The 20 Best Hotels In Italy—According To The 2026 DUCO Awards

In a crowded landscape of global travel awards, the DUCO Awards stand apart for a simple reason: they don’t try to cover the world. Instead, they focus entirely on Italy and do it well. Every year, the awards recognize a select group of hotels known for outstanding service and for showing why the country remains popular with travelers.

Founder Carolina Perez leads the DUCO Travel Summit with a vision shaped by her strong personal connection to Italy. She tells me, “This year’s DUCO Award winners reflect what travelers value most: a real connection to where they are, an ease that makes a stay feel natural, and an authenticity that brings people back again and again.”

The selection process is thoughtful and deliberate. Instead of using anonymous panels or general criteria, DUCO starts with travel advisors. These experts nominate properties they have visited themselves and can recommend with confidence. This way, the list is based on real experience and trust, not just popularity. As Perez says, “In true ‘Su Misura’ spirit, this year’s winners have proven themselves to be true tailors of hospitality.”

It’s not surprising that many of these properties are also recognized with the ultimate honors by Forbes Travel Guide and Michelin Keys , including Il San Pietro di Positano, J.K. Place Capri, Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Casa Angelina, Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel, and Bvlgari Hotel Roma. These distinctions have made them instant classics.

The 2026 winners were announced this week at the annual DUCO Travel Summit in Milan. Awards were given to both larger hotels with more than 50 rooms and to smaller, more intimate places to stay.

Greatest Italian Hotels

Il San Pietro di Positano — WINNER

Il San Pietro stands out among Amalfi Coast hotels for its dramatic setting. Built into the cliff, its 56 rooms and suites are arranged on terraces above the sea, each offering a unique view of the coastline.

Opened in 1970, Il San Pietro has earned a reputation as a peaceful retreat with attentive service. Staff treat returning guests like old friends, not just visitors. A private elevator leads down through the rock to a quiet beach club, and lemon groves and gardens add a gentle touch to the building. The hotel also features a Michelin-starred restaurant and a tennis court with stunning views.

Bvlgari Hotel Roma — Rome

Bvlgari Hotel Roma offers a modern take on Roman grandeur in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Set in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, the hotel faces both ancient and modern parts of Rome.

Inside, the design uses classical symmetry, rich materials, and nods to the brand’s heritage. Marble, bronze, and selected artworks connect the hotel to the city. The 106 rooms and suites are spacious and calm, offering a quiet escape from Rome’s busy streets. The large spa with indoor pool stands out, inspired by ancient Roman baths and complete with marble columns.

Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel — Tuscany

Set among the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia, this estate offers guests an authentic Tuscan experience that goes beyond a typical countryside stay. Spanning 5,000 acres of vineyards, forests, and farmland, it feels secluded and peaceful. Guests can choose from 42 suites located in either the historic village or the newer part of the property.

At the center of the estate, a restored borgo features stone buildings, quiet courtyards, and sweeping views that feel timeless. Guests can visit the Brunello di Montalcino winery, take classes at the cooking school, and explore organic gardens to experience local traditions. There is also a golf course designed by champion Tom Weiskopf and an impressive wine cellar.

FORESTIS — Dolomites

FORESTIS sits high above the valleys of South Tyrol, surrounded by thick forests and distant mountain peaks. The hotel is peaceful and feels purposefully set apart from everyday distractions.

Architecture is key at this property incorporating stone, wood, and glass to blend into the landscape, and the interiors focus on light, space, and open views. Each of the 62 suites faces south to make the most of the Dolomite scenery. The penthouse suite takes this further, offering a private pool and sauna with mountain views and total privacy.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze — Florence

The hotel is set within one of Florence’s largest private gardens, so guests can enjoy a sense of space that’s hard to find in the city’s busy center. The main building is a Renaissance-era palazzo, with frescoes and architecture that reflect its long history. There are 116 guest rooms and suites inside.

