Quick Facts
- The Crown Jewel: Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, in Taormina Mare, Sicily, has been named the #1 hotel in Italy for 2025.
- A Historic Turnout: The 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards recorded a staggering 757,109 votes from travelers worldwide, signaling a massive resurgence in Italian luxury tourism.
- The Belmond Era: Belmond properties achieved a "triple crown" in the top 10, with Villa Sant'Andrea (#1), Splendido (#3), and Grand Hotel Timeo (#7) securing their legacy.
- Rome’s Reign: Hotel Splendide Royal Roma emerged as the top-rated hotel in the Italian capital, followed by the design-forward Hotel de la Ville and the timeless St. Regis Rome.
- Alpine Luxury: For those heading north, Forestis Dolomites (#6) and COMO Alpina Dolomites (#14) are the definitive choices for high-altitude wellness.
Italy’s Finest: A New Benchmark for 2025
What defines the "best" in a country that practically invented the concept of la dolce vita? In 2025, the answer lies in a blend of heritage, hyper-localization, and a whisper of modern sustainability. This year’s Readers’ Choice Awards reflect a sophisticated traveler—one who isn't just looking for a room with a view, but a property that acts as a portal to Italian history.
The sheer scale of participation—over 757,000 votes—underscores Italy’s enduring status as the world’s most coveted destination. From the jagged, snow-dusted peaks of the Dolomites to the lemon-scented cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, the 2025 winners represent a diverse map of excellence. While legacy brands like Belmond have solidified their dominance by taking three of the top ten spots, there is a clear appetite for boutique authenticity and eco-conscious retreats.
1. Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare (Sicily)
Sicily continues its triumphant run, and Villa Sant'Andrea stands at the very summit. Built as a private villa in 1919 and transformed into a hotel in the 1950s, it retains the intimate atmosphere of a grand family estate. Nestled in the secluded Bay of Mazzarò, the property offers something rare in Taormina: direct, private beach access.
The experience here is defined by "low-key glamour." Imagine waking up to the sound of the Ionian Sea, where vaporous curtains dance with the breeze in rooms adorned with Sicilian antiques. Guests often find themselves lingering over a breakfast of fresh granita and brioche before taking a complimentary boat excursion along the coast. It is the quintessential Sicilian dream, executed with the precision that only Belmond can provide.
Key Amenities:
- Private pebble beach with luxury cabanas
- Michelin-starred dining at B आहार (Ristorante Oliviero)
- Complimentary boat cruises and "Cinema Under the Stars"
- Wellness center using artisanal Mediterranean botanicals
Check Availability at Villa Sant'Andrea →
The Top 10: Italy’s Elite Properties
The 2025 list is a masterclass in variety. Following the Sicilian triumph of Villa Sant'Andrea, the rankings move to the Eternal City and the rugged Ligurian coast.
2. Hotel Splendide Royal Roma (Rome)
Ranked as the #1 hotel in Rome and #2 in Italy overall, the Splendide Royal is a converted 19th-century palace located just steps from the Villa Borghese gardens. While many Roman hotels lean into heavy baroque aesthetics, the Splendide Royal balances opulence with airiness. The crown jewel is the Mirabelle rooftop restaurant, where the views of St. Peter’s Basilica provide a backdrop to some of the finest haute cuisine in Italy.
3. Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino
A perennial favorite that needs little introduction, the Splendido is a 16th-century monastery-turned-hideaway. It is famous for its saltwater infinity pool and the "Lady Angelina" suite, which has hosted icons from Elizabeth Taylor to modern-day royalty. It remains the gold standard for the Italian Riviera.
4. Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel (Rome)
Located at the top of the Spanish Steps, this property is a vibrant, theatrical take on the Grand Tour. Its rooftop bar, Cielo, is widely considered the "place to be seen" for Rome’s creative elite.
5. Le Sirenuse (Positano)
Still family-run, Le Sirenuse is the heartbeat of Positano. The "sea-urchin-colored" building and the scent of Eau d'Italie lingering in the hallways make it an irreplaceable Amalfi icon.
Regional Excellence: Where to Stay in 2025
For travelers planning a multi-city itinerary, the 2025 awards provide a clear roadmap for regional "best-in-class" options.
Alpine Escapes: The Best of the Dolomites
The Dolomites have seen a massive surge in interest as travelers seek "cool-cationing" and wellness-centric retreats. Two properties, in particular, dominated the votes:
- Forestis Dolomites (#6): Located 1,800 meters above sea level, Forestis is a sanctuary of minimalist design. The suites are constructed from local stone and wood, and the wellness program is based on Celtic tree circle rituals. It is a CO2-neutral property that proves luxury and sustainability are no longer mutually exclusive.
