Italy’s got this thing with design, you know. People always think of it first. Fashion spots up north, those beat-up old palazzos down south all faded but still kinda grand. No other place pulls it off quite like that. Hotels fit right in. Some are these restored old buildings, back to their prime. Others push modern edges, really sharp stuff. Anyway, our top picks for the best designed ones in Italy. Oh and when you’re sorting your trip, check all our Italian hotel options too.
Santa Caterina, Amalfi
Amalfi is already pretty stunning on its own.
But then you add in the Santa Caterina hotel. It’s this old 19th-century villa sitting right on top of a cliff along the Amalfi Coast. You get these amazing views over the sparkling blue sea. Basically, it’s luxury all the way.
The rooms are bright and modern. Some have killer sea views you won’t find anywhere else. They come with hand-painted floors and those fancy marble bathrooms. Oh, and the amenities are next level.
Like the private beach club down below. You reach it by these two elevators cut straight into the rock. There’s also a Michelin-starred restaurant. And don’t forget the outdoor pool. It looks out over the whole bay.
Miramonti Boutique Hotel Merano
The Miramonti Boutique Hotel sits right in the forested hills of northeastern Italy. You know, it’s pretty high up there, at 1230 meters above sea level. Those views across the mountains, they’re just unmatched, stretching out forever.
Oh and if you’re into movie stuff, this place popped up in the James Bond flick The Spy Who Loved Me, playing a little part in the action. Each room gets this boutique treatment, designed to pull in all that nature from outside. Huge glass walls let the light flood in. Roof gardens up top, wide terraces too, all set up to soak in those epic vistas. And yeah, for kicking back, they’ve got this saltwater infinity pool hanging way above the valley, like it’s floating on air.
Palazzo Parigi Milan
Milan has plenty of those well-designed hotels, you know. The Palazzo Parigi fits right in. It sits on the spot of an old 17th-century palazzo, smack in the middle of trendy Brera. Every room gets a balcony. Some look onto the inner courtyard. Others face the city. The designs mix Parisian flair with Milanese style. All rooms feel spacious and bright. But really, the rooftop terrace steals the spotlight. It offers these amazing views over the whole city. Perfect spot for a sunset aperitif.
Byblos Art Verona
The Byblos Art Verona hotel sits in a 14th-century villa. It’s this really opulent spot, you know, where that old-school elegance just blends right into bright modern vibes. They’ve got original artworks from top artists scattered around. Plus there’s a gorgeous park with Verona marbled statues and a swimming pool. Add a spa, high-end restaurant, and those quirky rooms each designed differently. Basically, it’s the kind of place you might not want to leave.
Chateau Monfort Milan
The Chateau Monfort sits in this elegant art deco building right in the heart of Milan. Rooms draw from fairytales and operas, so you get dramatic decor in these soothing, dream-like colors. Each one stands out on its own, full of personality and charm. Designers thought through every detail, from gorgeous wallpapers all the way to the wellness spa. That style carries over to the three restaurants too, impressive spots packed with tasty Milanese dishes.
Zash Country Boutique Hotel, Marina Di Riposto, Sicily
Just north of Catania sits the Zash Country Boutique Hotel. You know, whatever you figure you need for a fancy getaway, they got it covered. Like the outdoor pool tucked into those citrus groves, with a bar right there outside. Then there’s the private spa, all lined with lava stones from Mount Etna nearby. Rooms are scattered around too. Some in the old house itself. Others down in the wine cellars from way back. And the real standout one’s planted smack in the olive and citrus groves, huge floor-to-ceiling windows and all. Basically, for decadence or just chilling out, this place thought of it all. Oh and it works great as a spot to start a food and wine tour up Mount Etna.
Il Palazzo Experimental, Venice
You can’t really top the spot for Il Palazzo Experimental. It’s right there on the water, you know, in that Dorsoduro neighborhood, all residential and quiet. Rooms pick up on the local vibe. Ornate windows everywhere.
Original wooden beams too. Then there’s this secret garden out back. Pretty typical for those old fancy Venetian spots. Oh and the bar. It’s got that speakeasy feel, with local wines and these wild experimental cocktails.
J.K. Place Roma
If you’re after a cozy little boutique hotel that really pays attention to you, with a spot right in the middle of everything, J.K. Place in Rome pretty much nails it. Rooms feel like classic Roman style, you know, with those big four-poster beds and top-notch linens, plus all the original details still there. Furniture mixes modern stuff with old-school pieces. Balconies come in handy too, after you’ve wandered around the city all day. Oh and the restaurant. It’s this striking art-deco setup in beautiful blue tones, comfy booths everywhere, and yeah, the food’s seriously good.
Bulgari Milan
If you’re after a cozy little boutique hotel that really pays attention to you, with a spot right in the middle of everything, J.K. Place in Rome pretty much nails it. Rooms feel like classic Roman style, you know, with those big four-poster beds and top-notch linens, plus all the original details still there. Furniture mixes modern stuff with old-school pieces. Balconies come in handy too, after you’ve wandered around the city all day. Oh and the restaurant. It’s this striking art-deco setup in beautiful blue tones, comfy booths everywhere, and yeah, the food’s seriously good.
Armani Hotel Milan
The Armani Hotel Milan feels more like a full-on experience than just a place to crash. Its spot is unbeatable. Right in the middle of Milan’s top shopping area. You get a lifestyle manager right when you show up.
They handle whatever you need the whole time you’re there. Rooms come loaded with Armani stuff. Some have those fancy marble bathrooms. Plus city views that really stand out. Oh and while you’re at it, hit the spa. There’s a pool overlooking everything. Elegant restaurants too. Pretty much the works.
Beautiful Design in Italy
Those fancy hotels in Italy, the ones with the best designs, they all share this one thing. Everywhere you look, there’s just stunning beauty hitting you from all sides. If you’re into design and heading to Italy, it’s going to blow you away, you know.
Milan works great for the shopping and that classy vibe, like we cover in the Milan design guide. Sicily’s got the unbeatable nature, fresh seafood, and real warm hospitality. Rome fits a quick 2-day trip perfectly. Our Italy tour picks make sure you have an amazing time, no matter what you’re into.