The experience varies depending on where you stay. Rooms in Palazzo della Gherardesca are spacious and elegant, while those in Palazzo del Nero feel more intimate and cozy. The gardens, filled with sculptures and shaded paths, create a peaceful retreat. Dining at the Michelin-starred Il Palagio adds something special to your visit.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo — Lake Como

Grand Hotel Tremezzo celebrates the stunning beauty of Lake Como. Set right on the water, the hotel gives guests clear views across the lake to Bellagio. Its 77 rooms and suites look out over the water and sit within a centuries-old park that once held the botanical gardens of Villa Carlotta next door. The iconic hotel feels both luxurious and welcoming, blending classic style with modern comfort.

The hotel has three pools, including a spectacular floating pool in front of its private beach, as well as the T Spa, a spacious wellness retreat. The dining options are just as impressive, starting with the refined cuisine at La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi.

Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel — Rome

Hotel de Russie sits between two of Rome’s most famous spots, Piazza Del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna. Although it is in the heart of the city, it feels private. The hotel’s standout feature is the Secret Garden, a terraced area for aperitivo at the Stravinskij Bar and a top destination for celebrities and fashionistas.

The hotel was built in 1818 and has 117 rooms and suites that mix classic architecture with modern comfort. My favorite room is the Nijinksy Suite with a private terrace and views over Villa Borghese. Guests can also enjoy the spectacular Le Jardin restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Fulvio Pierangelini.

Orient Express La Minerva — Rome

This historic property, with its view of the Pantheon, has a rich past that has been thoughtfully restored. Designer Hugo Toro kept many original features while adding a softer, modern style.

The hotel has 93 rooms, including four signature suites, Stendhal, La Minerva, Obelisco, and Orient Express, each with Rosso Verona marble bathrooms, hand-painted ceilings, and original floors. Many rooms and the spectacular rooftop restaurant have views of the city. The stunning newly opened spa draws on ancient Roman and Ottoman hammam traditions.

Portrait Milano — Milan

Portrait Milano is unique in the way it blends into the city’s daily life. Once a seminary, the building has been thoughtfully restored, offering connected spaces that feel both historic and modern.

The large central courtyard is a welcoming place for people to gather. Inside, the focus on craftsmanship and detail reflects Milan’s design culture. Each of the 73 suites is spacious and simple, giving guests privacy in the middle of the city.

Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel — Palermo

Villa Igiea sits above the Gulf of Palermo, blending the charm of the past with a lively atmosphere. It was first meant to be a sanatorium, but soon became one of Italy's most luxurious hotels.

Terraced gardens lead down to the sea, and the 100 rooms have frescoes, high ceilings, and details from the Belle Époque. The hotel feels both relaxed and elegant, closely tied to Palermo’s culture and coastline.

Dining is a highlight at the Florio Terrace or The Igiea Terrazza bar terrace, with cuisine curated by Fulvio Pierangelini and cocktails by Salvatore Calabrese. You can also play on one of the oldest tennis courts in Italy, surrounded by gardens and overlooking the sea.

Most Charming Hotels in Italy

Borgo Pignano Volterra — Tuscany *WINNER

The village of Pignano, founded in the Middle Ages on a hill above Volterra, has now become a hotel. Set on 750 acres of organic farmland, this country estate offers 14 rooms, along with cozy cottages and a farmhouse. The atmosphere makes you feel right at home.

Old barns and workers’ cottages surround the 18th-century villa, now turned into comfortable hotel rooms. The property stands out for its sweeping views and two outdoor pools, including an impressive infinity pool set in a limestone quarry.

Borgo Santandrea — Amalfi

Borgo Santandrea sits high above the Amalfi Coast and offers some of the best views in the area. Located between Amalfi and Positano, it gives guests both easy access and a sense of privacy, with 29 rooms and 16 luxurious suites.

