Inspiration Hotels The Best New Hotels in Italy to Book Now Sicily's striking Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel, tops the list By Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz Freelance Writer & Editor Instagram Twitter Columbia University Smith College Laura Itzkowitz is a freelance writer and editor based in Rome. Her writing has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Architectural Digest, Surface Magazine, and other publications. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 02/07/22 Fact checked by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara Instagram Emerson College Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. After a long, trying period, Italy’s hospitality industry is bouncing back better than ever. In fact, there’s a downright boom in new hotels opening from Piedmont in the north to Sicily in the south. The options are diverse, ranging from a darling design in a thousand-year-old castle on a country estate in Umbria to a hip new offering by a micro-hotel brand known for its social spaces. What they have in common: picture-perfect looks, excellent dining options, must-visit locations, and warm Italian hospitality. We’ve rounded up the best new hotels in Italy, each of which offers an ideal base for exploring the surroundings. The 9 Best New Hotels in Italy of 2023 Best Overall: Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel Best for Culture: Ca’ di Dio, Venice Best Luxury: Hotel Castello di Reschio Best Budget: The Hoxton, Rome Best for Sustainability: Casa di Langa Best for Foodies: Il San Corrado di Noto Best for Romance: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel Best for a Beach Vacation: Borgo Santandrea Best Boutique: Belmond Splendido Mare, Portofino The Best New Hotels in Italy to Book Now View All The Best New Hotels in Italy to Book Now Our Top Picks Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel Ca’ di Dio, Venice Hotel Castello di Reschio The Hoxton, Rome Casa di Langa Il San Corrado di Noto San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel Borgo Santandrea Belmond Splendido Mare, Portofino See More (6) Final Verdict Compare Hotels Methodology Best Overall : Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel Villa Igiea See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It This thoughtful renovation of a historic grand dame restores an authentic and beloved part of Palermo’s culture to Sicily’s capital. Pros & Cons Pros The hotel’s storied past is celebrated in the design Excellent dining options by a renowned Italian chef Cons Location isn’t within walking distance to the historic city center The historic Villa Igiea shines once again as a beacon of style in Sicily’s capital thanks to a top-to-bottom renovation by Rocco Forte Hotels. The brand lightened up the color palette and brought in some modern décor, but preserved the Art Nouveau-style murals in the Ernesto Basile room and kept some of the original furnishings. Two restaurants serve Sicilian cuisine by renowned chef Fulvio Pierangelini, while the terrace of the bar is the place to be for aperitivo. The spa is a haven of tranquility with hand-painted tile floors by a local artisan, and body treatments which use Irene Forte’s line of natural skincare products. Notable Amenities Beautiful gardensPool overlooking the seaSkincare products made using natural Sicilian ingredients Best for Culture : Ca’ di Dio, Venice Caâ di Dio, Venice See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Set in Venice’s Arsenale art and design district, this hotel boasts a sleek contemporary design that stands out from the city’s opulently styled hotels. Pros & Cons Pros Sleek design by one of Italy’s leading interior designers Location in easy walking distance to the Arsenale district and Piazza San Marco Terrific bar and restaurant on-site Peaceful atmosphere Cons Not all rooms have waterfront views At most of Venice’s five-star hotels, gilded opulence is the name of the game. Not so at Ca’ di Dio, which opened this summer in a 13th-century ecclesiastical compound. V-Retreats, which runs the hotel, tapped renowned Milan-based designer Patricia Urquiola, who’s known for her sleek, modern style, to design the interiors. Bespoke Murano glass lamps and Gaetano Pesce chairs add whimsical touches to the rooms and lobby. Alchemia Bar serves creative cocktails accompanied by Venetian snacks, while Vero restaurant serves a gourmet menu of dishes like shrimp with burrata and confit tomatoes or fennel risotto with lobster. Notable Amenities Canal-side dock for water taxisImpeccable service Best Luxury : Hotel Castello di Reschio Hotel Castello di Reschio See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It This sprawling estate in Umbria epitomizes country life—with a dash of luxury—in Italy. Pros & Cons Pros Flawless design combining antiques and bespoke furnishings Plenty of outdoor activities on the estate Cons Pricey, especially in high season Spa only has one treatment room The 3,700-acre Reschio Estate was acquired in 1994, however, it