The Timeless Elegance of Italy’s Old Money Hotels

Italy has long been synonymous with aristocratic grandeur, and nowhere is this more evident than in its historic hotels. These legendary establishments, once private palaces and grand villas, have played host to royalty, film stars, and generations of elite travelers. If you’re looking for an experience steeped in heritage, impeccable service, and discreet luxury, these are the best old-money hotels in Italy to book for your next getaway.

1. Hotel Cipriani, Venice

Perched on Giudecca Island, Hotel Cipriani is a sanctuary of timeless refinement. Since its opening in 1958 by Giuseppe Cipriani (of Harry’s Bar fame), it has been the preferred retreat for European nobility and Hollywood icons. The hotel’s lush gardens, opulent interiors, and world-famous Bellini cocktails make it a true Venetian institution. Don’t miss the legendary Olympic-sized swimming pool—one of the largest in Venice.

2. Villa d’Este, Lake Como

A former 16th-century residence of European aristocrats, Villa d’Este is the very definition of old-money sophistication. Set on the shores of Lake Como, this hotel has been welcoming statesmen, royalty, and discerning travelers for over 150 years. Its sprawling Italian gardens, floating pool on the lake, and impeccable service create an atmosphere of refined exclusivity.

3. Hassler Roma, Rome

Overlooking the Spanish Steps, the Hassler has long been the Roman home-away-from-home for European high society. This five-star gem, owned by the Wirth family for generations, exudes a quiet, aristocratic charm. Whether sipping a Negroni at the Hassler Bar or enjoying a Michelin-starred meal at Imàgo, guests are immersed in the grandeur of Rome’s golden era.

4. Belmond Hotel Splendido, Portofino

A former 16th-century monastery turned exclusive retreat, Belmond Hotel Splendido is the ultimate Riviera hideaway. Its pastel-colored façade, lush gardens, and panoramic views of the Ligurian coastline have drawn the likes of Grace Kelly and the Duke of Windsor. A stay here is all about understated luxury—long lunches on the terrace, yacht excursions, and a deep sense of history.

5. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento

Owned by the Fiorentino family since 1834, this historic hotel boasts one of the most breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples. With its frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and lush private gardens, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria carries the weight of centuries of European elegance. It’s said that Wagner and Caruso once found inspiration within its storied walls.

6. Il Pellicano, Tuscany

Once a private retreat for British aristocrats, Il Pellicano remains one of Italy’s most coveted coastal escapes. Tucked away on the rugged Tuscan coast, this hotel’s effortless charm lies in its blend of rustic beauty and impeccable service. The crowd? Old-money Europeans and a select few who appreciate quiet luxury over flash.

7. Palazzo Avino, Amalfi Coast

Housed in a 12th-century villa in Ravello, Palazzo Avino is a jewel of the Amalfi Coast. The family-run property is a favorite among discreet jet-setters who prefer hand-painted tiles and antique furnishings over modern excess. The Pink Champagne Bar and the private beach club only add to its exclusive allure.

Experience the Italy of Aristocrats

These legendary hotels are more than just places to stay—they are a passage into Italy’s aristocratic past. Whether you’re savoring a Bellini in Venice or gazing at Lake Como from a neoclassical terrace, you’re stepping into a world where time slows, elegance reigns, and history whispers through every corridor.