Hotels are more than just the place where you lay your head down to rest at the end of a long day exploring Italy. The right hotel elevates a vacation from great to fabulous. Over the years, we have carefully cultivated a list of our favorite hotels around the country. We work hard to keep it updated, scoping out and visiting new structures and reviewing old favorites to make sure that the vibes are immaculate. So, what do we look for? What makes us choose a hotel for our guests?
Of course, we look for 4 and 5-star hotels with all the luxuries you could desire. However, a high star rating doesn't automatically mean the hotel is added to our list. We also look at B&Bs and boutique hotels for travelers looking to spend less or who prefer a more intimate experience. In areas farther from major tourist cities, the choices are often slimmer, and we focus on finding quaint, homestyle stays that offer comfort, warmth, and authenticity.
We want to feel something when we stay in the space. A luxury hotel should feel luxurious. A boutique hotel should have that special charm. From the staff to the decoration, we want the structures to be welcoming and warm, while also being comfortable. A big plus is when we can find hotels that really bring you into our culture and history through their uniqueness. What better way to imagine life in Sicily's Baroque era than staying in a remodeled Baroque palace? Live life just like the Royal Savoy family by staying in a Savoy residence turned hotel in the center of Turin.
A huge part of exploring Italian culture is experiencing our food. Many fabulous Italian chefs work in hotel restaurants, offering their gourmet spin on local ingredients. We adore hotels that offer unique opportunities to dive into cuisine, whether through hands-on cooking classes or Michelin-starred dining experiences. One of our favorite hotels in Sicily is a traditional-style masseria where guests can take part in a cooking class and whip up traditional local dishes.
Especially for our self-guided tours, it is important that you can bike right to the hotel and know you will have somewhere safe to store your bike! Things should be easy, and we never want you to worry about where to park your bike overnight. We ensure that the hotels are ready to receive you, bikes, and all!
When we have our initial call, we talk about your dreams, your preferences, your desires, and the kind of hotels you enjoy. What do you value? Are you after luxury or a boutique experience? Based on your preferences, we'll choose from our favorite hotels that meet your expectations and that fit the itinerary.