wasn't until 1999 that its owner Count Benedikt Bolza moved into the estate to begin renovation of the property's farmhouses. The family has spent the past 20 years restoring it, renovating the ancient farmhouses, and finally transforming the thousand-year-old castle into an intimate 36-room hotel. A London-trained architect, Count Bolza designed the hotel and much of the furniture in it himself (he sells some of the furniture through his B.B. for Reschio line). Entering through the courtyard, you feel suspended in time as antiques mingle with the count’s sleek furniture in the hotel’s public spaces. The palm court, with its bespoke wicker chairs and oversized plants, is an especially magical place to sip a Negroni, while the pool was designed to resemble a lake in the forest. Rooms and suites are spacious, with plush four-poster beds, clawfoot tubs, and custom dressing tables. A Roman bath and spa are tucked away under the castle—perfect for relaxing after a game of tennis or a horseback riding lesson at the stables. Notable Amenities Horseback riding lessonsTennis courts and outdoor poolRoman bath and spa on-site Best Budget : The Hoxton, Rome The Hoxton See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It This hip newcomer encourages coworking (a rarity in Italy) and offers great style without the high rates of other top hotels in the capital. Pros & Cons Pros All day café by the team behind cult favorite restaurant/bakery Marigold Chic lobby lounge is great for co-working or socializing Cons Location is a bit far from the city center Rooms are on the small side It-brand the Hoxton opened its first Italian hotel in Rome’s posh Parioli neighborhood in May 2021, bringing with it the design credibility and destination dining the British brand is known for. The lobby lounge and Cugino café provide plenty of space for co-working or tête-à-têtes fueled by coffee and pastries by the team behind cult-favorite spot Marigold. Alternatively, more substantial meals can be had at Beverly, which serves a California-inspired menu. Rooms are modest in size, but feature nice touches, like Roberts stereos and books curated by Hox Friends (a group of locals who help curate the property's bookshelves). Notable Amenities "Breakfast Bag" for on-the-go breakfastThe Apartment event spaceFlexy Time flexible check-in/outBathroom amenities by Blank Best for Sustainability : Casa di Langa Casa di Langa See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It A haven of tranquility, Casa di Langa brings a new level of luxury to Piedmont. Pros & Cons Pros Beautiful setting overlooking the vineyards Hotel has a true commitment to sustainability Cons You need a car to explore the area This sustainable luxury hotel overlooks 100-plus acres of vineyards in the heart of Piedmont, the region known for Barolo and Barbaresco. It’s owned by the Krause Group, an American company whose Chairman & CEO owns the Parma Calcio 1913 soccer team and Enrico Serafino and Vietti vineyards in Piedmont. The design by Milan-based teams GaS studio (for the architecture) and Parisotto + Formenton (for the interiors) is inspired by the soft, muted colors and natural materials of the surrounding hills. The restaurant Fàula is helmed by the ambitious young chef Manuel Bouchard, who worked in five Michelin-starred restaurants in Northern Italy before the age of 25. Notable Amenities Vespas available for vineyard toursCooking lessons on-sitePet-friendlyEV charging available Best for Foodies : Il San Corrado di Noto Il San Corrado di Noto See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Guests get priority reservations at the restaurant helmed by one of Italy’s best chefs. Pros & Cons Pros Multiple restaurants means guests have ample chance to try the cuisine by Ciccio Sultano One of the two outdoor pools is massive Cons Service can be a bit brusque It’s a bit of a drive to the center of Noto and the beach A new member of Relais & Châteaux, this intimate resort in the lush Val di Noto occupies a historic masseria once owned by a noble family. With just 26 rooms and eight villas, it’s a must-visit destination for foodies eager to get a taste of the modern Sicilian cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Ciccio Sultano. The resort’s gourmet restaurant, Principe di Belludia, is courting the Michelin Guide, while the more casual Casa Pasta serves traditional Sicilian recipes like pasta alla norma and eggplant parmigiana. The property also has a spa, two swimming pools, and a beach club at the Lido di Noto. Notable Amenities Beach club with shuttle serviceNotable spa Best for Romance : San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel San Domenico Palace See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Four Seasons has given new life to one of the most historic hotels in one of Sicily’s most beloved destinations. Pros & Cons Pros Staff is especially attentive when it comes to celebrating special occasions Location is central and offers incredible views Cons Very limited parking options Pricey, especially in high