A really nice hostel and in a strategic position to walk around the city. Very kind and very helpful staff, especially Antonio at reception. They have both mixed dorms and individual rooms.

Ostello Bello in Naples is a charming hostel located in a bustling neighborhood, just a stone's throw away from the city's main attractions. The hostel boasts comfortable and stylish accommodations, lively common areas where guests can socialize, and a range of amenities including a communal kitchen and free breakfast. Its welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff make it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking an authentic experience in Naples.

Artemisia Domus is a small-scale, modern botique hotel, opened inside a former fourth-floor residence in 2018, rebuilt with wood beams, the remains of a fresco, and a few other original details intact. Some stairs are involved, but the hotel rewards you with spacious rooms, some with a sauna or Jacuzzi. From their website: "Artemisia Domus is a Luxury Guest House in the heart of Naples with a warm and refined atmosphere that recalls the intimate welcome of the best Boutique Hotels. It welcomes you into a historic building built at the end of the eighteenth century in the heart of the city, now declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this refined and elegant home you will feel pampered as though you were staying in a SPA thanks to exclusive suites with hot tub or sauna in the room and elegant rooms equipped to treat every comfort. At the same time you’ll be able to admire the historic center simply by crossing the threshold of our front door. Our SPA suites with hydromassage bathtub and its ambiances polished to perfection in every detail will be the framework for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Naples. Welcome to Naples, the city with 500 domes. The refined rooms and suites of Artemisia Domus overlook the cloister of Santa Chiara and other characteristic views of beautiful Naples. You will stay in a refined environment, you will experience all the comforts as a Boutique Hotel but with the warmth and intimacy of home. A luxury home located inside an old apartment between Piazza del Gesù and Spaccanapoli, a few steps from all the main attractions of the city. Reaching the Port and boarding for a trip to the islands will be convenient and fast. Our spacious rooms offer the exclusive sensation of feeling welcomed and discovering a space that’s refined in every detail, while the 4 Suites add the pleasure of a private SPA in your room in the heart of the city. Your wellbeing will always be at the center of every stay thanks to modern hot tub in the room, the private sauna, the emotional shower and the chromotherapy. You will experience a unique stay with all the magic typical of a Boutique Hotel but with the exclusive pleasure of being able to choose the suite best suited to your wellbeing as well as book relaxing treatments as in typical SPA. For us hospitality is something very old and noble, comparable to a real art. Our helpful and friendly staff will be happy to welcome you into the rooms and SPA suites, all absolutely soundproof and refined down to the last detail. A careful renovation has brought to light and enhanced the ancient splendors of the apartment, such as its frescoed walls, the floors in antique terracotta, the original wood windows, the old parquet and the ceilings with exposed beams. Nothing has been left to chance."

Punta Campanella Resort is a luxurious haven offering unparalleled views and an idyllic retreat along the enchanting coastline of the Sorrento Peninsula. This elegant getaway combines stylish accommodations, authentic Italian cuisine, and a serene ambiance for an unforgettable experience amidst the beauty of southern Italy.

Taverna del Capitano is not just a renowned restaurant but also a charming hotel right around the corner from the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Offering cozy accommodations with traditional Mediterranean decor, breathtaking sea views, and authentic Italian hospitality, it provides a delightful retreat for travelers seeking both culinary delights and comfortable lodging in this idyllic coastal village.

Albergo alle Drapperie is a charming boutique hotel in the very heart of Bologna, offering inviting accommodations, attentive service, and a prime location for exploring the city's cultural treasures. With its blend of modern comfort and historic charm, it provides a memorable retreat for discerning travelers seeking an authentic Bolognese experience.

Hotel Torino in Parma is a cozy and welcoming accommodation situated in the heart of the charming Italian city. With its convenient location, comfortable rooms, and attentive service, it offers a delightful base for exploring Parma's rich cultural heritage, including its renowned culinary scene and historic landmarks.

