend two weeks traveling around and experiencing the different sides of Italy.

With thousands of properties to choose from, finding the right place to stay can quickly become overwhelming. The best stay isn’t always the most famous or the most expensive. It’s the one that matches the kind of experience you want to have.

After staying in and touring some of the luxury properties of Italy, I’ve created this Italy hotel guide to help you narrow down the options. These are the luxury Italian hotels that stood out because of their character and ability to capture the unique destination. Whether this is your first trip to Italy or you’re returning, these are just some of the hotels I’ll be recommending to my clients. Plus, by booking through me, you’ll receive all our exclusive benefits like included breakfast, room upgrades, and hotel credits.

What To Expect From Hotels In Italy

*A historic Italian hotel outside the city center of Florence - Villa Cora*

European hotels can be a bit of an adjustment for American travelers. Old, historic buildings come with their charm, but also come with a few quirks.

The Hotel Is A Work Of Art

The original architecture of historic buildings creates an impressive atmosphere for hotels. High archways, decorative ceilings, dangling chandeliers, and lush furnishings elevate the space. With intricate details and nods to the artistic style of the region, Italian hotels are masterpieces.

Size & Layout

Built into an existing space, the size and layout of your suite may be a little unusual. In America, we’re used to large, uniform hotel rooms, but that’s not always the case in Europe. Your suite will have character, and with my help, we can find the right space for you. All of the hotel recommendations below were spacious and comfortable.

Air Conditioning in Europe

Air conditioning is not common across Europe. You should never assume your accommodation will include air conditioning; however, when you book a luxury hotel, your chances of getting an AC unit increase greatly. I prioritize finding hotels with AC for my clients and will always call out if it’s included. That said, it still won’t be as effective as what we are used to in the US. Your room will be cool, but never cold in the heat of summer. Another way I help you stay cool is to request that your room not be on the top floor, as heat rises.

Where To Stay In Venice

The famous floating city of Italy. Venice is a collection of more than 100 islands connected by canals. Tourists love walking over the bridges, seeing boats bobbing in the waterways as the summer sun beats down on the red-roofed buildings. Water taxis, boat tours, and gondolas offer transportation to take in the Venetian Gothic architecture from the canals. While this city is lovely during the day, the true beauty comes out in the evening, when the sun sets over the water, drenching the city in vibrant oranges and pinks. The light reflects off the canals to create a magical effect. Grab a spritz and enjoy the show.

Ca’di Dio – Top Pick

*Ca’di Dio - has the best hotel courtyard in Venice*

We pulled up by boat and were greeted with a refreshing Bellini by the loveliest staff. We felt at home instantly.

Ca’di Dio, translating to “house of God”, was originally a monastery. You can hear the bells of the cathedral ring out from your room. The contemporary design has a strong sense of place, and you’ll feel the Venetian connection. With larger rooms and lounge spaces, it’s a good option for families.

The courtyard oasis was our favorite feature of Cia’ di Dio. The courtyard bar has an original cocktail menu with a selection of spritz options you won’t find elsewhere and was the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks.

This hotel has an excellent breakfast spread complete with decadent local pastries and fresh juice mimosas. When you’re on vacation, it’s okay to have dessert and a cocktail for breakfast.

Located a 20-minute walk from San Marco, the heart of Venice, it’s a great location for escaping the crowds. That walk in the summer sun may feel a little far for some travelers, but the tranquility of the hotel is worth it.

As a travel advisor, I interact with a lot of hotel teams, but the staff at Ca’di Dio really stood out. Across the board, they were warm, personal, and helpful. By our second morning, the breakfast team knew us by name, and the front desk staff was happy to answer any questions.

The combination of friendly staff and luxury design made this hotel a clear standout stay from our trip.

Where To Stay In Florence

Florence is at the center of art and architecture. This historic city is the birthplace of the Renaissance and houses stunning landmarks such as the iconic Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo). With countless museums, tourists can expect to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David as well as many other historically significant pieces of art.

Villa Cora (LHW)

This impressive villa is overflowing with extravagant details: gold trim, red velvet, intricate crown molding, marble statues, hand-painted details, chandeliers, and antiques adorn every room. Suites can vary widely in style and layout, so we’ll work together with the local team to match you to your perfect room type.

Our room had glass doors across from our bed so we could wake up and be greeted by the Italian vistas. We really enjoyed seeing Florence through these doors at different times of the day.

And, when a European heatwave hits, you’ll be so happy to stay at a hotel with a pool. This feature is a rarity in Florence, and we got our use out of it. It was great to retreat to the pool in the afternoons for a quick dip.

Villa Cora also has a private rooftop that offers sunset views over Florence. It’s much quieter than fighting with the crowds at Piazzale Michelangelo.

The Place Firenze

Our other favorite hotel from Florence was The Place Firenze, located in Piazza Santa Maria Novella.

