From Renaissance palaces in Florence and Venetian mansions to romantic villas overlooking Lake Como, these hotels in Italy feel straight out of a fairy tale.
Italy enchants with its architectural heritage, as well as its history. Here tradition meets contemporary hospitality, with palaces and aristocratic villas transformed into accommodations that stand out for their aesthetics. From enchanting Venice and Lake Como to Rome and Sicily, there are the famed palazzos that today offer more than a luxurious stay.
This particular architectural style, which usually refers to the Renaissance or the Romanesque, dates from the early 16th century, when it became especially popular among noble families who had acquired wealth thanks to the growth of trade and banking. Below you'll travel through images of luxurious hotels, as featured in Conde Nast Traveller.
Orient Express Venezia, Venice
Housed in the impressive 15th-century Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, Orient Express Venezia blends historic architecture with luxury. The eight-year restoration highlighted authentic frescoes and unique architectural details. The 47 rooms and suites each feature a distinctive design. Standing out are the restaurant helmed by three-Michelin-starred Heinz Beck and The Wagon Bar, a tiny Art Deco speakeasy reminiscent of a train carriage.
Palazzo Vilòn, Rome
Part of the historic Palazzo Borghese, Palazzo Vilòn offers a private stay experience in the heart of Rome. The hotel spans three floors and has just three striking bedrooms, while a private butler is at guests' disposal around the clock.
Palazzo Avino, Amalfi Coast
Known as the "pink palace of Ravello", Palazzo Avino is housed in a historic 12th-century residence and offers breathtaking views of the Monte Avvocata valley and the Gulf of Salerno. The decor leans into bold colors, curves, and nautical references. It features a pool, a beach club, and the Michelin-starred Rossellini’s restaurant.
Passalacqua, Lake Como
In a neoclassical villa from 1787, Passalacqua is surrounded by seven stremmata of verdant gardens beside Lake Como. The 24 suites retain authentic frescoes and baroque elements that blend with luxurious fabrics and contemporary touches. The colorful terrace, the pool, and the striking greenhouse create the ideal setting for an authentic Italian experience.
Collegio alla Querce, Florence
Housed in a historic building that was once an aristocratic palazzo and later a private school, Collegio alla Querce sits in the quiet hills above Florence. Since 2025 it has been transformed into a luxury hotel with spaces that combine grandeur with simplicity. It boasts an impressive library, a restaurant, a theater, while significant works of art can also be found throughout. Its great advantage is the panoramic view over the red rooftops, the bell towers, and Brunelleschi's famed dome.
Palazzo Margherita, Matera
Palazzo Margherita, part of the Family Coppola Hideaways collection, is a distinctive hotel that's directly connected to Francis Ford Coppola's family history. After its restoration it feels more like an elegant family home than a hotel, with hand-painted frescoes, furnishings, and striking suites. The experience is completed with authentic local cuisine, offering a more personal and genuine introduction to Southern Italy.
The Gritti Palace, Venice
One of Venice's most iconic buildings, The Gritti Palace feels more like a museum of decoration than a hotel, thanks to luxurious fabrics, marbles, gilded details, and Murano chandeliers. Its historic atmosphere blends with modern comforts. The Gritti Terrace offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canal and the Salute church, while Bar Longhi stands out for its distinctive cocktails.
Palazzo Portinari, Florence
Built in the late 15th century by the Portinari family, Palazzo Portinari is one of Florence's most historic mansions. It has just 14 rooms and suites, which retain authentic frescoes, elaborate ceilings, antiques, and works of art. Its location in the heart of the medieval city is ideal for exploration, and it's a few steps from the Casa di Dante, which is dedicated to Florence's great poet.
Hotel Gabrielli Venice, Venice
Comprising seven historic palazzi, three of which face the canal, Hotel Gabrielli showcases Venetian architecture. After the extensive renovation, many original elements were preserved, while the 700 Murano chandeliers were restored by the island's historic workshops. The rooms are now fewer and more spacious, while the Felice al Gabrielli restaurant puts the emphasis on fresh local produce.
Palazzo Previtera, Sicily
In Linguarossa at the foot of Mount Etna, Palazzo Previtera is a family-run B&B with a history of over 350 years. The Previtera family spent ten years restoring the historic building and its old furnishings, combining them with discreet contemporary touches. The rooms and apartments are surrounded by an impressive botanical garden, while from the balcony the view reaches all the way to Etna's crater. The location is ideal for hiking and wine tourism, and Taormina is just 20 minutes from the property.
