Best Small Luxury Hotels of the World in Italy

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.

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.

This small boutique hotel looks out onto – you guessed it – Rome's infamous Spanish Steps. The chic accommodations here include marble bathrooms and free Wi-Fi access, while some rooms and suites include Jacuzzi bathtubs, balconies or terraces, kitchenettes and fireplaces. Keep in mind, some rooms are located in the main inn, while others are situated down the street in a separate building. Previous guests recommend requesting a room with a view of the Spanish Steps, saying the splurge is worth it. A stay here also comes with an afternoon snack buffet and a complimentary breakfast buffet, served daily on the rooftop terrace. There are limited hotel features on-site (no gym, restaurant, spa or pool, for example), but the hotel's location puts visitors among the designer shops in Rome and just a short walk from top attractions like the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Travelers also say the concierge is extremely helpful in suggesting dinner options and setting up reservations.