Food, art, architecture, wine, coffee, fashion - Italy does it all extremely well. It is also blessed with stunning natural beauty. Visiting Italy is all about immersing yourself in the Italian spirit of living well. Don't rush around ticking boxes. Ponder, touch, taste and enjoy! The best places to stay in Italy are invested in this spirit of living well. From converted farms in the rolling Tuscan hills ideal for a family escape to chic boutiques on the island of Capri, made for lovers, there's something for everyone here.

Top Spots

The 'Eternal City', Rome has been a place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, both for those journeying to the headquarters of Catholicism and travellers in search of beautiful art and architecture. Rome is home to a number of the world's great museums and art collections, but Rome's collections don't just fill the museums, they also decorate the piazzas and the public spaces. Some of the most incredible relics are the ruins of ancient Rome, the Colosseum, the Forum and the Pantheon.

Naples (the birthplace of pizza) with its incredible bay and views of Vesuvius is and fashionable, beautiful, un-touristy Milan, are two of Italy's other great city break destinations. Naples is vibrant and frenetic rather than elegant and still has an impressive collection of Roman ruins, plus of course, it's close to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Milan, on the other hand, has world-class sights and is also a financial capital.

Then, of course, there's Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and for many the gateway to Tuscany. One of the world's most beautiful cities, Florence is packed with wonderful art and architecture on a grand scale. Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci have helped adorn the piazzas and palaces of Florence. Beyond the beauty of the city is the sunny, terracotta beauty of the Tuscan hills and Siena, Pisa, Montepulciano and San Gimignano.

That's before you consider the natural beauty of the Lakes Region, the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, the Cinque Terre or Capri. And the magic of Venice… It appears that the real challenge of planning your trip to Italy is choosing from too many incredibly promising destinations.

Given that it's constantly a tourist hotspot, so be sure to book ahead if you want to guarantee yourself a room in one of the best places to stay in Italy.

The best places to stay Italy

A Roman Holiday

• Five minutes from the Trevi Fountain, the Villa Spalletti Trivelli is a noble Roman townhouse renovated to perfection. The 12 rooms are classical, tranquil and aristocratic, and you're in a beautiful neighbourhood, surrounded by lush gardens.
• The Hotel Regina is an Art Deco extravaganza on the Via Veneto. One of Rome's original grand dame hotels, this is an opulent spot, but with all the mod. cons.
• Capo d'Africa is a sleek, contemporary hotel with a gorgeous roof terrace directly overlooking the Colosseum. As well as being right in the heart of things, you're staying somewhere with retro style, as well as an excellent gym, restaurant and bar.
• Right beside the Spanish Steps, Crossing Condotti has just six rooms, filled with well chosen Baroque antiques, tasteful art and enormous beds. Central and romantic.
• Mario de Fiori 37 is a collection of sleek and modern self-catering rooms and suites located right near the Spanish Steps. You'll find every comfort and modern gadget you, or your family, might need.

A City Break

• Milan's Straf was declared Italy's most avant-garde hotel when it opened and it's still creating a stir today. Come here to rub shoulders with the fashionistas and designers et al who love the interiors, where rough slate sits alongside burnished brass, iron and concrete.
• Also in Milan, Bulgari is more about understated glamour. Here the emphasis is on chic sophistication. Plus it's the only hotel within the city walls to boast a garden. A sensational spa and great food complete the picture.
• The Palazzo Niccollini al Duomo in Florence is a fabulous property, chock-a-block with original features and furniture, in an unbeatable location. Family owned and run, it's a spectacular residence overlooking the Duomo.
• Also in Florence, the Hotel Savoy is a fine, luxury hotel in the very heart of the centre, close to the Duomo. Styled beautifully by Olga Polizzi, this is a haven of pale and perfect luxury.
• The Grand Hotel Vesuvio is a Naples classic, with immaculate service and luxurious facilities right on the seafront. They also have a private yacht and chauffeur driven Daimler on hand if you need them.
• If you're looking for small and elegant in Naples, try Palazzo Alabardieri, a converted 18th century palazzo in a chic shopping area.

Once in a Lifetime Journey

• The Gritti Palace is a classic grand hotel and our ultimate favourite of the many places to stay in Venice. The former Doge's Palace is traditional with heart-stopping views. Re-opening after a refurbishment which we trust will only have burnished its loveliness.
• The Grand Hotel Parkers has a stunning, hilltop setting above Naples, while inside it's all understated neoclassical elegance with ornate ceilings and glamorous decor. The really special views can be seen from the roof terrace.
• The Grand Hotel et de Milan is a 'grand dame' with bags of luxurious character - think rich fabrics, antiques and fine art on the walls. It is also only a stone's throw from La Scala so ideal for opera buffs.
• Florence's Residenza d’Epoca occupies the upper floors of a private house on the edge of the Piazza della Signoria and there are few rooms with a better view than these ten. Traditional, unfussy decor focused on heritage and comfort, and an excellent breakfast.
• Built in 1517 to be used as a convent, Loggiato dei Serviti is one of the most prestigious historic residences in Florence. Add to this its views across the Piazza SS Annunciata to Brunelleschi's Ospendale deli Innocenti, the charming antiques, rich fabrics and parquet floors.
• A carefully restored 15th century townhouse, L'Antico Pozzo is one of the few places you can stay in San Gimignano itself. It's been romantically decorated with four poster beds, ethereal drapes and wonderful frescoes whilst the views of the town are a one off.
• The Grand Hotel Continental is Siena's grand dame, dripping with priceless antiques and marble galore and boasting sumptuous rooms, floor to ceiling frescoes and an unbeatable location just steps from the Piazza del Campo.
• The Lido Palace on Lake Garda offers five stars worth of wonder right on the shores of the lake and at the foot of the mountains - this really is one of the world's most idyllic settings. Behind the Liberty style facade are sleek, contemporary rooms, an award-winning spa and a Michelin recommended restaurant.
• Il San Pietro di Positano is spectacular. Five stars worth of vaulted-ceilinged, private beach, private balcony, gorgeous infinity pool and sumptuous rooms. And all with a view, of course.
• Hotel Santa Caterina in Amafli is luxury in a stunning spot - with a private beach reached by a glass lift which travels through the cliff face!

