From the mountains to the sea, these are the best boutique hotels in Italy for a memorable holiday
Skiing, swimming, and superb cuisine.
From Mexico to Thailand, we’re on the hunt for the most awe-inspiring properties across the globe. The best boutique hotels in Italy are exceptional properties that showcase the sheer diversity of the country’s architecture, culture, history, and changing design aesthetics. From chic getaways in cities hidden inside ancient residences to plush escapes in the countryside amidst olive trees, expect comfort, convenience, and immaculate service when you plan a stay at any of these fantastic design hotels in Italy.
The best boutique hotels in Italy
1. Elizabeth Lifestyle Hotel | Bologna
The Elizabeth Lifestyle Hotel creates an ambience of sophisticated quirkiness, juxtaposing the historical soul of Bologna with its contemporariness. Situated in a bustling multicultural neighbourhood, the hotel is an homage to the owners’ matriarchal figure, Lady Elizabeth.
While traditional in its ethos, Elizabeth Lifestyle Hotel showcases its modern DNA through soothingly bold shades mixed with flashes of bright colours, resulting in vibrant spaces that are both artistic and inviting. As such, art forms an integral part of the hotel’s identity, with installations, illustrations, and paintings by famous artists like Bruno Munari, Alessandro Gottardo, and Maria Giovanna Lanfranchi adorning its walls.
The guest rooms at Elizabeth Lifestyle range from small to suites and are spacious, well thought out abodes featuring en-suites, couches, mini-bars, coffee/tea makers, 40-50” TVs, and luxury linen. Other facilities at the pet-friendly hotel include free-WiFi, private parking, a fitness room, and a delightful buffet breakfast.
Read our full story on the best boutique and luxury hotels in Bologna.
Find out more about Elizabeth Lifestyle Hotel
2. Casa G Firenze | Florence
The 15-room Casa G Firenze is a beautifully conceptualised escape in the centre of Florence that highlights the vibrancy of the region’s artisanal heritage. Presently owned by Filippo Montani, the palazzo was once the headquarters of porcelain production by the famous Ginori family. However, under the watchful eyes of architect Cecilia Pantaleo, the vintage building received a new lease of life, transforming it into one of the best boutique hotels in Italy.
Each room at Casa G Firenze is individual in its conception, decorated using the very best of furnishings, antique furniture, wooden flooring, and modern conveniences. Boutique elements like a stack of curated books and welcome gifts add to the warmth of the chambers. We particularly love the frescoed ceilings in the two-level suites and the standalone bathtub that embellishes the superior room.
The charms of the heritage house expand into the common areas, where the old gala room is now the honesty bar and the colourful living room, decorated using mirrors, plants, and chairs to sink in for a respite. Furthermore, among the hotel’s hidden features are its two patios, quaint little nooks perfect for soaking in some sun during the daytime.
Read our full story on the best boutique hotels in Florence, Italy.
Learn more about Casa G Firenze
3. Sina the Gray | Milan
Fodder for a design enthusiast’s mind, the 21 guestrooms at Sina the Gray in Milan are a cornucopia of ideas and imagination. Created to push boundaries, each abode amalgamates various materials and concepts that gel effortlessly to deliver unique living spaces brimming with ingenuity. For instance, the Junior Suite has a private gym and a Turkish Bath. The Executive Suite, at the same time, houses five and comprises an uber-chic floating staircase, elongated desk, and lounge area along with standard amenities.
Located only 100 metres from the Duomo, Sina the Gray gives visitors easy access to the city’s highlights as it lies close to several museums, restaurants, and shops. While its Art Nouveau exterior gives a classical perspective, on the inside, the hotel heralds contemporary eccentricity through design components like a bright velvet swing in the reception.
Dining at Sina the Gray is an equally atmospheric experience. Le Noir Restaurant entices gourmands with its Mediterranean creations, while the G Bar seduces through its moody setting and creative cocktails.
Find out more about Sina the Gray
4. Romeo Napoli | Naples
If we had to choose one word to describe this Naples hotel, it would be: sleek. Designed by Japanese firm Kenzo Tange & Associates, Romeo Napoli blends Japanese minimalism with Italian elegance. Rooms and suites come in an array of configurations and sizes, each adorned with captivating art pieces and original photographs to set the mood.
Il Comandante serves local Neapolitan and Mediterranean dishes that are innovatively reimagined with a modern twist, while the bar is the place for cocktails or a glass of local wine. In 2024, La Terraza promises to be the place to be with a range of drinks and tapas served by the infinity pool.
LA SPA by Sisley Paris is the feather in the cap of this stylish hotel offering a selection of therapies and ancient rituals that harness the benefits of salt and water.
Find out more about Romeo Napoli
5. Borgo Canonica | Puglia
Book a stay at the rustic Borgo Canonica for an experience steeped in Apulian heritage. Here, guests get to reside in one of 15 suites inside 42 trulli, traditional stone houses with trademark conical roofs. A borgo in the 1800s, the six hectares resort area was, over the years, home to Basilian monks and farmers. Today, each abode maintains the sanctity of its past residents through restored elements while allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing vacation in the Italian countryside.