season Four Seasons has taken over the historic San Domenico Palace, which was built as a Dominican convent in 1374 and later became a luxury hotel that hosted everyone who’s anyone. Oscar Wilde, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor all stayed at the hotel in its heyday. Now it’s entering a new golden age, thanks to a top-to-bottom renovation that modernized it and added Four Seasons touches, like a gourmet restaurant and an infinity pool overlooking the sea. From this luxurious cliffside perch, it’s easy to see why Taormina has been attracting sophisticated travelers since the era of the Grand Tour. Notable Amenities Clifftop infinity pool and private plunge poolsComplimentary overnight shoe shineComplimentary daily newspapersBabysitting services on-site Best for a Beach Vacation : Borgo Santandrea Borgo Santandrea See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Aside from the eye-catching design, it’s the only hotel on the Amalfi Coast with a private beach club. Pros & Cons Pros All rooms have sea views and handmade tiling Guests can choose between the sandy beach and the pool Cons Location is a 15-minute drive away from the center of Amalfi The Amalfi Coast is home to some of Italy’s most legendary hotels, so it’s not an easy place for a newcomer, but Borgo Santandrea quietly emerged in summer 2021 as the first new five-star hotel to open in Amalfi in 15 years. It’s also the only hotel on the coast to have its own private beach club. The main building is perched high overlooking the sea and as you descend, you first come to the pool and then the beach. The design fuses midcentury and Mediterranean style, with a predominantly blue-and-white color scheme inspired by midcentury architect Gio Ponti, whose vases for Ginori, an iconic porcelain brand, adorn the lobby. There are more than 30 different patterns on the tile floors, with the most eye-catching being the graphic zigzags in some of the suites. Three restaurants, from the casual beach club to the elegant Libreria, serve the fresh seafood and delicious pasta the region is known for. Notable Amenities Private beach clubAcqua di Parma bath products Best Boutique : Belmond Splendido Mare, Portofino Belmond Splendido Mare See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It This intimate hotel is a perfect complement to the glamorous Splendido Hotel on the Italian Riviera. Pros & Cons Pros Beautiful design by an up-and-coming architecture studio Expert concierge goes the extra mile Cons The hotel books up quite far in advance With just 14 rooms and suites, this intimate hotel is a sister property to the glamorous Belmond Hotel Splendido, which has long drawn an elite crowd, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Belmond tapped Paris-based Festen Architecture—the firm behind Hotel Le Pigalle in Paris and Les Roches Rouges on the Côte d’Azur—for the renovation. They drew inspiration from the hotel’s maritime heritage and location, channeling a chic Italian fishing boat with details like bold yellow-and-white striped tiles on the walls, wooden latticed flooring, and handmade headboards. They also added a touch of mid-century modern design, with pieces by Gio Ponti, Murano glass lamps, and textiles by Rubelli and Loro Piana. Notable Amenities One-hour boat tour included in stayBicycles on-siteBabysitting services available Final Verdict The hotel options in Italy are endless, so choosing the best one comes down to where you want to go and how you want to spend your time. Want a city break? The Hoxton, Rome or Ca’ di Dio offer excellent options in Rome and Venice. Are you planning a honeymoon or other special occasion trip? You might want to road trip around Sicily and stay in luxurious properties like Villa Igiea, San Domenico Palace, or Il San Corrado di Noto. Dreaming of a glamorous beach getaway on the country’s most celebrated coast? Borgo Santandrea is the hottest new hotel in Amalfi. Whatever you want to do, you’ll find a great option on this list. Compare the Best New Hotels in Italy Property Rates Resort Fee No. of Rooms Free Wi-Fi Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel Best Overall $$$$ No 104 Yes Hotel Castello di Reschio Best Luxury $$$$ No 36 Yes The Hoxton, Rome Best Budget $$ No 192 Yes Casa di Langa Best for Families $$$$ No 39 Yes Il San Corrado di Noto Best for Foodies $$$$ No 34 Yes San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel Best for Romance $$$$ No 111 Yes Borgo Santandrea Best for a Beach Vacation $$$$ No 45 Yes Ca’ di Dio Best for Culture Vultures $$$ No 66 Yes Belmond Splendido Mare Best Boutique $$$$ No 14 Yes How We Chose These Hotels For this list, we considered only new hotels that have opened in 2021, taking into account location, amenities, design, dining options, spa facilities, service, and value. We considered geographic diversity and the type of destination (city hotels, beach resorts, countryside estates, etc.). We also tapped into expert knowledge and evaluated customer reviews where available. 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