Accomodations fit for a grand tour of Italy
A roundup of six impressive hotels to book in the Boot
Choosing a hotel for an Italian getaway can be a daunting task. Look for accommodations that will maximize the pleasures to be had with easy access to transportation and proximity to cultural landmarks and fantastic food.
From the bustling capital city of Rome to the picturesque island of Ischcia, we round up some of the country’s most impressive hotels to make your next stay a stylish one. Treasure island The Regina Isabella (L’Albergo Della Regina Isabella) sits on the enchanting island of Ischia, the biggest of the Gulf of Naples islands, and one of the memorable settings in Elena Ferrante’s bestselling Neapolitan novels. Recently voted as the best island in Europe by Travel+Leisure, it’s is a quick 30-minute boat ride from Naples and often characterized as the other Capri. The hotel is attached to the Termedella Regina Isabella Spa, whose healing thermal waters were first tapped by the ancient Romans, and used today in dozens of beauty and health treatments. Room rates from $350. Celebrity hot spot Down a cobblestoned street from Valentino, Dolce and Gabbana, and the Spanish Steps, the Hotel de Russie’s ritzy location in Rome is hard to beat. Swanky new suites boast views of the neighbouring, tourist-filled Piazza del Popolo and stunning arrangements made by an in-house florist fill the lobby. Celebrity sightings are common at the hotel’s excellent garden courtyard restaurant, which serves a delicious selection of local and seasonal fare made by celebrity chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Room rates from $1,000. River wonder You’ll find the Hotel Lungarno in Florence tucked away at the end of a charming alley strewn with candle lanterns. Stylishly furnished suites have huge windows that open right onto the river Arno with breathtaking views of the Ponte Vecchio. Marble bathrooms are stocked with Ferragamo toiletries, including lightly scented shampoo and body wash, hydrating lotion and luxurious eye cream. Sink into large, comfy beds made up with high-quality linens while the river noise lulls you to sleep. Room rates from $560. Pooch pampering At the Belmond Splendido in Portofino, over 200 dedicated hotel staff cater to your every whim. As the first hotel in Italy to offer dog massages and monogrammed doggie bathrobes, this place takes your pet’s stay seriously. The on-site engineer once custom built a ladder for a guest’s dog to easily climb into bed with her. Leave your pup at doggie daycare while you take a refreshing dip in the pool, which is pumped with salt water from the ocean below, and surrounded by lemon and olive trees. Open from April to October. Room rates from $1,000. City chic The stylish 12-room boutique hotel Salotto Montiis possibly Rome’s best kept secret. Hidden on the third floor of a residential building — complete with an original elevator — in the lively Rione Monti area, it’s easy walking distance to the Colosseum, restaurants and bars. The rooms, designed by Italian interior designer Max Viola, feature a different theme with whimsical decor but the jewel in the crown is the hotel’s rooftop terrace.
Here, guests are treated to an elaborate breakfast spread each morning and evening cocktails and aperitivo while overlooking the city. Room rates from $250. La dolce vita As the grand dame of Roman hotels, there is no shortage of king-size fireplaces, gilded mirrors, ornate tapestries, and marbled staircases throughout the expansive Westin Excelsior.
Daily breakfast feels regal served in the main dining hall, where lavish chandeliers hang overhead. Italian law protecting heritage buildings in the city prevents the hotel from supplying in-room coffee machines and irons but fret not, you can have coffee delivered to your room and ironing picked up by housekeeping free of charge.
Room rates from $350.