Novotel Parma Centro is a contemporary hotel ideally located in the heart of Parma, offering modern accommodations and excellent amenities for both business and leisure travelers. With its sleek design, comfortable rooms, and convenient access to the city's attractions, it provides a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for guests exploring this vibrant Italian city.

Sina Maria Luigia welcomes guests with its inviting ambiance and genuine hospitality in the heart of Parma. With comfortable accommodations, attentive service, and a convenient location near the city's attractions, it offers travelers a delightful retreat amidst the charm and culture of this captivating Italian destination.

Affordable accommodation for Rome: the cute Rome Hello hostel, halfway between the station and the historic center, decorated with street art by the magnificent @alicepasquini. They have both mixed dorms and single rooms. I do not recommend eating at the attached restaurant, regardless of how many discounts there are 🙈

Nestled gracefully along the stunning coastline of Cinque Terre, Hotel Porto Roca boasts breathtaking panoramas that captivate the senses, just 200m from the town's historic center. Each room is meticulously designed to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. Most feature balconies that offer panoramic views of Monterosso bay, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters below. Guests can start their day with a lovely buffet breakfast included in their stay, setting the tone for a day of relaxation and indulgence. The hotel boasts a beautiful pool where guests can unwind while soaking in the views of the coastline. For a culinary experience to remember, guests can dine at the outdoor panoramic restaurant, La Terrazza, where they can savor exquisite dishes amidst the backdrop of the azure sea. Additionally, Hotel Porto Roca offers two bars – the Lobby Bar and Pool Bar – where guests can enjoy refreshing beverages and cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere. For those looking to explore the stunning surroundings, the hotel provides direct access to the BlueTrail, allowing guests to embark on scenic hikes along the Cinque Terre coastline. Moreover, the hotel offers a 24-hour complimentary shuttle service to the historic center and the beach, ensuring convenient access to nearby attractions for up to three guests at a time. With its unparalleled amenities and impeccable service, Hotel Porto Roca invites guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the Italian Riviera. This is where I stay with my own guests during my group tours.

Set on the shores of Lake Como, La Darsena is 500 feet from the center of Tremezzo, overlooking Bellagio and Mount Grigna. It features a gourmet restaurant, free Wi-Fi and rooms with hardwood floors. Air-conditioned rooms at La Darsena have colorful décor, satellite flat-screen TV and a minibar. The private bathroom includes free toiletries and a hairdryer. Hotel La Darsena is 300 feet from a ferry stop. Villa Carlotta Gardens are just a 5-minute drive away.

Beautiful location, out in the countryside and with nice views over the fields. Two restaurants on site, indoor swimming pool with view over the garden.

Brand-new resort with a winery and olive mill on site, which you can also tour. Also available: restaurant and swimming pool. From their website: "On the highest hill in Montegiorgio, near the city of Fermo in the province of Le Marche, we find the estate called Officina Del Sole (literally translated: workshop of the sun). It occupies 42 hectares (103 acres) with fabulous of 360° views of the valley. With the Adriatic Sea in the east to the Sibilli in mountains in the west, and the Gran Sasso in the south to mount Conero in the north. The estate was begun only about 25 years ago; when the owner Lanfranco Beleggia purchased an abandoned farm and began the project to create an estate that included a vineyard with winery, gourmet restaurant and luxury accommodations and grounds including a spa, all built with preservation of the environment as a goal. Our rooms are located in the Borghetto area of the property, an exclusive area surrounded by a beautiful, well-kept garden in the north east of the estate. The recovery and renovation of the barn, stable and farmhouse have transformed them into multipurpose areas: rooms and suites, a beautiful swimming pool, and a large terrace for reading or simply relaxing and enjoying the unique view over the olive groves. You’ll find several walking paths as well as deck areas to take in the 360° view of the valleys and mountains of this picturesque region."

Hotel Bue Marino offers prime access to this area of Sardinia's natural wonders.

Set in the Costa Smeralda's countryside, this boutique hotel offers a serene oasis, an exclusive and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. Here you can indulge in top-notch facilities, including a spa, swimming pool, and gourmet restaurant serving delectable Sardinian cuisine. The hotel's attention to detail and personalized service ensure a truly memorable stay.

