There's something for everyone in Italy -- from art- and ruin-packed capitals for history buffs to seaside escapes and wineries for the relaxation-minded. Top tourist destinations include buzzing Rome and fashion-forward Milan, as well as the cliffside Amalfi Coast. Not only is there a spot perfect for each type of traveler, but there are also accommodation options for every budget. We've picked budget, mid-range, and luxury options for the top destinations across Italy, so you can enjoy all the country has to offer, regardless of the price you're wanting to pay.
Hotels in this story
Price Dates
The Beehive
The Britannia Hotel
Hotel De Russie
Ca' Riccio
Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo
Vatican City, Rome/zzdtravel
One of the most-visited cities in Europe, Rome is packed with ancient ruins alongside striking Renaissance architecture that will easily fill a week-long vacation. Italy’s capital houses iconic sights such as the Colosseum dating to 80 A.D., Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Basilica where Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes are on display, and the 1762-opened Trevi fountain. Renowned artwork, famously delicious pasta and gelato, and pedestrian-friendly streets add to its immense appeal.
Budget: Set a five-minute walk from Termini train station, The Beehive is a great value for those who enjoy the energetic vibe of a hostel, and don’t mind limited features. Mid-Range: The upscale, yet affordable, Britannia Hotel is within walking distance of several famous historic sights. The 33 rooms are modern and homey, and free breakfasts are tasty.Luxury: The Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie is located near the Spanish Steps, and features 122 stylish rooms, an elegant spa, a sophisticated restaurant, and pretty courtyard.
Canal Grande, Venice/zzdtravel
Located in northeastern Italy, Venice is famous for its system of canals and bridges that connect over 100 islands. Gondolas and vaporetti (water taxis) ferry tourists and locals between the charming palazzos, centuries-old churches, and famous galleries and museums. This car-free city is one of the safest in the country, but prepare for high prices and confusing streets.
Budget: A six-room bed-and-breakfast, Ca’Riccio is a homey pick in a quiet area that’s within walking distance of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square.Mid-Range: A 10-room boutique on a small canal, Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo is an intimate, quiet pick in the Santa Croce neighborhood, and offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Luxury: Occupying a 15th-century restored pink palazzo on the Grand Canal, the Ca’Sagredo Hotel is an opulent property with 42 luxe rooms, free breakfast spreads, and an outdoor terrace.
Street at the Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy, Florence/zzdtravel
Set in the region of Tuscany, Florence is a charming city that draws tourists with its rich history, abundance of culture-based attractions, and views of the countryside. The city’s best-known landmark is the Duomo, a magnificent church that began being built in the 13th century. Centuries-old structures and numerous iconic artworks — such as Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” — are on display, between upscale shopping, yummy eateries, and manicured gardens.
Budget: Hotel Crocini occupies a grand 19th-century building on a quiet, elegant residential street outside the city center. The 20 rooms are basic but pleasant, and breakfast is free.Mid-Range: Renovated in 2012, the 26-room Rapallo Hotel is a stylish boutique on a busy street near the train station, a 15-minute walk from the Duomo and other sights.Luxury: Housed in a historic palace, The St. Regis oozes Old-World elegance with its opulent interiors. Rooms are sumptuous, the spa is lovely, and the restaurant is high-end.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II/zzdtravel
The country’s fashion capital and second-most populated city, Milan is more than just a place to shop for designer clothing and see models on the catwalk. Major works by Leonardo da Vinci, including “The Last Supper,” are found here, as are historic churches, a central park next to a 14- and 15th-century castle, and popular football teams. Design and dining are unsurprisingly impressive here.
Budget: The quaint, 30-room Hotel Palladio has a warm atmosphere. Though far from the city center, it’s surrounded by restaurants and bars, and near public transportation. Mid-Range: The 141-room LaGare Hotel Milano Centrale is a sharp, upscale property that’s located in Milan’s business center, a five-minute walk from two of the city’s major train stations. Luxury: Since the 1920s, the Hotel Principe Di Savoia has largely been regarded as Milan’s top luxury hotel. Sophisticated rooms, a renowned cocktail lounge, and beautiful decor are all on offer.
Street at the Santa Caterina Hotel, Amalfi Coast/zzdtravel
Ragged cliffs dotted by colorful buildings set the Amalfi Coast apart from other Italian regions along the water. Towns along this 34-mile (55-kilometer) coastline benefit from breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, notable sights such as the ninth-century Cathedral of Amalfi, and excellent hiking. Taking advantage of warm beaches in the summer, eating the area’s famous seafood pasta alongside limoncello, and going on a boat tour are all must-dos.
Budget: Casa Cuccaro B&B is a small family-run property in Nocelle, a quiet hamlet on the terraced hillside offering sweeping views over Positano. Mid-Range: Hotel Pellegrino is a multi-level family-run guesthouse made up of only nine rooms, each of which offers sprawling coastal views. Excellent service and quality dining are standouts.Luxury: A romantic boutique in Positano, Le Sirenuse Hotel has tasteful rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and an outdoor pool with beautiful vistas.
Garden at the Aia Mattonata Relais, Tuscany/zzdtravel
Although we already included Florence, which is in Tuscany, the entire region deserves a mention. With its rolling hillsides, vineyards producing delectable wine varieties like Chianti, and natural hot springs, Tuscany offers multiple ways to relax. Places such as Lucca, Pisa, and Siena are filled with historic sights, while secluded farm stays offer a more peaceful retreat.
Budget: Renovated in 2010 in a contemporary vintage style, the 65-room Hotel Italia provides free breakfast, access to a sister property, and a convenient setting in Siena.Mid-Range: The upscale Aia Mattonata Relais is a small renovated farmhouse surrounded by rolling green hills. With only five classically rustic rooms and an adults-only policy, it’s intimate and romantic.Luxury: The uber romantic and luxe Fonteverde Tuscan Resort & Spa offers a seemingly never-ending array of treatments and health-related services, 80 elegant rooms, and gourmet dining.
Ciampoli Restaurant at the Hotel el Jebel, Sicily/zzdtravel
Just west of the tip of Italy’s “boot,” Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Seven UNESCO World Heritage sites dot the island, as do numerous historic sights from ancient and medieval times, including the 12th-century Castello della Zisa in Palermo and Valley of the Temples, an archaeological site with ancient temples and ruins of Akragas city. Attractive beaches and volcanic mountains make it one of the more geographically interesting areas.
Budget: Consistently praised by travelers, the five-room Terrazze di Montelusa is a graceful and historic mansion in the center of Agrigento that’s been owned and maintained by the same family since 1822.Mid-Range: The 19-room Hotel La Tavernetta is a small, modern property located in the center of the charming village of Scopello, with a beautiful view of the sea. Luxury: Renovated in 2012, the three-level, 27-room Hotel Villa Athena is set within Valley of the Temples. Its stupendous setting, surreal views, immaculate rooms, and free breakfasts are all pros.
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