Best Small Luxury Hotels of the World in Italy

This property overlooking the Arno river in Florence underwent a major renovation in 2017, and travelers could not be more impressed. Offering stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio, Hotel Lungarno features nautical stylings and a living room suspended above the river. The blue, white and leather interiors extend to the accommodations, which boast antique furniture and original artwork. (The hotel features more than 400 pieces of fine art from artists like Picasso and Guidi). More modern amenities include blackout shades, coffee and tea makers, flat-screen TVs, complimentary loaner iPads and free Wi-Fi access. Upgraded rooms and suites offer more square footage and extra perks like separate sitting areas, minibars and balconies with river vistas. Recent guests described their rooms as beautiful and comfortable. Travelers were also complimentary of the on-site restaurants, especially the Michelin-starred Borgo San Jacopo, which serves contemporary Italian cuisine and houses a wine cellar with 900 labels. For a lighter meal, visitors can dine at the Picteau Lounge Bar, which also offers afternoon tea and views of the river from its terrace. While past guests said this Small Luxury Hotels of the World property was stunning and posh, they cited the friendly, attentive staff as the highlight of their stays.

Housed within a 15th-century palace that was later declared a national monument, Ca' Sagredo Hotel is a carefully restored hotel located on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. The property's interior boasts a grand frescoed ballroom, a marble staircase and ornately painted ceilings. L'Alcova Restaurant – the hotel's on-site eatery – has an outdoor terrace along the canal that faces the Rialto Market; here, patrons can take in the scene while dining on fresh, Venetian-style cuisine and sipping on Italian wines. Ca' Sagredo's 42 guest rooms and suites are furnished in a classic Venetian style, with heavy drapes, gilded headboards and deep red accents. Accommodations also include complimentary Wi-Fi access and windows that look out at the city or canal, depending on the type of room you book. Recent guests were in awe of the hotel's "absolutely stunning" decor, the "friendly and very knowledgeable" staff and the "fantastic location" steps from top attractions and a vaporetto (water taxi) stop, though others thought the rooms on the first floor were noisy and recommend booking lodgings on a higher floor.

Casa Angelina is a 5 star hotel located at Via G Capriglione 147 in Amalfi Coast. It has a 5.0 overall guest rating based on 956 reviews.

La Villa del Re - Adults Only Hotel is a 5 star hotel located at Loc. Su Cannisoni - Costa Rei in Sardinia. It has a 5.0 overall guest rating based on 564 reviews.

Nestled in the hills of the Riviera dei Limoni and overlooking the alluring Lake Garda, the Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda serves as a true Italian oasis. Guests can start their day by relaxing in one of the spa's five saunas or soaking in views from the hotel's infinity pool, which almost appears to merge into the lake. Those looking for exercise can then hike on the hotel's dedicated paths or opt for the well-equipped fitness center. Although the property is a bit isolated in the hills, the hotel's free shuttle runs from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and can quickly drive guests into the nearby town of Gargnano for shopping or dining. A guest's day is not complete without a meal at the hotel's main restaurant, La Grande Limonaia, which features contemporary Mediterranean dishes. Visitors can also enjoy Italian meals at on-site restaurant Trattoria La Vigna or handcrafted cocktails at the Lounge Bar, although some previous visitors warned the hotel's dining options are expensive. After dinner, guests can return to their rooms – which come equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, complimentary Wi-Fi access and marble bathrooms. And, members of the INVITED loyalty program can sleep comfortably knowing that they can earn and redeem points at this Small Luxury Hotels of the World outpost.

Sina Centurion Palace is a 5 star hotel located at Sestiere Dorsoduro 173 in Venice. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1217 reviews.

Relais San Lorenzo is a 5 star hotel. It has a 5.0 overall guest rating based on 375 reviews.

Hotel Villa Carlotta is a 4 star hotel located at Via Luigi Pirandello 81 in Sicily. It has a 5.0 overall guest rating based on 2012 reviews.

Located near the southwestern coast of Sicily, the Hotel Villa Athena is the only five-star hotel within the archeological park occupied by the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Recent guests raved about the property's stunning views and luxurious accommodations. Guest rooms, which were recently renovated, are outfitted with crisp white decor, flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Travelers suggest upgrading to a room or suite with views of the Temple of Concordia for additional space and added amenities, such as terraces and writing desks. When you're not taking in the view from your digs, you can lounge by the pool, indulge in a treatment at the spa or travel a few miles to the coast for beach service in San Leone. Visitors can also participate in a variety of cooking classes led by the villa's chef. If culinary arts aren't your thing, you can still enjoy the fare (and the temple views) at La Terrazza degli Dei, the on-site restaurant, before grabbing a nightcap at the Bar Federico II. And while recent guests will tell you that a stay here will cost you a pretty penny, all agreed the Hotel Villa Athena is worth the splurge.

Hotel Punta Tragara (Capri) is a 5 star hotel located at 57 Via Tragara in Capri. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 441 reviews.

Byron Hotel is a 5 star hotel. It has a 4.0 overall guest rating based on 108 reviews.

Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte is a 5 star hotel. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1833 reviews.

Hotel Splendide Royal Roma is a 5 star hotel located at Via Di Porta Pinciana 14 in Rome. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1597 reviews.

Located on the northern tip of Vulcano, a small island near Sicily, Therasia Resort Sea & Spa appeals to honeymooners and vacationers in search of an idyllic setting. This cliffside resort, including its two infinity pools and upgraded accommodations, overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea. Standard rooms use local materials in their designs and offer minibars with complimentary soft drinks, free internet access and balconies or terraces, but past travelers recommended reserving an ocean-facing room or suite for the best panoramas. Facilities like a spa, a fitness center, two bars and three Sicilian restaurants are available as well, but many cited issues with these perks. Previous guests said the waitstaff was slow and argumentative at the Michelin-starred Il Cappero, while some bemoaned the small, bug-filled gym and the bars' pricey drinks. A few reviewers also lamented the rooms' dated decor and spotty Wi-Fi service. However, visitors appreciated the complimentary beach shuttle and the spa's pool, sauna and Turkish bath.

Hotel Villa Franca is a 5 star hotel located at Via Pasitea 318 in Amalfi Coast. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 962 reviews.