Pensione di Vignamaggio is a charming boutique hotel nestled in the picturesque village of Panzano, located in the heart of the renowned Chianti Classico region in Tuscany. Its front door opens onto Panzano's main square, while the rest of the building faces the gorgeous surrounding hills, lined with vineyards and olive groves — an excellent location to vacation in close contact with vineyards, without having to rent a car or book private transfers. The Pensione di Vignamaggio is housed in a historic building that exudes rustic elegance and traditional charm. Guests are welcomed with warm hospitality and attentive service, ensuring a memorable stay from the moment they arrive. The pensione also boasts a range of amenities to enhance guests' stay, including a private swimming pool, a lush garden, and a charming patio where guests can enjoy breakfast al fresco or a glass of the Pensione's very own red wine, produced in the surrounding vineyards. One of the highlights of staying at Pensione di Vignamaggio is its proximity to numerous attractions and activities. Guests can explore the historic village of Panzano, renowned for its medieval architecture, artisanal shops, and quaint cafes. Wine enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to visit nearby wineries for tastings and tours, experiencing firsthand the world-class wines that the Chianti Classico region is famous for. Take note that every Sunday morning the square across from the hotel hosts a cute, local market. This is where I stay with my own guests during our culinary group tours.

Castello di Verrazzano is a world-renowned winery with an unexpected connection to the United States, that sits at the top of a hill in the Chianti Classico countryside, in between Florence and Panzano in Chianti. Initially the Castle was an Etruscan and then a Roman settlement. There is a great tradition of winemaking here: the “vineyards situated in Verrazzano” are mentioned in a manuscript which dates back to 1150 and is preserved at the nearby abbey of Passignano. Today’s vineyards were reimplanted by the Cappellini Family starting from 1958, and they extend from the limit of the woods to the whole underlying valley, within borders unchanged from centuries. They offer many different combinations of guided tours and tastings, please check the link below for an in-depth look at each experience and to make a booking. Castello di Verrazzano also has a restaurant on site, and an agriturismo (Foresteria Castello di Verrazzano) nearby, if you’re looking for a lovely accommodation in the Chianti hills.

Poggio Etrusco is a privately owned organic farm near Montepulciano, located halfway between Florence and Rome. The owners are Pamela Sheldon Johns (a cookbook author) and Johnny Johns (an artist). On 15 acres, this property is an active "oliveto" with over 800 olive trees and production of an exceptional organic extra-virgin olive oil. Poggio Etrusco is a great place to stay, and also to visit for one of their one-day COOKING CLASSES: 1. Cucina Povera: Tuscany's peasant cuisine; 2. Artisanal Italian Pantry; 3. The Farmers’ Market/ Ribollita with a Tuscan Home Cook 4. Fresh Pasta; 5. Gluten-free Tuscan dishes; 6. Tuscan Vegetarian (or vegan); 7. request your own subject. The price, €195/person, includes the lesson (with printed recipes in English), lunch and wine. There is a 2-person minimum. Group prices available for groups of 10 or more. To reserve a space in a one-day workshop, contact them via the form on their website, or by telephone at (+39) 0578 798 370.

https://rossodelchianti-sapore.com/ also hosts cooking classes

Beautiful apartments, centrally located, right in between world-renowned Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's David statue lives, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence's famous "Duomo". A perfect solution for travelers wanting to feel at home away from home, with the added benefit of curated and warm hospitality. A message I received from a dear friend of mine while she was visiting from California in 2021, and who had caught Covid while she was staying in Florence: "The apartment manager has been beyond caring and accommodating. He researched and called me with all potential scenarios. If I am not negative for my travel test, he offered me a discount per each day beyond my planned stay. Has asked me a few times if I need any supplies, or food, etc. He is leaving town but wants me to ask him if I need something so he can make sure his staff does it. 1000 stars rating for sure. Ricasoli UNA Esperienze is the name of the place. 7 gorgeous apartments in one bldg. They have other properties too. If anyone asks you for referral, you can tell them these guys. I am certain they are worthy."

