Top 10 Italy Hotels & Resorts (free guide)

If you're looking for a gorgeous seaside destination on the Italian Riviera, book a stay at Hotel Porto Roca, in Cinque Terre. This hotel is a strategic location to enjoy Cinque Terre: hikes, boat tours, wine tastings, delicious meals, and seaside lounging. Located in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of Cinque Terre's five villages, but conveniently away from the crowds, just 200m up from the city center. Each room is designed to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. Most feature balconies that offer panoramic views of Monterosso bay, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters below. Guests can start their day with a lovely buffet breakfast included in their stay, setting the tone for a day of relaxation and indulgence. The hotel boasts a beautiful pool where guests can unwind while soaking in the views of the coastline. For a culinary experience to remember, guests can dine at the outdoor panoramic restaurant, La Terrazza. Additionally, Hotel Porto Roca offers two bars – the Lobby Bar and Pool Bar – where guests can enjoy refreshing beverages and cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere. For those looking to explore the stunning surroundings, the hotel provides direct access to the BlueTrail, allowing guests to embark on scenic hikes along the Cinque Terre coastline. Moreover, the hotel offers a 24-hour complimentary shuttle service to the historic center and the beach, ensuring convenient access to nearby attractions for up to three guests at a time. Top 3 activities nearby: - explore the Cinque Terre by train or hike; - wine tasting and meal at Agriturismo Ristorante Buranco; - sunset boat tour (link below). This is where I stay with my own guests during my group tours to Cinque Terre.

This charming boutique hotel is located in a former private villa in loved-by-locals Piazza d'Azeglio square, in the more residential Sant'Ambrogio neighborhood of Florence's city center, secured away from the bigger crowds. The rooms at Hotel Regency are tastefully decorated, offering a blend of traditional Italian charm and contemporary amenities to cater to your every need. Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the culinary offerings at the hotel's fine dining restaurant, where talented local chefs prepare mouthwatering Tuscan dishes using the freshest local ingredients. And don't miss the opportunity to unwind in the hotel's private garden! Hotel Regency is a great spot to base your Florence vacation: close to the action and far from the crowds. Top 3 activities nearby: - explore Sant'Ambrogio's food market with a local guide (yours truly, or @RomiTheFoodie); - pasta cooking class (link below); - climb Brunelleschi's world-famous dome.

La Darsena is a gorgeous, family-run boutique hotel set directly on the shores of Lake Como, and the perfect location to base a luxe, lake-side vacation. The more famous villages of Lake Como are gorgeous but oh so crowded. Staying here in Tremezzo will offer you the opportunity to visit them without the all-day overwhelm of all the visitors you'll encounter there. This hotel features a gourmet restaurant, and rooms with hardwood floors, air-conditioning, colorful décor, satellite flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar. The property boasts a private dock, which adds a touch of exclusivity to your stay. Here, guests have the opportunity to book private boat tours aboard luxury taxi boats, cruising the crystal-clear waters of the lake in style and comfort. Top 3 activities: - catch a ferry or book a private taxi to explore the nearby villages of Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna; - visit the stunning Villa Carlotta Gardens; - swim in Lake Como from the park next-door, Parco Civico Teresio Olivelli. This is where I stay with my own guests during my group tours of Lake Como.

If you're seeking an exclusive Italian summer vacation away from the crowds, Hotel Villa Domizia is the place for you. Situated near Porto Santo Stefano, part of the Monte Argentario peninsula in Tuscany, this four-star hotel offers a stunning view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and provides guests with a refined, relaxing atmosphere. It features direct access to the sea, a swimming pool and pool bar, and an award-winning restaurant, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking both luxury and a scenic coastal experience. Top 3 activities nearby: - visit Porto Santo Stefano to shop and dine; - unique fishing experience with Paolo Fanciulli the fisherman in nearby Talamone; - bathe in Saturnia's natural hot springs. This is where I stay with my own guests during our Southern Tuscany group tours.

