The luxury and romance of modern Italy is best reflected in palazzi, once grand family homes that remain scattered across the country.
Many palazzi are remnants of a lost age, La Belle Époque, a period of prosperity and innovation in Europe, that spanned from the late 19th century until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.
While some palazzi remain private homes, a select few have been turned, by their custodian families, into luxurious accommodation.
For those wishing to enjoy a little indulgence on their grand European tour, stay or night – or three – at one of these magnificent residences.
Villa Spalletti Trivelli, Rome
Nestled just steps from the Quirinale Palace, Villa Spalletti Trivelli was once a noble family home, that combines aristocratic elegance with modern sophistication.
Now a refined Roman villa that has kept the ambience of its tow sitting rooms and library, it also features 12 gorgeously designed rooms and suites, surrounded by lush gardens, including an alfreasco dining area, plus tranquil terraces insulated from Rome’s chaotic traffic.
Guests enjoy a discreetly luxurious experience with a newly installed plush pink marble spa, a rooftop jacuzzi and sundeck, and impeccable personal service.
Original artworks, the family’s antique furnishings and a sense of history pervade every corner of Villa Spalletti Trivelli, offering an intimate retreat in the heart of the Eternal City.
It’s perfect for those discerning travellers who seek some serenity from the bustle of Rome, but all within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain, the romance of the Spanish Steps, the iconic Coliseum, and the boutiques of Via Veneto.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Lake Como
Overlooking the glittering waters of Lake Como in Bellagio, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is a 19th-century palace that exudes timeless grandeur.
Once a private villa, it has hosted royals, artists and statesmen for over a century. In fact, some of its suites are now dedicated to their former residents, including US President, John F. Kennedy.
Its lavish interiors come complete with frescoed ceilings, marble staircases, and chandeliers which reflect the opulent family home it once was.
Guests can enjoy breakfast in the ballroom, savour Michelin-starred cuisines in the lakeside restaurant, relax by the pool, use the private gym, take a plunge in Lake Como or explore the manicured gardens and private beach.
Combining old-world charm with impeccable hospitality, the villa offers a quintessentially Italian experience that captures the romance and serenity of Lake Como’s most elegant setting.
Hotel Hassler Roma
Perched atop the Spanish Steps, the iconic Hotel Hassler Roma is one of Italy’s most celebrated luxury hotels, renowned for its unparalleled views over the Eternal City.
A favourite of royalty, celebrities and dignitaries, the Hassler blends classic Italian style with contemporary refinement.
Its rooms and suites are elegantly and luxuriously appointed, while Imàgo restaurant on the 7th floor offers Michelin-starred dining and panoramic views that are truly unforgettable.
The hotel’s fourth-generation operators ensure exceptional personal service, maintaining an atmosphere of exclusivity and discretion.
From its grand salons to its tranquil spa, the Hassler remains a symbol of timeless glamour and sophistication in the heart of Rome.
As with much in Italy, family connections run deep. The lineage behind the Hassler Roma and the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni intertwines through marriage – proof that even across the length and breadth of Italy, hospitality remains a family affair.
The Travel Weekly 2026 Yearbook
This article originally appeared in the Travel Weekly Yearbook 2026.
The Travel Weekly Yearbook 2026 celebrates the destinations, the craft of storytelling, the curiosity that drives our industry, the resilience of Australia’s travel trade, and the pure joy of discovering somewhere new (or rediscovering somewhere familiar). But more than that, this issue celebrates the people powering the travel industry.
Over the coming months, we will share online a little of what is on offer in the annual. Email alice@travelweekly.com.au if you want a copy.