Brand-new IQ Hotel is conveniently located in Florence’s city center on the border with the main boulevards (“viali”), so it’s especially convenient not just for exploring the main sights, but also for day trip drives out of town, or if you're in town for a brief stay. Casual, modern rooms, big breakfast buffet with international as well as local specialties, 2-person private SPA, cozy outdoor pool, 24/7 fully-equipped gym, pizza restaurant on the ground floor for dinner.

Ostello Tasso is a 15 minute walk to the buzzing center of Florence, located in a creative oasis between the houses of the local Florentines, working craftsmen, restaurants, trattorias, wine bars and the eclectic nightlife of the Oltrarno. It's both a hostel and a cultural center for visitors and locals alike, as it believes in promoting its local and international musicians, poets, filmmakers, fashion designers and artists, and is conceived as a place for the exchange of innovative ideas. I love going to Ostello Tasso for their awesome activities, from cooking classes and special themed dinners, to DJ sets and live concerts, and more. Keep a close eye on their social pages (linked below) to learn about their upcoming events. To access Ostello Tasso as a visitor, you must first sign up and pay a one-time 5€ yearly member's card. The Hostel: It has 12 uniquely designed rooms with excellent service and beautiful accommodations at affordable prices, changing your average hostel stay into a pleasurable and playful experience. It features spacious lounge areas, a garden, a bar and a theater stage. They provide guests and visitors with the perfect atmosphere and space to sip a drink, listen to music and meet people from the area and around the world. The hostel is equipped with great quality beds, soft cotton linen, and most importantly clean bathrooms. It offers free WIFI, a modern kitchen, laundry room, vending machines, maps and safety lockers to store your valuables.

A modern hotel with a lounge on the first floor that is perfect for a study hangout. There is plenty of room inside and outside, and plenty of coffee to get you through the work you need to do. The cafe is on the left when you enter and they offer an array of juices, bakery items, bowls, etc. On the right, offices and co-working spaces available for the day or for rent. Come back at night for a drink with all of your friends! It is one of the more modern locations that you can find in Florence, and if you're feeling fancy, check out the rooftop bar overlooking the Duomo.

This charming boutique hotel is located in a former private villa in loved-by-locals Piazza d'Azeglio. The rooms at Hotel Regency are tastefully decorated, offering a blend of traditional Italian charm and contemporary amenities to cater to your every need. Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the culinary offerings at the hotel's fine dining restaurant, where talented local chefs prepare mouthwatering Tuscan dishes using the freshest local ingredients. And don't miss the opportunity to unwind in the hotel's private garden.

Fattoria Lischeto farm adopts the complete biological cycle of processing: sowing and harvesting of fodder, and selected breeding, which together with the climate, the land and the artisanal production process, make their products unique (oil, pasta, wine and cheese). Visit their website or send an email to commerciale@agrilischeto.com to book an experience, a tasting, or just a visit. Rooms and apartments available in their agriturismo.

This four-star hotel is a tranquil oasis with a garden, a pool, a little maze, and an amphitheater across from the Duomo of Sovana, from the ninth century. Breakfast is served starting at 8 AM each morning.

If visiting the free-access natural hot springs of Saturnia sounds like too much of an adventure, you can still enjoy the thermal waters at Terme di Saturnia SPA & Golf Resort. Full-day access to the resort's open-to-the-public SPA costs €26 on weekdays and €30 on weekends and holidays. Afternoon-only access costs €23 on weekdays and €26 on weekends and holidays. Rent a white bathrobe and white towel for 6€ (or bring your own - but consider that there is a white “dresscode”), a lounge bed for 8€ and an umbrella for 5€. Several Day Spa and treatment offers are also available, check the link below for more info.

