This is modern four-star comfort close to the historic centre of Carpi, in Emilia-Romagna. The Hotel Touring is within walking distance of the railway station and just 150 metres from the Piazza Martiri: this enormously imposing piazza is one of the biggest squares in Italy. Hotel Touring, Modena
Just outside the walled centre of Lucca, Sogni d'Oro — sweet dreams — is a guest house offering short stay accommodation for up to 10 guests. Central, peaceful location, handy for the city and the railway station. Sogni d'Oro, Lucca
Sleeps 2 to 10
On the outskirts of Naples, this four-star Italian hotel is in the town of Pozzuoli, in the Campi Flegrei. This active volcanic area is the Elysian Fields of Classical myth, immortalised by Homer and Virgil. There are fascinating trips out to explore the nearby semi-extinct volcano of Solfatara, with steam and sulphur issuing from the 'fumaroles' that pockmark the hot soil. Hotel Beauty Farm Villa Luisa, Naples
Hotel Fortuna is a handsome, recently refurbished modern hotel in an excellent location right in the heart of Ancona, Marche, Italy. There are 55 bright, spacious rooms, all with private bathroom, colour TV, direct-dial phone line and internet link. Hotel Fortuna, Ancona
This popular hotel near Venice is part of the Italian Apogia hotel group and has an excellent location right on the beach at Bibione, in a quiet part of the resort. There are 93 welcoming en-suite rooms, all with a private balcony, direct-dial telephone, satellite television, personal safe and minibar. Hotel Excelsior, Bibione, Venice
This Venice hotel, in the Cannaregio area, is within easy reach of the Santa Lucia train station and the Piazzale Roma travel terminal, and ideally situated for visiting many of the city's popular attractions including St Mark's Square and the many churches and palaces housing works by Italy's most famous artists, including Titian and Bellini. Hotel Belle Epoque, Venice
The three-star Hotel La Lucertola in Vietri sul Mare is the ideal base for both holidaymakers and business travellers. It offers 33 well-appointed rooms that each have their own balcony and view of the Amalfi coastline, as well as air conditioning, internet access and a television. Hotel La Lucertola, Salerno
The Perugia Plaza Hotel is an impressive modern four-star hotel close to the centre of Perugia with views of the lovely Prepo hill. There are 108 tastefully furnished bedrooms, all with en-suite bathroom, cable/satellite TV, internet link, direct-dial telephone and minibar. Perugia Plaza Hotel, Perugia
