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Hotels

The Best Hotels in Italy 2024: A Guide to Unparalleled Luxury and Charm

Want to experience Italy’s rich history, beautiful landscapes and world-renowned cuisine? Choosing the right place to stay is essential if you’re looking to explore the ancient ruins of Rome. It’s also crucial if you’re looking to soak up the Tuscan sun.

Get ready to discover where your next vacation in Italy begins. Choose from chic resorts or comfortable hotels full of local charm.

Exploring the Italian hotel landscape

From luxury to boutique

Experience the transition from opulent luxury to a charming boutique setting.

Italy offers a wide range of hotel experiences. You can start your trip at luxury hotels that showcase opulence and grandeur. These places often feature large, beautifully decorated rooms and offer high-end amenities. Imagine swimming in rooftop pools that overlook old towns. Plus, imagine dining at chic restaurants right inside the hotel.

On the other hand, boutique hotels offer a different vibe. They are smaller but full of character. Each has a unique theme, reflecting Italian culture and history or even modern art and design. The service here is more personalized. The staff remembers your name and preferences, making you feel right at home.

Various needs of travelers

Accommodations are suitable for single travellers, couples and families.

Italy has something for you, no matter who you’re traveling with or your budget.

  • For single travelers: comfortable but affordable rooms are available.
  • Couples may prefer romantic settings in secluded areas.
  • Families could opt for spacious suites or apartments with kitchen facilities.

Additionally, many Italian hotels are now striving to be inclusive by offering:

  • Accessibility features for people with disabilities
  • Pet-friendly policies so even four-legged family members can enjoy Italy

This inclusiveness ensures that all guests find comfortable accommodation suited to their needs.

The Best Hotels in Italy 2024: A Guide to Unparalleled Luxury and Charm

Geographic diversity

Stay in the heart of ancient cities or amidst serene countryside.

Italy’s geography offers a variety of accommodation options. Imagine waking up in a room overlooking Rome’s Colosseum or Venice’s winding canals. City hotels put you in the middle of history and vibrant city life.

For a change of scenery:

1. The Amalfi Coast resorts offer relaxation in the sun.

2. Alpine lodges in regions like South Tyrol invite you into the
tranquility of snow-covered mountains.

Each region presents its cultural flavors and natural beauty, enriching every stay. Italian hotels offer something for everyone, from luxury to unique boutique experiences.

The best hotels in Italy for different styles

Luxury Resorts

Italy’s luxury resorts are your gateway to pleasure. These places offer world-class spas where you can relax with unique treatments. Fine dining is another highlight, with dishes prepared by top chefs.

Each resort boasts exclusive privileges and unrivaled service. You will feel like royalty during your stay. They are located in iconic locations throughout Italy. They offer breathtaking views.

Boutique hotels

Boutique hotels are perfect for those who prefer a cozy atmosphere. They have fewer rooms, which means you get a more personalized experience. The decor often reflects local art, adding to the charm of these hotels.

Boutique hotels are also found in unconventional locations. This gives you an authentic taste of Italian life outside of the typical tourist spots.

Lakeside Retreats

Imagine starting your day with calm waters and grand mountains in sight. In Italy, staying by the lake means enjoying things like boat rides and fishing. Dining by the water while watching the sunset is a memory you won’t forget.

These retreats offer panoramic views of the water and surrounding landscapes. You will find peace here like nowhere else.

City Breaks

City breaks put you in the heart of Italy’s vibrant historic cities. You can easily walk to major attractions from these hotels. Plus, shopping and nightlife are easy to reach.

Staying here means enjoying traditional architecture alongside modern comforts. It’s a mix that perfectly captures the essence of Italian city life.

Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Italy

Exclusive amenities

Luxury hotels in Italy are more than just a place to sleep. They offer unique experiences. Think private tours of local attractions and wineries. These experts lead the tours and share secrets not found on regular tours. These excursions often include visits to hidden gems known only to locals.

Many high-end hotels offer personalized spa treatments. These use local ingredients like olive oil, sea salt, and herbs. The goal is to rejuvenate your body and mind with the very essence of Italy.