Tombolo Talasso Resort is a fantastic accommodation for a Tuscan summer vacation for individuals as well as families, located right across from the sea in Marina di Castagneto Carducci (also known as Marina di Donoratico), a little beach town dotted with shops and restaurants, just an hour and a half's drive from Florence, and 15 minutes from Bolgheri. The resort features a number of amenities: a restaurant, bars, a gym, a private beach club, a swimming pool and, most notably, an underground SPA and cave with pools for thalassotherapy (saltwater therapy). This is the same accommodation I stay at with my own clients on our Unconventional Tuscany tour, see details at the link below.

A Renaissance villa transformed into an olive oil resort with a pool and spa treatments, located in the Mugello area, above the village of Vicchio. It also offers many activities, some highlights: - Honey and beehive experience - Olive mill visit and tasting “seminar”, plant your own olive tree experience - Truffle hunting - Cooking classes.

Gorgeous hotel. 22 rooms (2 classics, 6 superiors, 5 deluxes, then suites and junior suites) Feels modern but in the context of a historical building, beautiful restoration in 2017, with an extra wing finished in 2023 (mostly suites or triples). Very nice breakfast spread, and water and cantucci always available throughout the day in the lobby area. Small-medium size elevator. Rooms are clean and recently painted. Proper hair drier. Great amenities (even bathrobes). Room service breakfast available. Excellent service.

13 rooms of all different categories, from classic to suites. Feels kind of old-fashioned but with a modern twist There’s also a little outdoor space in the back. Carpeted hallways with a few steps here and there. Rooms are clean and recently painted. Good amenities. Good service.

22 rooms. Cute, especially the shared spaces. Every room is frescoed in a different way (frescoes from the 90s, when the hotel was built). Hotel is in a 4-story high building along with other apartments, so feels like you’re living with the locals. There’s also a little outdoor space in the back. Gorgeous breakfast spread. Good service.

The area is rich with beautiful accommodations, such as Agriturismo Il Venturo in the countryside of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, where you’ll find a pool, an equestrian center and a “km. 0” restaurant where you’ll enjoy some of the most typical foods of the region. We recommend you try mondiola, a front-quarter pork salame aged for 40 days, fresh maccheroni pasta with sausage and Tuscan kale, white wine roast rabbit, and castagnaccio – the most “garfagnino” dessert there is, since it is made of chestnut flour, pine nuts and rosemary.

Very big hotel in a gorgeous art nouveau building, located in between the train station and Bolzano’s city center. Pretty and simple rooms, excellent breakfast buffet, paid parking right across the street. The Laurin has its own park and outdoor pool (only during the warmer months) and it is the place to have afternoon cakes and teas.

"This 500 year old building was once owned by aristocratic families but it is now a designer hotel. A huge renovation project took place in 1993 when the Viennese architect Boris Podrecca managed the feat of creating a modern hotel encompassing four old houses. Today, each of the rooms has been individually designed by a contemporary artist using their own original works for decoration. Not only that but originals from other artists (often those influencing the contemporary practitioner) are also found adorning the walls, alongside poetry by the likes of Ezra Pound. The hotel bar was designed by architect, Boris Podrecca who wanted to create for you the feeling of being “suspended, glass in hand, as if on a cloud”. Dinner can be had at the Grief’s sister hotel, the Laurin - it is just round the corner. It is one of the finest restaurants in Bolzano and it is located in an art nouveau building. The Laurin has its own park and in summer it is the place to have afternoon cakes and teas."

A boutique four-star hotel located in the heart of the historic center of Perugia. The hotel opened in the 1700s when stagecoaches were used to travel from one city to the next. The building itself dates back to ancient times, the walls in the basement are noted to be Etruscan. Abundant breakfast spread in a gorgeous dining room with frescoed ceilings. With its history, marble floors, and modern decor, you’ll have a great stay here. Unfortunately no parking available on site, but you can drive up pretty close, to Piazza Italia, drop off your luggage, and then drive down the hill to Parcheggio Saba Piazza Partigiani to park your vehicle.

Beautiful, old-timey hotel in the city’s historical center. Sits across from a small park and has a veranda with a gorgeous view. Underground SPA area dug out of a cave with a swimming pool built over Etruscan ruins. Parking available for 20€/night.

Fantastic 4 star hotel in Chioggia.