Overlooking a historic Renaissance square, this hotel is centrally located without being in an overly crowded area. The Place Firenze was recently renovated, and the new design is colorful and incorporates many Florentine-made products. There are lots of public spaces to debrief from the day, and it truly feels like arriving back to your home as opposed to a hotel. A huge emphasis is placed on service and your stay will always feel personalized.

The highlight here is the restaurant. The food and the service were outstanding. The dining experience combines Florentine flavors with a touch of theatre, making it a lovely addition to your Italy itinerary. Even non-hotel guests choose to dine here.

Where To Stay In Tuscany & Umbria

Escape the crowded cities and head into the Italian countryside. Tuscany’s rolling hills are covered in wine and olive vineyards. The region is also blanketed in fields of sunflowers during the summer months. While Umbria’s quiet medieval charm enchants visitors. Many of the wineries in these regions have been family-owned for more than 100 years. Tuscany and Umbria offer more authentic dining experiences with food made from the local farms and approved by Nonna.

Borgo dei Conti (Relais & Château) – Top Pick

*Borgo dei Conti - a luxury hotel in Umbria combines the history of the estate with modern amenities.*

Borgo dei Conti is a tranquil retreat nestled in the Umbrian countryside. With lots of greenery and lounge spaces, this resort is so peaceful compared to the hotels of Rome or Florence. To preserve the peace, remoteness, and sense of history, management made the deliberate decision not to play music anywhere on the property. You can really be present in the space.

This was a favorite of ours for a few reasons. Borgo dei Conti perfectly blends old and new to create a stunning resort. The suites are spacious, bright, and have a good mix of modern amenities with nods to the Umbria region. The expansive closet space makes it so you can really unpack and feel settled. The common areas, views, and outdoor spaces were thoughtfully designed. Everything really was perfect.

The hotel staff was lovely. They welcomed us with champagne and pastries in our room and continued with special extras throughout our stay. We really enjoyed chatting with the bartender over sunset cocktails.

We wish we had spent more time here. You could really make this resort your home base for an Italy itinerary. Enjoy all the amenities on site and do day trips from there for a countryside stay that feels more off-the-beaten-path.

Il Borro (Relais & Château)

Il Borro is located in a charming medieval village that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Whether you choose to stay in the quaint suites of the village or one of the stunning villas, you’re always surrounded by peace with plenty to do.

The village has artisan shops to explore, and there are many vineyards in the area to visit. Semnoloni Winery was a favorite of ours. This small, family-owned vineyard keeps its tastings small, so you get a very personal experience. We sampled wine, honey, olive oil, meats, and cheeses. It was one of the best tastings we’ve ever done.

Il Borro has its own impressive wine cellar that is worth taking a tour through. The property also has two pools and a lovely patio for outdoor dining. The restaurant is very intentional with using products from the on-site farm. Il Borro has over 300 sheep that supply the cheese served at the restaurant. They brought in a cheesemaker from Sicily with over 40 years of experience. The farm also has 52 beehives to help pollinate and produce honey. Beyond the farm, Il Borro protects over 500 acres of woodlands to ensure the land stays healthy for years to come.

Important to note that the historic buildings of Il Borro are not very accessible for guests with mobility issues. Reach out to me directly to discover hotels better equipped for accessibility.

Where To Stay In Rome

A first-time trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Rome. The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon are just a few of the iconic landmarks that make Rome beloved by many. It’s a great farewell stop for one last gelato, spritz, and pizza before flying home. While Rome sees its fair share of tourists during the summer, there are ways to avoid the crowds. I always help my clients seamlessly blend the touristy must-sees with more off-the-beaten-track moments to make traveling during peak season enjoyable.

Antico Albergo del Sole Pantheon

*The view from our terrace outside the Pantheon*

The star of the show here was the view. Our duplex suite overlooked Pantheon Square and provided our nightly entertainment. With a glass of wine in hand, we sat out on the terrace and watched the people down below. We even got a private opera concert by one of the street performers. It really is an unbeatable location for staying in Rome.

Antico Albergo del Sole Pantheon has been under renovation and just recently reopened. The upstairs rooms can run warm during the summer heat, but the staff will try their best to keep you cool, and the views, in my opinion, were completely worth it. Or opt for one of the lower levels to beat the heat completely!

The staff here was absolutely lovely - always greeted with a smile and ensured we had a comfortable stay. I would also consider staying here pre/post cruise for a quick few nights.

Finding The Best Stay In Italy

Choosing where to stay can shape your entire Italy experience. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful countryside retreat or a city centre hub, there’s no shortage of incredible options with exceptional service. These hotels are just a very small sampling of what’s available, and there truly is something for everyone.

After personally staying at these hotels and building relationships with their teams, I can confidently match my clients with the properties that best fit their travel style. Those firsthand connections also mean access to perks at many hotels, including room upgrades when available, complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late check-out when available, and a $100 credit to use at hotel amenities.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, I’d love to help you create an itinerary that’s thoughtfully designed around you. From selecting the perfect hotels to arranging unique experiences in the region, I’ll make the planning process simple so you can focus on enjoying la dolce vita.

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