For foodies, Michelin-starred restaurants can be found on-site or near these luxury accommodations. Chefs prepare exquisite dishes that blend traditional Italian flavors with modern culinary techniques. Dining at these restaurants is an unforgettable experience.

Price guarantee

By booking a stay at one of the best hotels in Italy, you are investing in an experience that is worth every penny. These luxury establishments offer competitive rates, ensuring good value for money. You will not be faced with hidden fees or unexpected charges at checkout.

If you book directly through the hotel’s website or call their reservations office, many hotels promise to offer you the lowest price. If you find a cheaper rate elsewhere after you book, they will adjust your rate to match the lower rate. This way, you are guaranteed to always get the best price available.

Free Extras

Staying at the best Italian resorts is great. Not only do they have beautiful rooms and stunning views, but they also make your stay fun without charging you extra.

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning with delicious pastries, fruits and cheeses, all included in your room rate. You’ll get free Wi-Fi to stay connected and could even get a free room upgrade if available!

Many fancy hotels welcome you with local drinks or snacks. They also offer shuttle services to nearby places or to the airport, making your visit easier.

Anonymously reviewed hotels in Italy

Reliability

When choosing a hotel in Italy, reliability is key. You want places that have earned high ratings and positive reviews from past guests. These hotels show their commitment to making your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Hotels with transparent booking processes stand out. They ensure that you won’t face any surprise charges upon arrival or departure. This transparency builds trust between you and the hotel.

Safety standards are another crucial aspect of trustworthy hotels. The best ones are committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of their guests. They follow strict safety protocols, giving you peace of mind during your stay.

Guest Comments

Hearing about other people’s experiences can greatly influence your hotel choice. Hotels with real testimonials provide insight into the exceptional experiences of past guests.

These testimonials often highlight different aspects of their stay:

  • Comfortable rooms
  • An exceptional service
  • Unique amenities

Direct feedback channels show a hotel’s commitment to improvement. This means they listen to their guests and make necessary changes based on suggestions.

Recognition of staff excellence is common in top-rated Italian hotels. Guests often mention specific staff members who made their stay memorable. This recognition shows the importance of excellent customer service.

Hotels in Italy with free extras on arrival

Welcome gifts

When you arrive at some of the great hotels in Italy, the staff greets you with a smile. You even receive personalized notes and gifts. This makes you feel immediately special and welcomed.

Many hotels offer their guests local treats, such as Chianti wine or artisanal chocolates. These are served in their rooms to showcase the region’s cuisine. It’s like receiving a warm welcome from Italy itself!

For special events like birthdays or anniversaries, these hotels truly go the extra mile. They might surprise you with a cake or flowers or even upgrade your room if available. These thoughtful gestures ensure that your celebration is memorable and filled with joy.

Unique offers

Several great hotels in Italy offer unique deals. They combine luxurious accommodation with exciting activities nearby.

Hotels can offer special access to events or venues that are not open to everyone. Events like private tours of historical sites when they are closed. This allows you to see famous places without having to deal with the crowds. It is a unique opportunity to make your visit even more memorable and immersive.

For travelers who want to see more than just the popular spots, locals offer special tours to certain locations. These tours show you cool and secret spots like hidden gardens, little-known cafes, and places where artisans make special items in the traditional way.

Such personalized services transform standard trips into journeys rich in discovery and connection. This fosters deeper bonds between travel companions who witness these wonders together.

Categories
Destinations

Visit Venice in 3 days: what to see, what to do?

You are planning to visit Venice in 3 days and you are wondering what are the must-sees for a first time, then this article is just in time. Venice, the city of lovers, has been on our bucket list for years. We discovered it in the middle of winter and we literally fell under its spell. So, here we share our weekend in the Serenissima with our itinerary, our advice and our good addresses.

Discover St. Mark’s Square & St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Square

When we arrived in Venice and as it was still early in the morning, we were eager to discover the famous St. Mark’s Square. Piazza San Marco is the historic heart of Venice but also the most touristy! Bordered by the Grand Canal, there are the emblematic monuments of the city including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile and the Doge’s Palace. It is a truly majestic place and the view from the Piazzetta is magical!

