Italy is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, where historic charm blends seamlessly with modern elegance. It’s a country where culture breathes through every piazza, and landscapes beg to be admired from the comfort of a private balcony. That’s why Little Travel Queen has curated a selection of ten exceptional luxury hotels across this beautiful destination—each promising an unforgettable experience for discerning travelers, from palatial grandeur to lakeside serenity.
1. Aman Venice, Venice
Set within Palazzo Papadopoli, one of Venice’s eight monumental palazzos lining the Grand Canal, Aman Venice offers guests the rare privilege of inhabiting a living masterpiece. Frescoes and rococo flourishes whisper of centuries past, while interiors—reimagined by Jean-Michel Gathy—balance opulence with serene restraint. Beyond its gilded salons, the hotel reveals one of the city’s few private gardens, a tranquil escape framed by elegant dining venues and spacious suites. It’s clear that its palatial authenticity and discreet grandeur are unmatched, positioning Aman Venice not only as a jewel of La Serenissima, but as the finest luxury hotel in Italy.
2. Il Sereno Hotel, Lake Como
Il Sereno Lago di Como is far more than a hotel—it’s an intimate retreat where contemporary design flows effortlessly with the soul of the lake. Conceived by acclaimed Milanese architect Patricia Urquiola, every corner reflects a quiet harmony of clean lines, noble materials, and elemental grace. Within this living work of art, one can dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant, unwind in the spa beneath weathered stone arches, and arrive by handcrafted Ernesto Riva boats that glide gently across the water, as if time itself were pausing.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Florence
Just a ten-minute walk from the Duomo, this architectural gem is home to Florence’s largest private garden—4.5 hectares of fountains, sculptures, and towering trees that invite quiet strolls and open-air dining. Imagine returning to your opulent suite, where frescoed ceilings, Capodimonte ceramic floors, and noble details recall the grandeur of Florentine courtly life, after an exquisite dinner at the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant.
4. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany
Located on a 13th-century estate, this hotel offers private villas with pools and a rustic-elegant design that radiates authentic Tuscan charm. In the heart of the Val d’Orcia—a UNESCO-protected region celebrated for its scenic splendor and cultural heritage—the landscape unfolds in rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress trees that seem lifted from a Renaissance painting. Beyond the visual delight, Brunello di Montalcino tastings—produced at the property’s working winery—invite full immersion into the flavors and traditions of the region.
5. Borgo Egnazia, Puglia
Built entirely from local tufo stone, Borgo Egnazia masterfully recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Apulian village, with sunlit piazzas, winding alleyways, and low-rise architecture that breathes heritage. Located in Savelletri di Fasano, surrounded by ancient olive groves and just steps from the Adriatic Sea, the resort offers a deep connection to the land and the unhurried rhythm of southern Italy. It’s the perfect setting for a serene escape, where rest intertwines with experiences that celebrate Puglian culture—from wellness rituals to local flavors inspired by biodiversity and in harmony with nature’s timing.
6. Il San Pietro di Positano, Amalfi Coast
Carved into the cliffs of Positano, Il San Pietro gazes out over the Mediterranean like a sanctuary suspended between sea and sky. From this privileged perch, it’s possible to embark on a complimentary cruise along the Amalfi Coast, drifting past sun-drenched bluffs and sapphire waters that compose an unforgettable panorama. For those drawn to a more private escape, luxury yachts await to carry you toward hidden coves and storied islands, guided by the breeze. Back at the hotel, the panoramic swimming pool seems to float above the horizon, while the seaside tennis court—one of the most scenic in the world—offers a match framed by salt-kissed air and the hush of the sea.
7. Bvlgari Hotel Roma, Rome
If you’re looking for a stay that offers a unique connection to the eternal soul of Rome, Bvlgari Hotel Roma is an ideal destination. Facing the imposing Mausoleum of Augustus in the iconic Piazza Augusto Imperatore, the hotel embodies a harmonious interplay between history and contemporary sophistication. Its interiors pay tribute to imperial grandeur, blending travertine, veined marble, artisanal mosaics, and Murano glass into spaces that radiate refinement. As a final indulgence, the spa—modeled after ancient Roman baths—invites deep restoration, featuring a 20-meter indoor pool flanked by marble columns that evoke the stillness of a temple.
8. Castello di Reschio, Umbria
Castello di Reschio describes itself as “An ancient estate combining wild Umbrian countryside with effortless Italian style”—and it couldn’t be more accurate. Dating back to the year 1050, the castle has been transformed by the Bolza family into a 36-room hotel that preserves every original stone and the quiet echoes of its history. Surrounded by centuries-old forests, olive groves, and rolling hills, this luxurious retreat is part of a private estate that offers an intimate connection to the land. The sound of Andalusian horses, the calm of early mornings, and the mist drifting through cypress trees create a timeless atmosphere of retreat—a place where the soul breathes, and where riding through hills and woodlands unfolds as a poetic journey, guided by the elegance of classical dressage and the landscape grace of Umbria.
9. The Gritti Palace, Venice
Built in 1475 as the private residence of Doge Andrea Gritti, this palace retains its aristocratic soul. From its earliest days, it has housed a rich collection of artworks—a tradition begun by the noble Pisani family and carried forward by its successive owners, including the Grittis. Today, its interiors are adorned with Rubelli silks, Murano glass chandeliers, and Venetian antiques that reflect a legacy of refinement and artistry. All of this comes to life in one of Venice’s most privileged settings: directly on the Grand Canal, with majestic views of Santa Maria della Salute and the timeless theatre of the city shimmering across the water.
10. Hotel de Russie, Rome
To close this Top 10 list with quiet distinction, we arrive at Hotel de Russie—a Roman icon nestled between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. Originally designed by Giuseppe Valadier in the early 19th century, the hotel blends neoclassical elegance with modern sensibility, offering a sanctuary of calm in the heart of the Eternal City. Its signature feature is the Secret Garden—a terraced oasis of pine and orange trees that has quietly enchanted visitors for generations. Once favored by artists and aristocrats, the garden continues to offer a rare sense of stillness, where lunch stretches into afternoon and evenings unfold beneath Roman skies. Nearby, the Irene Forte Spa draws inspiration from this same tranquillity, blending Sicilian botanicals, Roman marble, and holistic rituals into a restorative experience grounded in nature and science.
