Hotels to Love: Six Luxury Hotels in Rome, Naples, and Portofino

 
Terracotta parasol and loungers beside the sea view swimming pool at Splendido in Portofino

Poolside at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino.

 

Italy has a way of turning a perfectly reasonable vacation into a discussion about when you can come back. This summer we visited six luxury hotels in Rome, Naples and Portofino, spending time with our hotel partners and gathering the firsthand insight that helps us match clients with the right stay.

Our time in Rome also brought three generations together, including our three-year-old travel planning assistant! His priorities leaned toward gelato. Ours included gardens, rooftops, and finding hotels worth building a trip around. There was something for everyone.

Where to Stay in Rome

Hotel de Russie a Rocco Forte Hotel

Who’s it for: For garden lovers and Roman romantics

Between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, this Rocco Forte favorite puts you close to the action, with a remarkably lovely place to retreat. Its terraced Secret Garden, filled with greenery and the sound of trickling water, makes a persuasive case for leaving a little breathing room in your itinerary. Ancient Rome will still be there after aperitivo.

Choose it for: A central Roman address with a peaceful garden setting, especially if you love balancing sightseeing with unhurried afternoons.

 
Terraced garden courtyard with white umbrellas at Hotel de Russie in Rome

A garden escape in the heart of Rome at Hotel de Russie.

 

Bvlgari Hotel Roma

Who’s it for: For design lovers and a little drama

If your idea of Roman luxury includes a spectacular rooftop, Bvlgari Hotel Roma deserves your attention. The appeal is unmistakably Italian: polished design, a strong sense of occasion, and La Terrazza, where views stretch across the city’s rooftops toward landmarks including Villa Medici and the Tiber. Don’t miss the Bvlgari jewels on display in the lobby or the seasonal gelato pop up.

Choose it for: A glamorous city escape, a milestone celebration, or a trip where the hotel should feel as memorable as the sights.

 
Matt with a hotel partner at the entrance to Bvlgari Hotel Roma

Meeting our hotel partners at Bvlgari Hotel Roma.

 

Orient Express La Minerva

Who’s it for: For history lovers who love the refined details of the Orient Express trains

Orient Express La Minerva pairs a historic setting near the Pantheon with interiors that draw on both classical elegance and contemporary design. The rooftop, GiGi adds another reason to linger, with views across the city that make “just one drink” an optimistic prediction. This was one of the best meals we had, and one of the hardest reservations to get in the city… unless your a hotel guest.

Choose it for: A stay rooted in Rome’s history, with character, style, and easy access to the historic center.

 
Truffle cream ricotta pasta at GiGi at Orient Express in Rome

Lunch at GiGi at the Orient Express Roma.

 

Six Senses Rome

Who’s it for: For sightseers who want convenience when it’s time to recover

Six Senses Rome offers a compelling solution: a central location near the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, paired with a serious commitment to wellness. Its Roman Baths reinterpret the ancient bathing tradition through warm and cold plunge pools, while NOTOS Rooftop supplies panoramic city views. A little recovery time starts to feel like part of the cultural itinerary. Don’t miss the daily programming and activities, which gives this city hotel a more resort feel.

Choose it for: Travelers who want to explore enthusiastically and build proper downtime into their stay.

 
Perspectives Travel team on suite balcony at Six Senses in Rome

Suite balcony with amazing views at the Six Senses Rome.

 

Where to Stay in Naples

Grand Hotel Parker’s

Naples deserves time on your itinerary, and Grand Hotel Parker’s makes a strong argument for staying. Picture views over the Gulf of Naples and a dining destination of its own. George Restaurant, led by chef Domenico Candela, draws on the flavors of Campania, with the bay providing a rather extraordinary backdrop. Book dinner ahead; this is an evening worth planning around. This family owned and run hotel has unique room categories including townhouse style suites that span two floors.

Choose it for: Food lovers and travelers who appreciate grand hotel character, sea views, and the pleasure of getting to know Naples beyond a brief stop.

Where to Stay in Portofino

Splendido a Belmond Hotel

It’s safe to say that we have found our new hotel obsession! Some hotels have a name to live up to. Splendido seems very comfortable with the responsibility.

Set in a former 16th-century monastery above Portofino, this Italian Riviera icon combines a remarkable setting with newly refreshed rooms, suites, restaurants, and pool areas following its 2025 reopening. Go for the breakfast buffet alone and stay for the Dior Spa. Should your afternoon need further improvement spend hours with a Spritz and a good book.

Choose it for: A romantic Riviera escape, a special celebration, or a few glorious days with very little on the agenda.

 

A terrace view worth lingering over at Splendido in Portofino.

 

Book Your Italy Hotels With Perspectives Travel

The right hotel depends on how you want your trip to feel. A garden retreat and a glamorous rooftop address can both be wonderful, but they deliver different versions of Rome.

Our visits help us guide those decisions, from choosing a hotel to discussing room preferences with the team before you arrive. Through our hotel relationships, eligible reservations may also include preferred partner benefits like daily breakfast, a hotel credit, and priority for upgrades.

Ready to find your Italian address? Explore our hotel booking services, or let us plan your Italy trip.

We’ll help with the hotels. You can start thinking about lunch!

Amina Dearmon