Italy’s most luxurious city stays

It’s time to escape the ordinary. We’ve compiled a list of Italy’s most lavish accommodations, from the fashion capital of Milan to the deep south of Sicily. At these luxury spots, you can go for a ride in a Maserati, lounge on your very own terrace overlooking an ancient Greek temple, or even soak in a shoe-shaped bathtub. Take your pick.

Park Hotel Pacchiosi – Parma, Italy

If there’s one thing Park Hotel Pacchiosi has mastered, it’s traditionalism. Located in the oldest district of Parma, the hotel is housed in an elegant early 20th-century building, giving it an abundance of old-school charm. Rooms are neo-Renaissance in style, with marble floors and handcrafted furniture fit for a palace. In the evening, the sophisticated piano bar is the place to be, with suited-up staff serving refreshing aperitivi.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze – Florence, Italy

Situated next to the botanical gardens of Giardino della Gherardesca, the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers a two-floor spa and Michelin-starred restaurant. The hotel itself is split over two monumental buildings – the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the former 16th-century convent, La Villa. Rooms have a Renaissance feel, with chandeliers and frescoed ceilings. The best of Florence is just a short walk from the property, with the cathedral, and Uffizi and Accademia art galleries just 15 minutes away.

Mantatelurè – Lecce, Italy

Mantatelurè is nestled behind an arch in the centre of Baroque Lecce, inside a restored residence with white-washed stone walls dating back to 1550. Begin your day with freshly baked croissants and other homemade treats from the owner’s on-site bakery. There’s also a well-stocked wine cellar with plenty of red and white to wet your whistle.

Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel – Matera, Italy

A palace by name and by nature, the Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel is made of ancient limestone and sits in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera. Head to the lower depths of the palace and you’ll find a beautiful spa among cisterns and caves carved into the stone. There’s a waterfall jet for vertical massages and a large pool with spa bath. In the evening, take in views over the illuminated grottoes (known as Sassi), which are perched on the edge of a ravine.

Grand Hotel Villa Igiea – MGallery Collection – Palermo, Italy

Overlooking the Bay of Palermo, this historic villa combines original frescoes and furnishings with a state-of-the-art gym, solarium, and massage room. Guest rooms feature Art Nouveau design and stylish marble bathrooms.You’ll find dining options at Grand Hotel Villa Igiea, with Donna Franca Florio serving up Sicilian specialities on a terrace overlooking the sea. An outdoor pool is flanked by classical columns, and a bar serving cocktails and dinner digestifs in the summer.

Hotel Villa Athena – Agrigento, Italy

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a hotel location as dramatic as this one. Hotel Villa Athena is secluded within Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, just 200 metres from the Temple of Concordia. Despite its Greek surroundings, the hotel itself is an 18th-century residence which emits a true Sicilian rusticity. The heated freshwater pool is a great place to admire the surrounding country, and the beautiful garden is home to a citrus grove and ancient olive trees – perfect for a scenic and scented stroll.

Excelsior Hotel Gallia – Luxury Collection Hotel – Milan, Italy

Excelsior Hotel Gallia is an expression of Italian creativity and design. Close to Milan’s designer shopping district, it can’t afford to look out of place. The 1000m² Shiseido spa, rooftop restaurant and jaw-dropping suites ensure it looks the part. At breakfast, there’s a live cooking station with chefs creating delicious food on request. The hotel’s largest suite boasts two private terraces, a hot tub, and a trip in a chauffeur-driven Maserati to the world-famous fashion shopping district.

Spagna Royal Suite – Rome, Italy

It’s hard to decide what the standout feature of Spagna Royal Suite is: the fact that they’re a stone’s throw from the Spanish Steps, or their sparkling, stiletto-shaped bathtub, housed in the Deluxe Double Room. Guests can choose from super-sleek rooms, suites and apartments, with many offering uninterrupted views of the Spanish Steps. For a little extra, you can spoil yourself with in-room champagne, chocolate, wine and flowers.