- COMO Alpina Dolomites (#14): A ski-in/ski-out marvel on the Alpe di Siusi, this hotel is famous for its holistic approach, featuring Tyrolean hay baths and a world-class spa that looks out over the jagged peaks of the Sassolungo.
Urban Classics: Comparison Table
The competition between Rome, Venice, and Florence remains fierce. Here is how the top urban winners compare based on reader scores and primary appeal:
| Region | Winner | Reader Score | Primary Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | Hotel Splendide Royal | 99.2 | Palatial Grandeur & Fine Dining |
| Rome | Hotel de la Ville | 98.5 | Contemporary Glamour & Social Scene |
| Venice | Hotel Cipriani | 97.8 | Exclusive Sanctuary & Historic Charm |
| Venice | JW Marriott Venice | 96.4 | Modern Resort & Isola delle Rose |
| Florence | Hotel Calimala | 95.9 | Boutique Design & Artistic Energy |
| Florence | Four Seasons Firenze | 95.1 | Renaissance History & Garden Luxury |
In Venice, Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, continues to lead. Located on Giudecca Island, it offers a level of seclusion that is impossible to find in the bustling center of San Marco, connected only by the hotel’s private mahogany launches.
Coastal Dreams: Amalfi and Ischia
While the Amalfi Coast is often the default choice, 2025 saw a significant rise in votes for the island of Ischia, which offers a more rugged, authentic "Old Italy" feel compared to its more polished neighbor, Capri.
Mezzatorre Hotel (Ischia): Perched on a rocky promontory, this hotel is built around a 16th-century watchtower. It is famous for its thermal spas, where guests soak in healing waters that have been prized since Roman times. It represents the pinnacle of il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing).
Monastero Santa Rosa (Amalfi): This restored 17th-century monastery near Conca dei Marini offers perhaps the most dramatic pool in all of Italy. The "floating" infinity pool is carved into the cliffside, offering 180-degree views of the Gulf of Salerno. With only 20 rooms, it provides an exclusivity that larger resorts cannot match.
Trends for 2026: What’s Next for Italian Luxury
As we look toward 2026, the Italian hospitality landscape is shifting toward "Residential Rail" and the expansion of ultra-luxe brands into historic neighborhoods.
The most anticipated launch is the La Dolce Vita Orient Express. This luxury train will offer six different itineraries across Italy, allowing travelers to experience the "best hotels" in a mobile, high-design environment. Furthermore, the 2026 Winter Olympics (Milano-Cortina) are already driving major renovations in the northern regions, with brands like Six Senses and Mandarin Oriental expanding their Italian footprints.
Insider Tip: If you are planning a trip to Rome in 2025, be aware of the "Jubilee Year" or Holy Year. The city expects over 30 million pilgrims. To avoid the heaviest crowds, book your stay in the "shoulder" months of October or March, and choose hotels slightly removed from the Vatican corridor, such as those near the Aventine Hill.
Booking Tips & Seasonal Advice
- The "Albergo Diffuso" Experience: While the Readers' Choice Awards focus on grand hotels, 2025 is seeing a trend toward Albergo Diffuso (scattered hotels), where rooms are located in different historic buildings within a single village. Look for these in Puglia and Abruzzo for a truly local legacy.
- The Jubilee Impact: Rome will be exceptionally busy throughout 2025. Secure your reservations at properties like the St. Regis or Hotel de la Ville at least 8 months in advance.
- Wellness Tourism: Properties like Forestis Dolomites are now booking out a year in advance for their "Sleep Ritual" programs. If wellness is your priority, winter and early autumn are the best times to visit for a quieter experience.
FAQ
Q: Which hotel was ranked #1 in Italy for 2025? A: Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, in Taormina Mare, Sicily, took the top spot in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Q: What is the best hotel for a honeymoon in Rome? A: Hotel Splendide Royal Roma is highly recommended for its romantic rooftop views and palatial suites. For a more modern vibe, Hotel de la Ville at the top of the Spanish Steps is a top choice.
Q: Are the Dolomites a good destination for luxury travelers? A: Absolutely. With properties like Forestis Dolomites (#6) and COMO Alpina Dolomites (#14) leading the way, the region has become a premier destination for sustainable luxury and world-class spa retreats.
Plan Your Italian Escape
The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards winners represent the very best of Italian hospitality, from the sun-drenched shores of Sicily to the serene peaks of the Alps. Whether you are looking for the historic grandeur of a Roman palace or the minimalist seclusion of a mountain retreat, these hotels offer more than just a place to sleep—they offer a piece of Italy's soul.
