Italy Editor Picks

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Editor Picks

It’s easy to see why Italy remains one of the most popular European travel destinations. From historical monuments like the Colosseum to artistic wonders like Michelangelo’s David to breathtaking landscapes such as the cliff-hugging Amalfi Coast, the country boasts an impressive number of “musts.” … more Despite the Italian Tourist Board’s bizarre claim that at least 60 percent the world's artistic heritage is in Italy, it is a fact that Italy has, at last count, 42 Unesco World Heritage Sites: a surprising number for such a comparatively small country! Indeed, it would take a lifetime to experience all that Italy has to offer, but since most of us only have one to three weeks, the discerning editors of ShermansTravel.com have singled out the best of the best.

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One of the few design hotels in Venice, the Ca’ Pisani is perfect for both comfort seekers and art lovers. Owned by the Serandrei family – who have been hotel owners in town for as long as anyone can remember – the property houses original art work (including some important pieces from Italian Futurist artists) as well as rooms that are as visually pleasing on the eye as much as the other senses. All rooms have wi-fi and are – refreshingly – devoid of the usual Venetian grandeur one usually finds in the city’s hotels. The rooms are quasi-minimalist, filled with an airy ceiling space (interrupted by wood beams), flat screen TVs, and, in some rooms, legions of natural light. The in-house restaurant, La Revista, serves up above-average Venetian cuisine.

Dorsoduro 979; Venice; 011-39-041-240-1411; www.capisanihotel.it

This Trastevere hotel is a hidden Eternal City gem. All rooms are on the ground floor and look out onto the leafy orange-tree-laden courtyard, which also makes for a peaceful breakfast setting before pushing off to see the sights. The simple, but comfortable rooms – decked out with exposed brick and oak furniture – make for a quiet oasis, reminiscent of the building’s past as a former Renaissance-era cloister. One unique perk the Santa Maria offers is free bicycles for guests The Trastevere location – arguably Rome’s most attractive neighborhood thanks to its narrow alleyways flanked with wine bars and boutiques – is worth the price of a room alone.

Vicolo del Piede, 2; Rome; 011-39-06-589-4626; www.hotelsantamaria.info

Inspired by the Grand Tourists – the 18th- and 19th-century upper-class British travelers who made Rome an essential part of any itinerary – this 90-room Spanish Steps-area hotel has seen a number of distinguished guests traipse through its pearly doors, from Hemingway to Twain to Hans Christian Andersen. Meant to feel like a private residence, the lavishly decorated rooms are crammed with porcelain antiques, over-sized mirrors with ornate frames, and enough silk to make you think twice about leaving the room. If possible, request a room on a higher floor – one with terrace or balustrade. The hotel cocktail bar, perhaps one of the most posh spots to sip a martini in town, is a favorite haunt for local celebs.

Via Bocca di Leone 14; Rome; 011-39-06-699-81; www.royaldemeure.com

Dating from 1903, this traditional Tuscan hotel was once home to Carrega Bertolini princes. Corridors lined with historic Florentine photos from the Alinari museum's collection provide a taste of Old World Florence.

Piazza Unità Italiana 6; Florence, Tuscany; 011-39-055-23-580; www.hotelbaglioni.it

This 16th-century palace is one of the best places in Venice to rest your cobble-weary feet for the night. Built in 1525 for the Doge Andrea Gritti, it's guaranteed to transport you.

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With peerless Grand Canal views, five-star service, and rooms decked out in marble tiles, gold-rimmed ceilings, and late-Baroque and neo-classical furnishings, Gritti Palace seems fit for royalty – indeed, it’s Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite place to stay when she’s in town. Each room is uniquely designed, with lavish details like hand-painted furniture, floor-to-ceiling antique mirrors, and Murano glass chandeliers. Guest rooms are also equipped with DVD players, flat-screen TVs, Bang & Olufsen sound systems, and high-speed internet access. See more Smart Luxury Award winners

Campo Santa Maria del Giglio; Venice; 011-39-041-794-611; www.gritti.hotelinvenice.com

The perennially popular Flora offers moderate prices in exchange for quasi-luxurious ambience. Located in San Marco and housed in a 17th-century palace, the hotel sits next to the reputed home of Desdemona, the heroine of Shakespeare’s Othello. The hotel’s 43 rooms, light and airy, are decked out in period furniture. Wood beams cross the ceilings. Ancient chandeliers and views across the ancient rooftops of Venice will certainly bewitch even the most hardened traveler. All rooms have a private bathroom and wi-fi access.

Calle Bergamaschi; Venice; 011-39-041-522-8217; www.hotelflora.it

It occupies a medieval palazzo near the Ponte Vecchio and is loaded with ornate frescoes, parquet floors, chandeliers, gold mirrors, beamed ceilings, and giant, freestanding wardrobes.

Via Porta Rossa 19; Florence, Tuscany; www.hotelportarossa.com

While this a must-stop for Michelangelo's iconic David and his powerful unfinished Slaves meant for the tomb of Pope Julius II, most visitors fail to appreciate the museum's Gothic and Renaissance paintings and its remarkable collection of musical instruments. Late openings are usually scheduled on one or two nights weekly throughout the summer months.

Via Ricasoli 60 (entrance 58); Florence, Tuscany; 011-39-055-238-8609; 011-39-055-238-8609

Originally the headquarters of the town's top magistrate and prison, the Bargello became a museum in 1865 and now houses the most comprehensive collection of Donatello’s sculptural works, plus pieces by other Renaissance greats like Cellini, Verrocchio, Giambologna, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, and Michelangelo. The ticket is a bargain and queues are nonexistent. Closed 2nd and 4th Mondays.

Via del Proconsolo 4; Florence, Tuscany; 011-39-055-238-8609; www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/bargello

Santa Maria del Fiore was built to Arnolfo di Cambio's project starting September 8th, 1296. Added in 1436, Brunelleschi's iconic dome is well worth both the €9.50 ticket and the 463-step climb. The remains of the former Santa Reparata cathedral can be seen at a lower level, while the façade dates from the 19th century.

Piazza del Duomo; Florence, Tuscany; 011-39-055-230-2885; www.operaduomo.firenze.it

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