Lucca, Tuscany is one of the last-standing, fortified Medieval cities of Italy, and a strategic spot to base yourself while exploring Tuscany's most famous destinations, without getting overwhelmed by the crowds of the more famous cities. And, if you're looking for a blend of modern comfort within a historical setting, Palazzo Dipinto offers just that. Overlooking the picturesque Piazza del Palazzo Dipinto, this ancient 13th-century palazzo was transformed in 2017 into a stunning 4-star Superior Boutique Hotel. An additional wing, completed in 2023, has expanded its offerings, primarily featuring suites and triples. With 22 rooms—ranging from classic, superior, and deluxe rooms to suites and junior suites—the hotel caters to a variety of preferences. Each room is beautifully designed, blending historical charm with contemporary elegance, and features 100% Italian-made wooden parquet floors and top design brand furnishings. Many rooms can accommodate extra beds, making it ideal for families as well. Palazzo Dipinto provides excellent service, with a 24-hour reception ready to assist with every need, from airport transfers to organizing tours, guided visits, and bike rentals. They even offer a private garage for your convenience. The breakfast spread is delightful, and throughout the day, guests can enjoy water and cantucci in the lobby. The hotel’s location in the historic center of Lucca is perfect for exploring on foot, with easy access to the city’s monuments, shopping streets, and famous ancient walls. Top 3 activities nearby: - rent a bike and ride on top of Lucca's Medieval walls; - day trips to major art cities like Florence and Pisa, which you can easily reach by car or train; - wine tastings in the nearby Garfagnana hills, or in Chianti. This is where I stay with my guests during our Northern Tuscany tours.

Pensione di Vignamaggio is a charming boutique hotel nestled in the picturesque village of Panzano, located in the heart of the renowned Chianti Classico region in Tuscany. Its front door opens onto Panzano's main square, while the rest of the building faces the gorgeous surrounding hills, lined with vineyards and olive groves. The Pensione di Vignamaggio is housed in a historic building that exudes rustic elegance and traditional charm. Guests are welcomed with warm hospitality and attentive service, ensuring a memorable stay from the moment they arrive. The Pensione also boasts a range of amenities to enhance guests' stay, including a private swimming pool, a lush garden, and a charming patio where guests can enjoy breakfast al fresco or a glass of the Pensione's very own red wine, produced in the surrounding vineyards. One of the highlights of staying at Pensione di Vignamaggio is its proximity to numerous attractions and activities. Guests can explore the historic village of Panzano, renowned for its medieval architecture, artisanal shops, and quaint cafes. Wine enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to visit nearby wineries for tastings and tours, experiencing firsthand the world-class wines that the Chianti Classico region is famous for. Take note that every Sunday morning the square across from the hotel hosts a cute, local market that you won't want to miss. Top 3 activities: - dine at world-famous Dario Cecchini's butcher shop; - Chianti Classico wine tasting at Le Fonti or Il Mulino di Grace; - cooking class at B&B Rosso del Chianti (linked below).

If you’re a frequent traveler to Italy and have already explored the major sites, you might now be seeking to get off the beaten path and escape the crowds. Even in 2025, the year of the Jubilee, which will draw countless visitors to Rome and other popular destinations, this is entirely possible. Le Marche is the perfect region for you—one of Italy’s lesser-known gems, celebrated for its rolling hills and beautiful beaches. Le Case is a charming countryside resort nestled in the serene countryside, just a 10-minute drive from Macerata, the capital of Marche, and only 30 minutes from the nearest beach town. This resort offers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle, providing a peaceful oasis where you can slow down and fully relax. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Sibillini Mountains and gently rolling hills that lead to the sea, it’s perfect whether you’re seeking an active holiday or a tranquil wellness retreat. Le Case features 19 exquisitely furnished rooms, each decorated with antique furniture and modern comforts, along with a romantic stilt-house suite that features a unique hot tub. You can unwind at their Wellness Center, complete with a heated indoor pool, and savor the exceptional cuisine at their on-site restaurant. Each morning, a gourmet breakfast awaits, and for lunch and dinner, you’ll be treated to the creative culinary delights prepared by their skilled chefs. Additionally, Le Case is an organic working farm, producing its own olive oil, jams, tomato sauce, and more. Top 3 activities: - visit Civitanova Marche or the Monte Conero peninsula and spend a day on the beach; - relax at the on-site SPA; - enjoy a performance at Macerata's historical Sferisterio theater.