The design combines mid-century style with local craftsmanship, so the interiors feel both modern and connected to the area. Terraced levels lead down to a private beach, which you can reach by elevator. This gives guests a rare, direct way to the water in a place known for its steep cliffs.

Casa Angelina — Praiano

Casa Angelina shows that true luxury can be simple. The hotel’s white interiors, modern art, and open spaces make the whole place feel calm, elegant, and peaceful.

Located in the center of Praiano, this boutique hotel has only 37 rooms, each with stunning views of Capri and Positano. The small size makes it perfect for a romantic getaway. The high staff-to-guest ratio means guests get personal, attentive service, so every visit feels special. Suite Azure, designed by Paola Lenti, stands out for its simple elegance and unique style.

Dining at Un Piano Nel Cielo, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, is just as impressive. Executive Chef Leopoldo Elefante has earned a Michelin star for his creative take on Italian food.

COMO Castello Del Nero — Tuscany

Set among world-famous vineyards and just a short drive from Florence and Siena, this resort offers 50 rooms and suites inside a 12th-century castle.

The Torrigiani family has owned the castle since 1825. Its impressive architecture and grand rooms, decorated with Renaissance paintings, family crests, and elegant furniture, reflect the history of Italian nobility. Olive groves stretch across the estate, creating a beautiful setting. Guests can also enjoy the Michelin-starred La Torre restaurant and a full-service ESPA spa.

Il Falconiere Relais & Spa — Tuscany

This small estate, once home to the 18th-century poet Antonio Guadagnoli, has 400-year-old buildings that Silvia and Riccardo Barrachi carefully restored. Today, it feels as welcoming as a private home.

There are 31 rooms and suites spread across the main villa, barns, country house, and old chapel. Each space features antique furnishings, with some rooms offering terra cotta floors and others four-poster beds. Guests can also enjoy a newly Michelin-starred two-story restaurant and the Thesan Etruscan Spa, which has indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, and a Turkish bath.

J.K. Place Capri — Capri

Set on a cliff above the port of Marina Grande, this beautiful white villa has 22 rooms, each with a private balcony and sea view. The Penthouse features a spacious terrace with panoramic views. Inside, the hotel feels like a luxurious home, with a luxurious J.K. SPA and JKITCHEN serving traditional Mediterranean dishes on a large terrace overlooking the sea.

J.K. Place Rome — Rome

This hotel is located near the Spanish Steps in a building that once served as a school of architecture. The old classrooms are now elegant bedrooms, decorated with mid-century furniture and bright colors. With only 30 rooms and suites, the property feels like a hidden boutique gem in the busy city.

Nolinski Venezia - Evok Collection — Venice

Nolinski Venezia stands on Calle Larga XXII Marzo in a grand building that used to be the city’s Chamber of Commerce. It is surrounded by luxury shops such as Ferragamo and Armani.

All 43 rooms have their own unique design, but share a consistent style. The hotel feels calm and refined, which stands out from the lively streets and canals outside.

Palazzo Avino — Ravello

Sitting high on a hilltop in Ravello, this former 12th-century noble residence overlooks the Amalfi Coast. It has been carefully restored, keeping its original architecture intact.

Palazzo Avino, often called the pink palace, opened in 1997 and is now a five-star luxury hotel managed by sisters Mariella and Attilia Avino. This private boutique hotel offers 43 guest rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy an outdoor heated pool and spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a unique beach club by the sea with its own pool, restaurant, and swimming platforms.

Relais Roncolo 1888 — Quattro Castella

Relais Roncolo 1888 is located in Italy’s Food and Motor Valley and invites guests to enjoy a slower, more grounded pace. This former noble residence now features 17 rooms, including 4 suites, and has been transformed into a retreat that values sustainability and a close connection to the land.

Guests can choose Villa Manodori or Dimora Ancini, where rooms and suites offer king-size beds, wood-beamed ceilings, and historic touches. Some rooms have frescoes, vineyard views, or private gardens, creating a peaceful setting among olive groves and rolling hills.

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