Aug 15, 2023

THE JOURNAL

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Travel Inspiration

Rome, Florence & Beyond…All the Best Places to Stay in Italy

Fora Author Fora

The Modern Travel Agency

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From the sunny, rolling hills of Tuscany to the imposing, ancient fortresses of Rome, the best places to stay in Italy will have you ogling picturesque landscapes, stunning architecture and one of Europe’s best menus (calling all foodies!). 

Can’t decide where to stay in Italy? Why not ask the pros? Connect with Fora to plan and book your Italy vacation and we’ll hook you up with awesome recommendations, one-on-one support and VIP perks at the coolest hotels in Italy. 

The 10 best places to stay in Italy, from Rome to Verona

Ready for your dream vacation to Italy? Read on for the 10 best places to stay in Italy, plus a few of our favorite hotel recs in each destination.

1. Rome: where to stay in Italy for first timers who want to sample a bit of everything

Walking the streets of Rome is like walking through time. The “Eternal City” was the seat of Western Civilization for nearly 1,000 years before the Roman Empire fell — and even then, the city remained a dominant force through the Medieval and Renaissance periods. 

Such history has had a profound influence on the Rome of today — and it’s why Rome isn’t just one of the best places to visit in Italy, but anywhere in the world. Culture, architecture, food (seriously, check out our foodie guide to Rome)...Rome has it all. 

Only have a few days to spare? Check out our 3-day Rome itinerary — or if you have more time, get off the beaten path and check out the most unique things to do in Rome.

Where to stay in Rome, Italy: J.K. Place Roma, The St. Regis Rome & More

From the coolest boutique hotels in Italy to some of Europe’s most luxurious accommodations, Rome delivers.

J.K. Place Roma is one of our favorite places to stay in Rome. This five-star hotel is decidedly modern, but its design still pays homage to the city’s storied past.

The St. Regis Rome is another glamorous option that’s a little more removed from the busiest parts of the city, which can be a perk if you’re looking for a quieter place to stay. 

Check out our full guide on where to stay in Rome for the lowdown on the best places to stay in Italy’s capital. Or connect with Fora to book and plan your trip with tailored recs.

Fora Perks at J.K. Place Roma:

  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Fora Perks at The St. Regis Rome:

  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

2. Florence & Tuscany: the best place to stay in Italy for art & architecture junkies

Image courtesy of Hotel Continentale

Another contender among the best places to visit in Italy for the first time: the beautiful city of Florence. 

Once the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence has maintained its artistic and cultural prominence with some of the most prestigious museums and sights in Europe, like the Uffizi Gallery and the Historic Center of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taking in the sights tops the list of things to do in Florence, but as the capital of Tuscany, there are amazing opportunities for wine tasting, as well (just check out our 3-night Florence itinerary).

Where to stay in Florence, Italy: Brunelleschi Hotel, Portrait Firenze, Ad Astra & more

Florence is home to some of the best places to stay in Italy, like the luxurious Brunelleschi Hotel or Portrait Firenze. Both can be found near the heart of the city, offering unimpeded access to the coolest neighborhoods in Florence. Or if you’re looking for a boutique hotel in a less crowded part of the city, Ad Astra is a trendy option.

Check out our guides to where to stay in Florence or where to stay in Tuscany for an in-depth look at some of our favorite neighborhoods, towns and hotels.

Fora Perks at Brunelleschi Hotel:

  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Fora Perks at Portrait Firenze:

  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

3. Venice: the most romantic place to stay in Italy for couples, foodies & more 

The bustling canals and narrow, labyrinthian streets of Venice grace many travelers’ bucket lists. 

The “Floating City” has long been one of the best places to stay in Italy for both couples and art and culture enthusiasts. There’s no better place to spy Venetian architecture than its birthplace — highlights include St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace (no, we’re not talking about crypto). Venetian cuisine is also world-renowned and intensely flavorful, often sourcing fresh ingredients locally. 

Our 3-day Venice itinerary has more deets.

Where to stay in Venice: Aman Venice, Hotel Danieli & more

Not sure where to stay in Venice? Don’t sweat it. Aman Venice and Hotel Danieli are among the most luxurious hotels in Venice. But there’s no shortage of great options throughout the canals.

(Sidenote: If you’re interested in Aman resorts in a wildly different setting: Amangiri is one of the coolest and most unique places to stay in Utah.)

Fora Perks at Aman Venice:

  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Fora Perks at Hotel Danieli:

  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

4. Amalfi Coast: one of the most scenic places to stay in Italy

You’ll find the breathtaking Amalfi Coast just south of Naples, on Italy’s western coast. Calm clear waters provide the idyllic setting for leisurely swimming and snorkeling while charming Italian towns offer opportunities for authentic cultural exploration. 

The Amalfi Coast is also an excellent choice for travelers looking to stretch their legs while hiking through famously scenic trails like the Path of the Gods. But there are a lot of things to do in Amalfi for all types of travelers, so don’t fret if you’re not into outdoorsy adventuring (check out our luxurious Amalfi itinerary for more ideas).

Want to learn more? Connect with Fora to book and plan your trip to the Amalfi Coast. Curious about other Mediterranean destinations? Maybe planning a trip to Greece is more your speed.

Where to stay on Italy’s Amalfi Coast: Caruso, Il San Pietro Di Positano & more

The towns and cities along the Amalfi Coast are among the best places to stay in Italy to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. Likewise, there are many magical resorts spread throughout the coast, like Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast and Il San Pietro Di Positano.

Fora Perks at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast: 

  • $9o food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Fora Perks at Il San Pietro Di Positano: 

  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

5. Sardinia: where to stay in Italy for a great mix of adventure & relaxation

Sardinia is a Mediterranean island off Italy’s west coast well known for its luxe beach resorts and vibrant scenery. Hidden grottos, sapphire beaches, rocky hills and more contribute to one of Italy’s most diverse regions, making Sardinia one of the most fun places to explore from an outdoorsy perspective. But like the Amalfi Coast, there are a ton of beautiful coastal villages to check out, too.

It’s worth noting that Sardinia is one of the best places to stay in Italy for families that desire a great mix of adventure and leisure. 

Where to stay in Sardinia, Italy: Hotel Romazzino, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda & more

Hotel Romazzino is an elegant, five-star choice with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and private beach access. But Sardinia is huge, so there are a lot of options for all budget types. Connect with Fora to plan and book your vacation with intel on the best places to stay on Italy’s second-largest island.

6. Sicily: the best place to stay in Italy for history, culture & iconic Mediterranean sights

The Mediterranean (and Italy’s) largest island, Sicily offers a distinct experience from Sardinia in that it’s much more developed, in both a modern sense and with archeological sites dating back to antiquity. Influences on Sicily’s culture and history may surprise, too, with elements of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Arabs and even the Normans evident in Sicily’s architecture.

There’s more to Sicily than history, though — taking in the sights of the Aeolian Islands and sampling the island’s rich gastronomy are only a few of the more luxurious things to do in Sicily (and our 3-day Taoirmina itinerary has even more ideas).

Where to stay in Sicily, Italy: Atlantis Bay & more

Like Sardinia, Sicily is an entire island with a huge range of hotels and villas to choose from. Atlantis Bay is one such example if you’re interested in luxury accommodations. But like Sardinia, there are dozens of great options spread throughout the island. 

Book and plan your trip with Fora to learn where else to stay in Sicily, Italy. 

Fora Perks at Atlantis Bay:

  • 50€ food / beverage credit.

  • Welcome amenity.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

7. Milan: where to stay in Italy for designer fashion & shopping

To some, Milan is sometimes overlooked among the best places to stay in Italy because it doesn't have the same kind of name recognition as, say, Rome or Venice. 

This is a completely different story among the fashion-conscious, though. From Gucci to Versace and Armani to Dolce & Gabbana, Milan may be home to more upscale designer brands than any city in the world. Likewise, Milan is a dream destination for shoppers and travelers with an eye for luxury.

Want to know how to do Milan? Check out our guide.

Where to stay in Milan: Armani Hotel Milano, Bulgari Hotel Milano, Grand Hotel et de Milan & more

Milan isn’t just Italy’s fashion capital, it’s Italy’s financial hub, too. Likewise, this is where to stay in Italy for uncompromising luxury. From Armani Hotel Milano to Grand Hotel et de Milan, you’ll find some of the ritziest resorts and hotels in Italy here. 

On the other hand, more affordable accommodations can still be found throughout much of the city. Regardless of your budget, when you book with Fora, we’ll make sure to find you accommodations that meet your expectations.

In the meantime, feel free to check out our guide to where to stay in Milan.

8. The Italian Lakes (Lake Como & Lake Garda): the best places to stay in Italy for family fun & adventure

The Italian Lakes Region actually includes several destinations, each offering a slightly different experience (we can help you figure out which resonates with you best). Lake Como and Lake Garda are the most popular, and both are a great choice for families who don’t want to deal with the crowds typically seen in some of Italy’s busier destinations.

Among things to do in Lake Como or Lake Garda: scenic boat tours, strolling through charming coastal towns and more.

As always, connect with Fora to learn where to stay in Italy’s lake region (plus planning and booking assistance).

9. Cinque Terre: the best place to stay in Italy to explore charming coastal villages

Cinque Terre is a gorgeous coastal region in Northern Italy characterized by a string of five colorful historic villages interspersed with lively harbors and vineyards. It’s an amazing destination for culture junkies eager for a taste (literal and figurative) of Italian life and cuisine outside of the big cities. 

Pro tip: hiking trails connect all five villages, but the most exciting way to visit each may be by boat (car access through Cinque Terre can be quite limited). 

Our 3-day Cinque Terre and Porto Venere itinerary has more details if you’re curious.

10. Verona: where to stay in Italy for Medieval architecture & Shakespearian vibes

While best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is also an exciting city to discover for architecture and history enthusiasts. The surprisingly well-preserved Arena di Verona, for example, was built almost 2,000 years ago, yet still hosts events today (don’t worry, brutal gladiatorial combat has been replaced with heavenly operatic performances and other pleasant festivals). 

Beyond the ancient Romans, elements from every era of Verona’s past — from the Gothic façade of The Verona Cathedral to the Neoclassical styles of Verona’s town hall — are highly evident in the city’s design, making it a fun place to stay in Italy for architecture junkies.

Want to stay at the best places in Italy? Book with Fora

Ultimately, these 10 destinations are only a fraction of the best places to stay in Italy (check out where to stay in Naples or the best places to stay in Sorrento, for instance). Eager to discuss all your options?

Plan and book your trip with Fora. We’ll hook you up with insider intel on all the coolest places to stay in Italy, plus score you awesome hotel perks along the way.

Not sure Italy is the best destination for your next vacation? Maybe one of these destinations makes more sense:

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