St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica, with its Byzantine style and mosaics, is one of the most visited places and the queue can be very long especially in the middle of summer. We recommend that you come at least 30 minutes (in winter) to 1 hour (in summer) before opening to be the first to visit. The entrance to the Basilica has recently been paid, and to visit some places such as the loggia and the museum or the Golden Palace , you will have to pay a supplement (between €5 and €7) . To be honest, we were not impressed by the Basilica. Despite everything, its mosaic ceilings covered in gold are a real artistic feat.

Visit Venice in 3 days: what to see, what to do?

St. Mark’s Campanile

You can also go up to the Campanile overlooking St. Mark’s Square for a breathtaking view of Venice (€10 entry). We didn’t want to do the tour due to the mixed reviews we had received and also because of the price.

For more travel tips, check out our post on the Visit Rome in 3 days

Visit the Doge’s Palace & the Museums of St. Mark’s Square

A visit to the Doge’s Palace is a must on a first visit to Venice. The ticket giving access to the Palazzo Ducale will also allow you to visit the Museums of St. Mark’s Square. Among these museums are the Correr Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Murciana Library.

The Doge’s Palace 

The Doge’s Palace was the official residence of the doges of the Republic of Venice. This immense building is located on the Piazetta very close to St. Mark’s Basilica. First of all, its exterior architecture is impressive with its arcades and its mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its interior courtyard with a view of the Basilica and its immense staircase is magnificent. During the visit of the Palace, we discover private apartments and rooms of power decorated with impressive works. Conversely, the discovery of the prison cells which are accessed by the Bridge of Sighs is chilling!

Correr Museum, Archaeological Museum & Marciana Library

Among the Museums of St. Mark’s Square, the Museo Correr is one of the most important in the city of Venice. It traces the history of Venice through exhibited paintings and sculptures. It faces St. Mark’s Basilica and therefore offers a breathtaking view of Piazza San Marco . This is also why we recommend the Museo Correr Cafe to sip a spritz or a hot chocolate with a view and in a very Venetian setting! (also open to people who do not have a ticket for the museum).

The Archaeological Museum and the Marciana Library are accessible through the Correr Museum but we found them less interesting.

Photographing the Bridge of Sighs

Like the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs is one of the 400 most famous bridges in Venice ! Everyone flocks to the bridge opposite, Ponte della Paglia, to admire and immortalize it. If you discover it from the inside during your visit to the Doge’s Palace, you will see it in a different light afterwards. And if you didn’t know it already, this bridge owes its name to the sighs uttered by prisoners as they crossed this bridge before being judged.

Admire the view from the Accademia Bridge

Before discovering Venice, we had an emblematic image of the city in mind. That of the Grand Canal, the Palaces of Venice and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in the background. This wooden bridge that connects the San Marco district to the Dorsodouro district offers a truly unique view. Day or night, we never tire of this exceptional panorama!

Cross the Rialto Bridge

Undoubtedly the most famous bridge in Venice, the Rialto Bridge is also the oldest and the first bridge that allowed you to cross the Grand Canal on foot. It connects the San Polo district to that of San Marco. Its arch-shaped architecture stands out from the other bridges in the city. From the Bridge, you can admire the ballet of gondolas and vaporettos on the Grand Canal.

Nearby, in the San Polo district, the Rialto Market is held every morning from Tuesday to Saturday , the largest and oldest market in Venice. In reality, it is made up of 3 separate markets, the most famous of which is the fish market. A visit to it will immerse you in authentic Venice!

Take a Gondola Ride

As I said on Instagram, going to Venice without taking a gondola ride is like going to Paris without going up the Eiffel Tower! For some it may seem too touristy, too expensive, too kitsch but for having done it, I can tell you that it is our best memory of our weekend in Venice. We had an almost magical time on the canals!

If you want to live this experience in an intimate way, we advise you first to move away from the Grand Canal . The canals in the Castello or San Polo districts are much quieter. Then, prefer lunch time between 12pm and 2pm and finally try to negotiate the price. You should know that the price of a gondola ride is fixed throughout the city: €80 for 30 minutes during the day and €100 in the evening from 7pm. However, the gondolier could offer you a discount if he waits for the customer (especially in the middle of winter). That’s how we paid €70 for our gondola ride!