The 5 most expensive hotels in Italy

Possibly the most expensive place in Italy to stay at is Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento. This is thanks to its enchanting location, blooming gardens, and above-par services, hospitality, and facilities.

Located in the centre of Sorrento, the resort is surrounded by lush flora and fauna as well as cobbled lanes and even a private lift that takes you to and from the hotel to the bustling harbour below, where you can catch a ferry to Naples. 

The hotel is set atop a clifftop overlooking the ocean. It was opened in 1834 and still retains a lot of its traditional ambience and its history. The resort is beyond grand, with marble floors, large monuments, paintings, vibrant floral displays, and timeless glamour.

The main features that are sure to wow are the Winter Garden, the frescoed reading room, and the jaw-dropping music room. 

Your dedicated concierge will arrange everything you need like day trips to Pompeii, the Herculaneum and the stunning Amalfi Coast.

If you’d prefer to stay at the hotel, you can spend the days by the glittering pool, or perhaps be pampered in the Serra spa which is hidden in the majestic gardens. The terrace is the most idyllic place for cocktails overlooking Vesuvius and Naples, or even for a spot of Afternoon Tea. 

The dining is second-to-none with the restaurant Terrazza Bousquet, where Michelin stared chef Antonio Montefusco creates highly technical interpretations of Italian classic dishes.

The tasting menu is particularly popular, where guests can sample tagliolini with Sorento lemons, pigeon breast, and pumpkin. Served on the rooftop of the resort with twinkling lights, it’s one of the most romantic spots in Italy. 

The rooms are exquisite, with three floors of chalet-styled rooms and suites. The ambience is classic and elegant with clean lines, sophisticated fabrics, and the most stunning marble bathrooms. 

Prices start from £3,155 per person for three-nights, £5,215 per person for five-nights and £7,275 per person for seven-nights, including flights. 

Hailed as ‘one of the world’s most celebrated hotels’, Villa d'Este is one of the most outstanding places to stay in Italy. The hotel is grandiose with mosaicked large terraces, magnificent chandeliers, striking artwork, and exceptional hospitality. 

Located on the astonishing lakefront location, you can enjoy stately gardens with large fountains, grand terraces, and topiary. The 19-century mock-up has little lake vistas so you sit back with a glass of bubble and really absorb the views. 

The hotel was originally built in 1568 as a private summer residence, before becoming home to the Princess Caroline of Brunswick. And now, it is just as regal as it ever was with a fusion of refined style and elegance that is laden with history and character. 

The hotel is family-run and the service is personable and sincere. You can enjoy the swimming pool, fitness rooms, sauna, steam room, golf simulator, and even eight tennis courts to choose from. If water sports are more your style, you can head to the lake for water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing. 

The restaurants serve up cuisine with panoramic lake views. The main hotel Veranda is a fine-dining experience like no other, with a strict jacket and tie dress code. Of course, you can enjoy more informal dining at Il Platano and Canova Bar. 

The rooms are spread across the resort in the Cardinal Building and the Queen’s Pavilion, or you can opt for one of the villas for a more private stay. Rooms are traditional with antiques, paintings, silks and artisanal brocades that are made locally. 

Prices start from £1,845 per person for three-nights, £3,025 per person for five-nights and £4,205 per person for seven-nights, including flights. 

Aman Venice Hotel - Grand Canal, Venice is a museum-quality treasure trove. Everywhere you look you’ll see something different in this 18th-century hotel. Located in the San Polo district you are in the heart of Venice, with just a short stroll to the iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St Marks Square. 

The hotel is lavish with a grand ballroom, carved stone fireplaces, Murano chandeliers, gilt mirrors, original frescos, and Rubelli silk adorning absolutely everything. Even the table centrepieces are grand with exotic white amaryllis. 

Service is discreet and friendly. Perhaps this is why the Clooneys opted to stay here during their visit to Venice. 

Dining is a sumptuous affair with Michelin chef Davide Oldani serving dishes in The Yellow Dining Room, which has gorgeous views over the Grand Canal and the Garden terrace. 

Rooms are a fairytale dream with views of the canals. The Alcova Tiepolo Suite is the most impressive with 18-century ceiling frescos and spacious living quarters. 

Prices start from £1,620 per person for three-nights, £2,650 per person for five-nights and £3,685 per person for seven-nights, including flights. 

Fendi Private Suites in Rome are a super stylish option for enjoying contemporary art and modern design mixed with renaissance Rome. Located just a short walk away from the Spanish Steps, the hotel’s design is sleek and chic with its distinctive Fendi design. The living space is expansive with statement furniture, vintage chairs, and a museum of limited edition Fendi baguettes. 

On the fourth floor, you can head to the reservation-only Zuma lounge where you can tuck into decadent delights such as miso-marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaf. This popular spot is becoming famous for celebrity and influencer watching. 

The suites are exceptional with Karl Lagerfeld photo’s adorning the walls to give the rooms a stylish edge. Whilst the fabrics are all high-quality like Mako cotton satin sheets and fine leather sofas. 

You’ll feel like a movie star the moment you step into the Fendi Private Suites. 

Prices start from £1,295 per person for three-nights, £2,105 per person for five-nights and £2,915 per person for seven-nights, including flights. 

Discover Italy top luxury hotels. 

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is a charming resort in Taormina, Sicily. This luxe hotel offers the most sensational views over Europe’s largest active volcano, which is truly a sight to behold. 

The hotel was first opened in 1873 as a five-bedroom guesthouse, which is now the main building of the hotel. It was a popular choice for many iconic figures like Oscar Wilde, DH Lawerence and Truman Capote. It’s not just the views that people love though, the hotel itself is pure luxury. It has retained its traditional charm whilst being dragged into the 21st century. 

Sink into an oasis of calm at the on-site spa or in the tranquil gardens. If you want to explore, there are even complimentary boat trips to take you along the coast in the summer. 

Dining is extraordinary, with modern cuisine being served on the terrace matched by dreamy views as you tuck into clams on a grouper carpaccio and seared tuna steak. 

It is worth splurging on a villa for the most calming views, with antique furnishings, gilded mirrors, and parquet floors. You can sink into comfort with plush robes, fluffy towels and orange-blossom scented toiletries. 

Prices start from £1,015 per person for three-nights, £1,640 per person for five-nights and £2,270 per person for seven-nights, including flights. 

What is the most expensive city in Italy?
Milan is the most expensive place in Italy, thanks to its designer shopping options, expensive hotels, and luxe lifestyle. 

Where do the super-rich travel to in Italy?
The most frequented city in Italy is Rome. With some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury residences, the rich and wealthy flock to this city. Discover the most fashionable places in Italy you need to visit. 

What’s the most expensive hotel in Italy? 
One of the most expensive places in Italy is Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento.