This comfortable three-star hotel in Trentino-Alto Adige lies about a mile from Lake Garda, in a little town surrounded by glorious mountain scenery. There is plenty in the way of opportunities for outdoor pursuits in the area and the hotel has a private beach where guests can borrow surfboards and hire watersports equipment. Hotel Zanella, Trento
Centrally located close to Piazza del Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, this prestigious four-star hotel in Milan (Milano) serves as an ideal base either for a business or sightseeing trip. The Grand Hotel Plaza has 136 generously proportioned rooms, all furnished in elegant, classical style with lavish fabrics and fine furnishings. