A Culinary Journey Through Incredible Italy

Overview

A classic and elegant hotel enjoying a fantastic central location just steps from Piazza Maggiore and the Due Torri, Grand Hotel Majestic is one of the most celebrated hotels in the city. With origins dating from the 18th century, the building has hosted this magnificent hotel for over 100 years and is considered an institution of the city.

Consisting of 106 guest rooms, all elegantly decorated and furnished in keeping with the hotel’s artistic style, guests will enjoy a blend of typical Italian style reinforced by modern comfort, as well as lovely city views. A range of newer junior suites and deluxe rooms offer something a little bit different with their classic 18th-century French decor.

Guests will benefit further from the superb dining on offer at the Grand Hotel Majestic, beginning with the famed I Carracci Restaurant. Set in a magnificent hall adorned with frescoes, this is the place to sample traditional cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region, all whilst seated below artistic beauty. Fine food and wine can also be enjoyed at the new Enoteco Morandi wine cellar eatery, with its rustic menu, while Café Marinetti is the place to begin the evening, with an aperitif in hand.

For a touch of rejuvenation between days exploring medieval architecture and sampling mouth-watering cuisine, the hotel’s health and wellness centre is an oasis of relaxation. Featuring a Turkish bath, sauna, emotional shower with chromotherapy and an intimate relaxing area, this is a haven of wellbeing.

Overview

Hotel Corona d’Oro is located in the heart of Bologna, just a stone’s throw from the city’s famous two towers, Neptune’s Fountain and it many piazzas.

The building dates from the 13th century and was once in the hands of the powerful Azzoguidi family. Many of its original features have been maintained, such as the medieval portico on the outside and pannelled ceilings covered in renaissance frescos.

There are just 40 rooms, classic and elegant in design with parquet flooring and luxe fabrics. Some have small balconies with views out over the city.

The beautiful lounge sits under a glass ceiling, flooding the area with light and it’s the perfect space to unwind with the papers and a cup of coffee.

Overview

The Hotel Savoy could not be more centrally located if it tried, located on Florence’s Piazza della Repubblica, next to the Duomo, with all the famous attractions of the city within walking distance.

Interiors are the work of designer Olga Polizzi, combining sleek and contemporary Italian with the building’s historic form, along with some more playful touches throughout. There are 88 rooms and 14 suites, including the two bedroom Repubblica Suite and its spectacular view over the square, and the Brunelleschi and Signoria suites that each enjoy private steam rooms.

Hotel Savoy’s restaurant, Irene, is overseen by renowned chef Fulvio Pierangelini and offers authentic flavours using local seasonal products, with some light and healthy reinventions of Tuscan classics. During warmer months, guests can enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace and soak up the atmosphere.

Overview

Along the banks of the River Arno on a pedestrianised piazza, is the St. Regis Florence, a historic palace designed by Brunelleschi.

The hotel’s 80 rooms and 19 suites are decorated in elegant Medici, Fiorentino or Renaissance style. Some feature adorned coffered ceilings, wall frescoes and 15th-century artwork. Florence is a city of true beauty and you’ll enjoy views of the city, courtyard or the River Arno from your opulent room.

Indulging in the local food is the highlight of any trip to Italy and the hotel’s Restaurant, Winter Garden by Caino, has been awarded a Michelin star for its innovative cuisine. The excellent food is matched by its surroundings and the high glass ceilings and dramatic chandelier give the room plenty of old-world charm.

The Regis Bar is located in the arches of the restaurant and the perfect place to relax with an espresso or cocktail. If grapes are more your thing, the cellar houses more than 300 prestigious labels from Italy and further afield.

For when you want to relax and unwind, head to the hotel spa or fitness centre or get out and discover the beautiful city of Florence which is right on your doorstep.

Overview

Built the late 19th century, this grandiose villa has stayed with the Trivelli family ever since, through hosting meetings of the National Council of Italian Women, high society gathering of Counts and Countess to being the residence of Piero Trivelli, a sensitive writer and refined poet. In 2004, son of Count Piero decided to convert the historic residence into the fabulous boutique hotel of today.

Communal areas are full of antiques and art, the library is listed and lounge areas steeped in a dark wood, old world luxury. Outside are peaceful formal gardens that form a walled oasis away from the Rome’s bustle.

Overlooking the greenery are just 12 rooms, warm and welcoming, with subtle modern touches enhancing the historic charm of the original features. Large beds are clad in Fiandra linen sheets and alpaca or cashmere throws. Bathrooms are spacious and lined in marble, and all have baths as well as showers. Well-stocked minibars are complimentary.

On the other side of the garden are two Garden Suites and a large apartment ideal for families, small groups or those seeking privacy.

Breakfast is a vast spread and afternoon tea is served by the fireplace, whilst dinners can be arranged in the garden during summer months. There is also a wonderful spa and health centre offering restorative wellness therapies.

Centrally located between the Via Nazionale and the Quirinal Palace, the Colosseum is a 15 minute walk away, the Trevi Fountain half that, and many of the city’s best restaurants are just around the corner.

Overview

Once hosting aristocratic travellers, Russian royalty and renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau, a half century hiatus as an office building ended with a glorious restoration and re-establishment of this Roman icon.

The Hotel de Russie lies between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo on the Via del Babuino, within easy walking distance of Rome’s main attractions, fashion houses and Via Condotti. Though surrounded by the ceaseless buzz of the city, behind the hotel’s unassuming frontage, is a soothing tranquility – both in design and ambiance – and vast private 18th century terraced gardens, a rare oasis away from it all.

122 rooms and suites are thoroughly up to date amenity wise, complete with Bisazza mosaic and Carrara marble in the bathrooms. Some feature private terraces and many rooms have views over Rome, Piazza del Popolo or the garden.

The Stravinskij Bar is renowned for its apertivos, while Le Jardin de Russie and its chef, two-Michelin-star chef Fulvio Pierangelini, serve up simple yet refined dishes Mediterranean dishes in one a most romantic of settings. Furthering the Hotel de Russie urban oasis credentials is the De Russie Spa, one of Rome’s best health clubs.

Overview

Built upon the ruins of a Roman villa in the 18th century and a landmark hotel ever since, the Bellevue Syrene brings bright modern style and refined service to a setting above Sorrento that has long attracted emperors, artists and intellectuals.

From its precarious cliffside position, views spill out across the Gulf of Naples to Vesuvius in the distance. 50 luxury rooms and suites are elegantly furnished, interiors blending traditional features and historical artefacts with more contemporary finishes. Most boast sea views and balconies. The breathtaking Roccia ‘Rock’ Suite is set in an ancient Roman grotto and has a large hydrotherapy bath tub opposite the bed, as well as sea views.

Outside there is a pool on the terrace as well as a lift down to sun beds and parasols on the private seafront deck.

Dining here is seasonal, with the splendid panoramic terraces of La Pergola perfect for hot summer days, and the Gli Archi’s warm and welcoming style for winter. The Mimmo Jodice room, decorated with some of the pictures of the great Neapolitan photographer, completes the hotel’s dining options. There is also a club lounge and wine cellar.

Guests can explore Sorrento, the nearby ancient ruins of Pompeii and picturesque Positano. Capri is a short ferry ride away and offers fantastic designer shops and restaurants.

Overview

Perched atop Ravello’s cliff, the beautifully restored Caruso is one the finest spots from which to soaking in the Amalfi Coast. The current building dates back to 1800, the original palace 700 years further still, and its 50 rooms and suites in an array of shapes and sizes are fittingly replete with marble, original frescos and Italian antiques. Many enjoy wonderful vistas of the coast, sea and fragrant gardens. The Caruso’s two Exclusive Suites have their own terrace and garden. The Belvedere Restaurant serves up Italian and local Neapolitan delicacies, in the summer to be enjoyed out on the terrace. There is also a restaurant by the famous infinity pool with a wood-fired pizza oven, an adjoining bar, and the elegant piano bar indoors. Explore the coast on complimentary cruises to Amalfi and Positano, scenic helicopter flights on request, or perhaps take out vintage Vespas or classic car along the coastal road.

Overview

A Ravello establishment, the gracious Palazzo Avino combines its long history, unwavering modern luxury and timeless coastal views.

Much the current structure was built on the remains of a 12th century palace in 1710 by the Sasso family, then renovated in the 19th century as the grand Hotel Palumbo that hosted a long list of royalty, aristocrats, actors, poets and writers. Reborn again two decades ago, it has consistently rated amongst the best hotels in Europe ever since.

There are 43 rooms and suites, the pick which have wonderful sea views while others look back to the mountain or charming town. Interiors are bright with a selection of period furniture and typically resplendent Italian bathrooms.

Dining here is an absolute highlight. The famed Rossellinis offers Michelin-star dining and fine regional wines, while Terrazza Belvedere is a more casual affair with panoramic views. Caffé dell’Arte is the place apertivos and cocktails and the Lobster & Martini Bar is self explanatory.

The heated pool, gym, full service spa and rooftop solarium’s jacuzzis make the most of the views. Another unique feature is the Palazzo Avino’s Clubhouse by the Sea. Just 15 minutes away, on a complimentary shuttle service to the small town of Marmorata, guests have use of the beach platforms, a small swimming pool and casual Clubhouse Restaurant.

Overview

Locations don’t come much more perfect than that of La Minervetta, perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. Not far from bustling Sorrento, you can enjoy some peace and quiet on this beautiful stretch of coastline.

With just 12 rooms, guests will enjoy the intimate atmosphere and there are plenty of personal touches throughout the hotel including artefacts from the owner’s own travels. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular views out across the sea and the rooms themselves are spacious and light with a nautical theme.

When you want to go exploring, there is a private staircase that leads to the quaint fishing village of Marina Grande. Even when you’re not out and about you can still appreciate the beauty of the Amalfi Coast with stunning views from the outdoor pool and terrace.