Set in the heart of Sardinia’s famous Costa Smeralda, Tenuta Pilastru is a boutique resort that provides a serene oasis, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle. The estate's layout, as it stands today, was designed in 2003 by renowned architect Savin Couelle. Spanning 150 hectares of unspoiled land, Tenuta Pilastru invites guests to immerse themselves in the peace and quiet of the countryside. Despite its secluded setting, the resort is just 15 kilometer* from some of the most stunning beaches of the Costa Smeralda, including Capriccioli, Piccolo and Grande Pevero, and Liscia Ruja. These pristine beaches are easily accessible for a day of sun and sea. For those interested in Sardinia’s ancient history, Tenuta Pilastru is only a 5-minute drive from the so-called Tomb of Giants, and from Li Muri necropolis, one of the island’s oldest and most mysterious archaeological sites, dating back 4000 years. Guests at Tenuta Pilastru can indulge in luxurious amenities, such as a spa, swimming pool with a poolside bar, and a gourmet restaurant that serves authentic Sardinian cuisine. The Filigheddu family, along with their dedicated team, ensures that every guest experiences the warmth and authenticity of Sardinian hospitality. Top 3 activites: - sailboat tour of the Maddalena Islands archipelago (link below); - relax at the on-site SPA or lounging by the pool; - enjoy a cooking class on-site. This is where I stay with my own guests during our Sardinian group tours.

If you're seeking a home-away-from-home, with the added benefit of curated and warm hospitality. consider Ricasoli Luxury Apartments by Una Esperienze. Beautiful apartments, centrally located, right in between world-renowned Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's David statue lives, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence's famous "Duomo". Top 3 activities: - visit the Galleria dell'Accademia museum and see Michelangelo's David statue; - climb Brunelleschi's Dome; - pasta cooking class (linked below). A message I received from a dear friend of mine while she was visiting from California in 2021, and who had caught Covid while she was staying in Florence: "The apartment manager has been beyond caring and accommodating. He researched and called me with all potential scenarios. If I am not negative for my travel test, he offered me a discount per each day beyond my planned stay. Has asked me a few times if I need any supplies, or food, etc. He is leaving town but wants me to ask him if I need something so he can make sure his staff does it. 1000 stars rating for sure. Ricasoli UNA Esperienze is the name of the place. 7 gorgeous apartments in one bldg. They have other properties too. If anyone asks you for referral, you can tell them these guys. I am certain they are worthy."

Nestled just around the corner from the picturesque Amalfi Coast, Taverna del Capitano is a delightful, beachside hotel that provides cozy accommodations with traditional Mediterranean décor, breathtaking sea views, and authentic Italian hospitality. This family-run establishment is perfect for travelers seeking both culinary delights and comfortable lodging in the idyllic coastal village of Nerano. Since 1967, the hotel has been a symbol of Campanian culture, paying homage to the region's rich traditions and the bounty of the land and sea. The Michelin-starred restaurant serves exquisite dishes that showcase a perfect balance between local tradition and avant-garde culinary techniques. Located between the lively town of Sorrento and the fashionable Positano, Nerano feels like stepping into a different world. The village, still inhabited by local fishermen who continue to work here every day, is nestled on a promontory overlooking the sea, with olive groves and beautiful gardens stretching up the slopes. It has been a resort destination since Roman times, and it’s believed that the village’s name comes from the villa of Emperor Nero. With just 11 rooms, Taverna del Capitano offers intimate accommodations where most rooms boast a private terrace or balcony with views of the horizon and the two promontories that frame the harbor. Top 3 activities: - dine at the on-site Michelin starred restaurant; - rent a boat and explore the Amalfi coast from a unique point of view; - relax lounging on Nerano's beach.