From
north to south, Italy’s
regions contain a variety of climates, traditions
and tastes, as well as globally renowned hotels
in stunning locations. These Italian
hotels offer some of the world’s best views,
whether they are perched on a cliff overlooking
the Mediterranean or the Grand Canal. You
may have to wait in line to see the Vatican and
Uffizi, but in these top hotels, Italy's
beauty will be all yours.
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CAPRI
 La
Scalinatella
www.scalinatella.com
La Scalinatella, or "little stairway," is aptly named given that it sits atop a hill in one of the most picturesque parts of the Island of Capri. This pristine white boutique hotel has a romantic flair and offers large rooms complete with terraces and sea views overlooking the Mediterranean. Dine by the pool on caprese cuisine with a choice of excellent wines.
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FLORENCE
Hotel
Savoy
www.hotelsavoy.it
Hotel Savoy oozes luxury and modern style in the heart of the romantic city of Florence, close to major attractions and shopping. With 98 guest bedrooms and nine suites overlooking the Piazza della Republica or the Duomo, this hotel offers everything from luxury pampering (massage anyone?) to fine dining in its L’Incontro restaurant.
Villa
San
Michele
www.villasanmichele.com
Formerly a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, the Villa San Michele is surrounded by its own gardens and woodland on the Fiesole hills. There are 46 guest rooms, including 25 suites, some of which have private gardens and terraces. Relax in the gardens or work up a sweat doing laps in the 82-foot, open-air heated swimming pool.
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LAKE COMO
Villa
d'Este
www.villadeste.com
A former 16th-century princely residence, Villa d'Este is surrounded by a 25-acre park. The hotel has 152 distinct rooms, each with period furniture, oil paintings, silk sofa covers and silk brocade drapes. Make time to wander through the Renaissance-style garden, with its 500-year-old lane tree and 16th-century mosaic.
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MILAN
Four
Seasons Hotel Milano
www.fourseasons.com/milan
Mixing the medieval with the modern, this 15th-century former monastery is located mere steps from Milan’s couture houses on the exclusive Via Gesù. The 118-room hotel has retained its cloisters but closed them in with glass. Rooms are light, large and airy. Pamper yourself with a relaxing spa treatments, and be sure to try the gourmet menu at the hotel’s Il Teatro restaurant.
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POSITANO
Le Sirenuse
www.sirenuse.it
Situated in an 18th-century villa on the Amalfi Coast with stunning views of Positano overlooking the beach. The privately owned hotel is the epitome of elegance, with bougainvilleas covering the arches of the vaulted dining room ceiling and lemon trees dividing the tables. Hang out on the vast pool terrace and indulge in the hotel’s signature spa treatments.
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ROME
Hotel
Hassler Roma
www.hotelhasslerroma.com
Renowned for making guests feel at home away from home, the Hassler Roma is located atop the Spanish Steps in the heart of Rome. With by far the best views of the city, the 82 rooms and thirteen suites are furnished in antiques and marble. This is where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes reportedly spent their wedding night.
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SICILY
Grand
Hotel Timeo
www.framonhotelgroup.com
Step back in time as you look out from this Sicilian hotel over the Greek theatre built in 1873. Sit atop the hotel terrace and marvel at the snow-topped Mount Etna or the sea views and then take a stroll in the 25,000-square-meter park with its magnolia, cypress, olive and palm trees. The hotel also boasts a private beach.
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SIENA
Borgo
San Felice
www.borgosanfelice.com
Located in the heart of Chianti 350 meters above sea level, Borgo San Felice is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The hotel occupies most of the restored medieval hamlet of San Felice, which dates back to 714. The 43 rooms boast hand-crafted and antique Tuscan furniture. Take advantage of the heated pool, tennis courts, the herb garden and wine cellar.
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VENICE
Hotel
Cipriani
www.hotelcipriani.com
Situated in a walled compound on the tip of Giudecca, the hotel can only be accessed by boat. The 82 rooms and suites offer views of the hotel’s gardens, the Venetian Lagoon or the nearby Piazza San Marco. Room styles run the gamut from Venetian to Mediterranean. Relax in the private garden or take a dip in the hotel’s filtered saltwater pool.
PEZ022008 |
(Updated:
09/05/08 ET) |
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