The Most Beautifully Designed Hotels in Italy

If you know Italy for anything, it’s likely to be its gorgeous design. From the fashion powerhouses in the North to the crumbling, faded glory of the southern palazzos, Italy does design like no other country. And its hotels are no exception. There are old buildings restored to former glory. There are modern structures that are at the cutting edge of design. So where to start? Here is our pick of the most beautifully designed hotels in Italy. And be sure to check out all of our Italian hotels when you’re planning your perfect Italian itinerary.

Santa Caterina, Amalfi

If Amalfi wasn’t stunning enough, there’s the Santa Caterina hotel. A 19th-century villa perched on top of one of the Amalfi Coast’s cliffs overlooking the sparkling blue sea, this is luxury incarnate. The rooms, some of which have unrivaled sea views, are bright and modern with hand-painted floors and marble bathrooms. Then there are the hotel’s incredible amenities like a private beach club, accessed by two elevators carved into the rock face. Or the Michelin starred restaurant. And finally, the outdoor pool with views across the bay. This is a hotel you’ll never forget.

S.S. Amalfitana, 9,, Pastena-Lone, Amalfi , Italy

Miramonti Boutique Hotel Merano

Nestled in the forested area of northeastern Italy is the stunning Miramonti Boutique Hotel. The hotel is 1230 meters above sea level with unparalleled views across the mountainous region. For those interested in cinematic history, the hotel itself had a supporting role in James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. It’s a boutique hotel with each room carefully designed to make the most of the stunning nature outside. There are huge glass walls, roof gardens, and wide terraces to make the most of the vistas. And for those who want to relax, the hotel features a saltwater infinity pool that’s perched high above the valley floor.

Via Santa Caterina, 14, Hafling, Merano (Bz), Italy

Palazzo Parigi Milan

Milan is not short of beautifully designed hotels and the Palazzo Parigi is no exception. This is the site of a former 17th-century palazzo in the heart of the trendy Brera district. A balcony adorns every room with either inner courtyard or city views. Both Parisian and Milanese designs influence the rooms, all of which are spacious and bright. But the star of the show is the hotel’s roof terrace with stunning views across the city. A perfect place for a sunset aperitif.

Corso Porta Nuova; 1, Porta Garibaldi – Moscova, Milan (Mi), Italy

Byblos Art Verona

A 14th-century villa is the setting for the Byblos Art Verona hotel. This is an opulent design of the highest order, a place where old-school elegance mixes with bright contemporary design. The hotel houses a number of original artworks by some of the best artists in the world. There is also a gorgeous park, home to a number of Verona marbled statues and swimming pool. Throw in a spa a high-end restaurant and quirky, individually designed rooms and you have a hotel you may struggle to leave.

Via Cedrare, 78, Corrubbio Di Negarine,37029, San Pietro In Cariano, Italy

Chateau Monfort Milan

An elegant art deco building houses the Chateau Monfort in the center of Milan. Fairytales and operas inspire the rooms so expect dramatic decor in calming dream-like tones. Every single room is individual and exudes personality and charm. Every inch of the hotel’s design has been considered and perfectly executed, from the beautiful wallpapers to the wellness spa. The design extends to the hotel’s three restaurants which are impressive to say the list and full of some wonderful Milanese culinary delights.

Corso Concordia, 1, Porta Vittoria, Milan (It), Italy

Zash Country Boutique Hotel, Marina Di Riposto, Sicily

Just north of Catania is where you’ll find the Zash Country Boutique Hotel. Whatever you think you need for a luxurious break, this hotel has it. There is the outdoor pool, set in citrus groves complete with an outdoor bar. There’s the private spa, lined with lava stones from nearby Mount Etna. Then there are the rooms. The old house contains some, others are in the old wine cellars. And the most spectacular is set right in amongst the olive and citrus groves, complete with spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows. When it comes to decadence and relaxation, this hotel has thought of everything. And it makes a perfect base for a nearby Mount Etna food and wine tour.

Strada Provinciale 2 60, Marina Di Riposto, Catania, Italy

Il Palazzo Experimental, Venice

The location of the Il Palazzo Experimental in Venice is hard to beat; right on the water in the residential district of the Dorsoduro quarter. Each of the rooms reflects the hotel’s neighborhood, with ornate windows and original wooden beams. The hotel also features a secret garden, very common in the more decadent buildings of Venice. Additionally, don’t forget the speakeasy-style bar, complete with local wines and experimental cocktails.

Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo 1412, Venezia (Ve), Italy

J.K. Place Roma

If you’re looking for an intimate, attentive boutique hotel with a brilliantly central location, you can’t do much better than J.K. Place in the heart of Rome. The rooms exude Roman elegance with four-poster beds, high-quality linens, and original features. The furniture is a blend of contemporary and classic and the balconies are a welcome addition when you’ve finished exploring the city. Then, there is the restaurant. A dramatically designed art-deco style space in gorgeous blue hues, comfortable booths, and of course, great food.

Via Di Monte D’Oro, 30, 00186 Roma, Italy

Bulgari Milan

If you trust anyone to do a good design job, it would be an Italian company like Bulgari – enter the Bulgari Hotel in Milan. The fashion powerhouse has outdone itself with this project. The 5-star hotel has large, comfortable rooms, each with its own design. There is a large interior garden where you can take your breakfast or evening aperitif. There is even a gazebo, perfect for private dining. And don’t forget the restaurant, overseen by three-Michelin starred chef Niko Romito.

Via Privata Fratelli Gabba 7b, Brera – Montenapoleone, Milano, Italy

Armani Hotel Milan

The Armani Hotel Milan is less of a hotel and more of a complete experience. The location is enviable – right in the heart of Milan’s famous shopping district. You will be assigned a lifestyle manager upon your arrival who is responsible for anything you need during your stay. The rooms are packed full of Armani amenities and some feature beautiful marble bathrooms with views across the city. While there, don’t forget the spa, a pool with a view, and the elegant restaurants.

Via Manzoni, 31, Brera – Montenapoleone, Milan, Italy

Beautiful Design in Italy

The most beautifully designed hotels in Italy all have one thing in common. You will not be able to turn your head without seeing some jaw-dropping beauty. And if you’re a design aficionado who is planning a trip to Italy, you won’t be disappointed. Why not try Milan for its shopping and elegance, as shown in our Milan design guide. Or Sicily for unbeatable nature, seafood, and hospitality. Or indeed Rome, perfect for a 2-day itinerary. And our selection of tours in Italy will ensure you have the best time, whatever you love to do.