Each trullo suite at Borgo Canonica is cosy, owing to individual air conditioning, Smart TVs, WiFi, en-suites, loungers, and room service. The use of earthy colour tones and integration of natural stone further help develop calm and restorative alcoves.
What makes Borgo Canonica one of the best boutique hotels in Italy is its characteristically contrasting individualism. On the one hand, the architecture of the borgo is pastoral in nature. Simultaneously, the in-house restaurant at the hotel serves fine-dining creations delicately prepared using local ingredients. But first, if you need to work up an appetite, the swimming pool is the place to be. A space to socialise and refresh, it comes in pretty handy, especially during the hot summer months.
Learn more about Borgo Canonica
6. Residenza Napoleone III | Rome
Every inch of Residenza Napoleone III shouts palatial. Originally a construction dating back to 1556, the residence accommodated many nobles and families over centuries, finally landing in the hands of the Ruspoli family in 1713. Presently owned by the dynamic Prince Pietro and Letizia Ruspoli, its location on Rome’s iconic Via Condotti merely sets the scene for a grand holiday.
Mind you, this two-suite residence is immensely intimate and lavish. The Napoleon Suite oozes vintage exquisiteness, wowing guests with its grandeur enhanced by a marble bathroom, kitchenette, reception rooms, 16th-century tapestries, wall frescos, elaborate oil paintings, and a canopy bed. Simultaneously, the Roof Garden Suite enchants by suggesting alfresco living through a connected open terrace, bathtub, walk-in shower, and panoramic city views.
A personal touch and barrage of in-room facilities place Residenza Napoleone among the best boutique hotels in Italy. As a guest, you can expect Nespresso machines, Bose iPod dock, WiFi, a pillow menu, tablets, flat-screen TVs, Bvlgari bathroom amenities, a mobile phone for local calls, and complimentary wine as part of your visit.
Read our full guide to the best boutique hotels in Rome.
Find out more about Residenza Napoleone III
7. Is Cheas | Sardinia
For a relaxing break on Sardinia’s west coast, Is Cheas boutique hotel and wine farm is the perfect place to get back to nature. Surrounded by verdant vineyards and herb gardens, guests can disconnect with outdoor yoga sessions, horse riding, and local cooking classes.
A highlight of the stay are the traditional Sardinian-style Pinnettas, circular shepherd’s huts, each of which comes with its own private swimming pool (bonus: they are heated by solar energy in the cooler months of the year!)
Enjoy a five-course meal designed by the chefs to reflect the best seasonal organic vegetables from the property’s garden coupled with local meats and seafood. Of course, pasta is made fresh daily and menus designed for children are also available. Take a walk through the vineyards or join a tour before settling in to sample a selection of wines made on site.
Discover more about Is Cheas
8. Casa Talia | Sicily
A stay at Casa Talia involves a total immersion into Sicilian life. One of the most unique boutique hotels in Italy, the seven-room accommodation comprises a collection of houses around a quaint garden and terrace. A passion project of Viviana and Marco, the homes also showcase the owners’ international outlook, love for design, as well as an appreciation for all things local.
The views from the abodes promise scenic panoramas of the old neighbourhood. However, the interiors are a world of their own, down-to-earth and minimal, allowing natural and artisanal features like exposed stone walls, terracotta floors, bamboo ceilings, ceramic tiles and curvaceous lime plaster to shine in the spotlight. Creature comfort isn’t far behind and comes in the form of air conditioners, TVs, electronic key cards, WiFi, and mini-bars.
Each room connects to the garden, making it the epicentre of all the activity during your sojourn, from breakfast to an afternoon siesta. However, do not miss out on exploring the region as you relish the serenity of Casa Talia. The hotel staff can help you with organised tours, renting scooters or e-bikes, planning a picnic, or a day out visiting local artisans.
Find out more about Casa Talia
9. Turin Palace Hotel | Turin
Famous for its architecture and food, Turin attracts millions of tourists every year. Turin Palace Hotel, a legendary establishment having hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries, encapsulates the city’s essence in its new avatar, allowing guests to savour the epitome of Italian hospitality.
Vibrant and eye-catching, the hotel embraces the vision of notable architects Patrizia Poli and Margherita Marzot, which focuses on clean, sophisticated decor highlighted by conversation starters, be it art installations, bespoke chandeliers, or designer furniture. The rooms continue with the elegant theme, providing bright and luxurious private escapes to relax without distractions.
The hotel’s in-house Les Petites Madeleines enhances its appeal, tempting guests via exquisite culinary preparations inspired by tradition, originality, and seasonality. For a delightful gastronomic affair, take some time out of sightseeing and book the restaurant’s thoughtfully curated tasting menu.
