Have you heard of Palladian architectural style which gained worldwide popularity over the course of the 16th and 17th centuries? This style was conceived by one man, Andrea Palladio, who spent most of his life in Vicenza, designing buildings for his adopted home town. So the city is awash with incredible Palladian architecture. But why is it so little known? Probably because it’s neighbours with Venice! But Vicenza is well worth the visit. Our options for the best places to stay in Vicenza not only include a converted Palladian palazzo, but also converted villas, charming guesthouses, and even a few purpose built boutique hotels.

Vicenza’s most famous son designed the lion’s share of the main sites, from most of the palazzi along the Corso Andrea Palladio — the main street — to the basilica, the tower, the museum, the theatre, and even the tourist office. Not all of these were designed for purpose, but they’re all incredible testament to one man’s incredible imagination. Even if you’re not staying in one of Palladio’s palazzos, most of the best places to stay in Vicenza have Palladian views.

As well as recommending Vicenza to those with an interest in architecture or Italian art and design, it's also a good destination for those asking after the ’real’ Italy. In addition to perusing the Vicenza’s architectural riches, there are numerous wonderful villas on the outskirts of town. While not all of them have been designed by Palladio, he’s certainly been prolific, and has inspired his contemporaries too.

Although many tourists just pop by for a day trip, why not stay a little longer? Book in to one of the best placest to stay in Vicenza and be prepared to be dazzled by the stunning buildings everywhere you look.

The Best Places to Stay in Vicenza

For Palazzo Living

• The Palazzo Valmarana Braga has been broken up into seven guest apartments, stylishly complete with original frescoes, terrazzo floors, beamed ceilings, parquet, stone tiles, pillars and sculptures. The furnishings are simple, but in keeping with the historic property’s gravitas, and there are some impressively solid antiques amongst them. Yet great modern amenities, and a very family-friendly approach. The location is ideal, within the historic heart of town, and close to numerous shops and restaurants.

For Romantics

• The name ’Glam Boutique Hotel’ is a confident statement of intent, and the designers and staff here are certainly going for it when it comes to glamour and boutique hotel style. The 17 rooms and suites are all uniquely decorated, with boutique hotel stalwarts like parquet floors, elegant antiques and a great range of themes and colour schemes. The hotel cocktail bar is definitely pulling its weight too, and the central location means you’re walking distance from all the main sights and plenty of romantic places to eat and drink.

For Families

• The Hotel Villa Michelangelo is a wonderful villa just outside Vicenza, turned country house style hotel. Durning its conversion, the villa had huge glass panels added, so that some outdoor areas were moved indoors, and lots of luxurious extras inserted, so that there are elegant bars and a restaurant, a beautiful outdoor pool, and a gym. The rooms and suites, 52 of them — in an excellent range of shapes and sizes — have retained original features where they can, and the floors, windows, original beamed ceilings, sash windows, and the occasional fresco, are a wonderful reminder of this building’s heritage. A surprisingly family-friendly and affordable option, and a great escape just outside town.

For Great Value

• Located outside Lanze, a short drive from Vicenza, the Hotel Villa Tacchi is an elegant, 17th century villa surrounded by mature grounds, now converted into a country house hotel. The exterior is somewhat less ornate than Vicenza’s standards, but the interiors have a Baroque style that makes this feel a luxurious choice, despite being so reasonably priced. Expect parquet floors, chandeliers, gilt furniture with bowed legs, and plenty of damask. The restaurant is known for its excellent regional cuisine, and the lake and swimming pool make this a family-popular pick.

Best B&Bs

• Converted from parts of a 15th century Vicenzan home, the B&B Portico Rosso is a charming, four bedroom property, just five minutes stroll from the centre of town. The guest rooms are dressed in an eclectic collection of antiques, accented by the building’s original features. Guests are also welcome to enjoy the sunny garden, hot tub, and cosy lounge.

For a self catering apartment or holiday villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest international airport to Vicenza is Verona Villafranca Airport, which is an hour away by shuttle, about 45 minutes by car, or an hour and a half on the train. Venice’s Marco Polo Airport comes a close second, at about an hour and twenty minutes away by shuttle, 50 minutes by car, or an hour and a half by public transport.
• If you plan to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Vicenza is at its best during the warmer, sunnier months of the Italian summer. It’s not as busy as other parts of Italy, because it’s not as touristy, but it still gets its fair share of extra attention come June, July and August. Vicenza’s architecture is the city’s main draw, and the heritage listed villas are scattered round town, so it’s much more pleasant to visit when the weather is drier. Late spring is a good time to visit, when the wisteria and jasmine spill over the walls as you stroll through town and out to the Villa Valmarana and La Rotonda. Autumn is lovely too, when it’s less humid, and quieter.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in the Veneto region
• Or consider our recommendations for the best places to stay in Venice or Verona
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.