For Families

• The Albergo del Senato, just a short stroll of the Pantheon, offers elegant rooms and suites. There's a fabulous roof terrace and a traditional relaxed vibe throughout which, despite the beautiful decor, makes this perfect for families.
• Also in Rome, the Locanda Cairoli is a comfortable, 15 room hotel close to the Piazza Navona. The gardens are beautiful and there's a feeling of sharing a private home rather than staying in a hotel.
• The Villa Rucellai is a charming 18th century villa on the outside Florence, surrounded by its own olive groves and grape vines. Another example of an old family home turned charming B&B, Rucellai has been home to the Rucellai family since 1740. Public areas are grand and homey, while the eleven rooms are simple and comfortable.
• Hotel Laurin, near Salò, is elegant Lake Garda glamour on the outside, and frescoes with Art Deco furniture on the inside - yet it's big enough, modern enough, and has enough of a garden and pool to be ideal for families.
• Villa La Tartana in Positano is perfect if you prefer a small hotel - there are just ten rooms and one family sized apartment, but its proportions are generous, just like the breakfasts served on the terrace.

For Food and wine lovers

• The Locanda di San Francesco is perfect is you want the wonderful flavours of Vino Nobile Montepulciano accompanied by the wonderful flavours of Tuscan food.
• Also near Montepulciano, Podere Dionara is stunning in that square, Tuscan way. This private spot produces its own wine and has a sommelier on hand for either a casual wine tasting or a more structured course.
• Lake Garda has always attracted those for whom money is not a problem, and, if you can afford it, the Villa Feltrinelli is a wonderful place to stay. Converted from a historic house, with superbly restored art and antiques, this house now offers two Michelin-starred dining as well as its serene location.
• The Palazzo Avino oozes 1930s Italian film star glamour. Perched on a cliff overlooking fishing villages and pretty bays on the Amalfi Coast, this hotel is five stars all over, from its Michelin-starred restaurant to the open air gym.

Rural Sunshine

• Located in the hills above San Gimignano, Tuscany, Agriturismo Poggiacolle is a gorgeous farmhouse B&B as well as being a working vineyard and saffron farm. The rooms are 'rustic romantic', and there is an infinity pool and tennis courts, so it's far from basic, but there's plenty of room so it's also great for families.
• The Borgo Scopeto Relais is a chic hotel overlooking Siena. The large garden, with olive trees and oaks offers amazing views, as well as two pools, a spa and tennis courts. The Tuscan restaurant is also a winner.
• The Hotelito Lupaia is a romantic, eccentric and luxurious eight room property in the heart of Montepulciano, with a lovely terrace and pool.

For La Dolce Vita

• The Palazzo Vecchietti is a distinguished 15th century built palazzo right in the heart of Florence. Dante called it 'Paradiso'. Now it's divided into fourteen luxuriously decorated suites and apartments, with lovely details like private terraces, high ceilings and amazing views.
• Palazzo Ravizza in Siena is a 30 room pension which has been in the same family since the 1920s. Just outside the historic centre of town, the hotel is full of old world charm and elegance.
• For a spot of understated luxury in the outskirts of Florence, book a room at the Villa San Michele. Converted from a 15th century monastery, it boasts glorious terraced gardens with breathtaking views over the city and a large pool.
• The Grand Hotel La Medusa is a mini resort with wonderful views over the Gulf of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius.
• Borgo Pignano is a palatial private estate outside San Gimignano. The bedrooms are huge, you take breakfast in a ballroom and there's a private cinema, art and cooking classes, truffling expeditions and regular yoga sessions.
• Locanda San Vigilio, just above Garda and bustling Bardolino, is an elegant and intimate hotel right on Lake Garda. Originally owned by an Italian Count, this grand dwelling has been a hotel for the last 500 years. So it's an extra special and traditionally luxurious place to relax.
• Once a private palace, the Bellevue Syrene in Sorrento has been romantically refurbished so that it's now a palace for many, with rambling terraces, breathtaking views, marble floors, vaulted ceilings, private pools and a private beach.
• Converted from a monastery, there's nothing monastic about Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa now. The views of the Amalfi Coast from its perch on a cliff top are to-die-for and the hotel captures the essence of la dolce vita with the location, understated but immaculate style and incredible spa facilities.

For An Apartment Or Villa

• If you've decided that you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Italy's weather is best in the summer months, with the average daily temperature around 25°C in July. However, the mountainous regions will obviously tend to be cooler than those on the coast.
• If you're here for the skiing then the season generally runs from early December to mid-April, but if you fancy seeing the sights it's best to come from June to September.
• This, however, is peak tourist season, so if you're looking for a quieter and cheaper alternative consider coming in May, September or October.
• There are a huge number of airports in Italy, with most medium to large sized cities having their own. If you're coming from the UK then the vast majority of flights will obviously be direct.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Italy.
• Expand your search to include our recommendations of all the best places to stay in Greece, Croatia or Switzerland.
• Or feel free to contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.