Find out more about Turin Palace Hotel
10. My Arbor | South Tyrol
Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind luxury treetop vacation amongst the lushness of the Plose in South Tyrol? If yes, then My Arbor is the place to book, whether you’re planning a visit in winter or summer.
Sustainable, thematic, and welcoming, My Arbor defines individuality, making it one of the most inspiring boutique hotels in Italy. The brainchild of the Huber family, business owners in Bressanone for years, the hideaway is as exotic an establishment as this region is to the rest of the country.
Suites at this wilderness sojourn offer endless mountain and valley vistas through large windows that let in light to brighten up the reclaimed wooden interiors. WiFi, Nespresso machines, TVs, rain showers in en-suites, and make-up corners indulge you in luxurious living packed with contemporary conveniences.
Thanks to the Huber family’s prior experience in running restaurants, dining at the hotel’s on-site restaurant is a memorable experience. Using ingredients from nearby farms and producers, the team prepares lip-snacking treats throughout the day to satiate the most ardent cravings. At the same time, the hotel’s spa, with its indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, and treatments, reinvigorates the mind and body to no end.
Read our full review of My Arbor.
Find out more about My Arbor
11. Hotel Castello di Reschio | Umbria
An 11th-century castle restored to suit today’s travellers, Hotel Castello di Reschio is not just a grand residence but a destination that merges ancient architectural glory with the opportunity to cherish a design-led escape in Umbria.
At the helm of the marvels that dot the facade and interiors of the property is Benedikt Bolza. The award-winning architect has left a positive impression on the hotel, mixing the old and the new to develop spaces with purpose. One gets to see the full impact of design on the residence in the rooms where handmade stucco work, curated furniture prices, antiquities, and select artwork give the otherwise muted earthy interiors a dash of personality. If that wasn’t enough, four poster beds, desks, kitchenettes, separate living spaces, and in-room bars expand upon the splendour of your stay here.
As much as one wishes to stay inside, Castello is all about al fresco and experiential living. The hotel’s idyllic swimming pool and courtyards are perfect for a quiet break. For replenishing the spirit of your soul, though, the bathhouse in what was previously the castle’s wine cellars serves the purpose perfectly.
Learn more about Hotel Castello di Reschio
12. The Venice Venice Hotel | Venice
As far as romantic boutique hotels in Italy go, it’s hard to beat the advantage Venice Venice Hotel holds over other noteworthy establishments. With views of the famous Rialto Bridge, it proudly occupies the 13th-century Palazzo Ca’ Da Mosto on the shore of the Grand Canal, positioning you in the heart of Italy’s most romantic city.
Architecturally, the hotel is a treasure trove of discoveries, wherein original features stand alongside contemporary art, furniture, and decor. When picking a room, any will do, really, but to make the most of your stay, opt for one that faces the canal. Better yet, go with Room 41. It not only gives a sneaky view of the Rialto but also features a bathtub, complimentary mini-bar cart, 48” B&O TV, and a private Turkish bath.
Dining at The Venice Venice Hotel is quite a fashion statement. You can start the day with breakfast by the canal, enjoy Venetian cicheti (small plates) for lunch, and then head to the terrace bar for an amorous sundowner.
Read our full story on the best boutique hotels in Venice.
Learn more about The Venice Venice Hotel
13. Vista Palazzo | Verona
Like the “star-crossed lovers” did with each other, it’s easy to fall in love with Verona at first sight. Vista Palazzo celebrates the city’s timelessness while leaving its own stamp of creativity on Verona’s hospitality landscape.
Strategically placed near the centre, offering expansive city views, Vista Palazzo presents discerning guests with a range of luxurious suites and deluxe rooms. Elegance runs through the veins and walls of these abodes as fine linen, marbled bathrooms, Nespresso machines, comfortable mattresses, and separate living spaces coddle guests in extravagance.
As one of the most stylish hotels in town, Vista Palazzo isn’t without its novelties. A library to sit down and read a book, listen to music, or enjoy tea opens doors to interactions or introspection. The Infinity Bar on the rooftop acts as the perfect aphrodisiac for a memorable evening with a loved one. The hotel’s spa with a gym and Turkish bath is your space to rejuvenate. At the same time, the in-house restaurant Sottovoce impresses with its new-age take on classic recipes under the tutelage of Executive Chef Fabio Aceti for a genuinely holistic stay.
Learn more about Vista Palazzo
14. Masseria Santo Scalone | Ostuni
Step back in time at the divine Masseria Santo Scalone, a masseria that was originally built in the 1300s. Here, time stands still as you luxuriate by the pool, immerse yourself in verdant countryside, and sample the finest seasonal dishes.
Rooms and suites promise exquisite stone work and delightful vaulted ceilings to really up the ambience. Unsurprisingly, the service is completely faultless too.
Read our full review of Masseria Santo Scalone.
Find out more about Masseria Santo Scalone
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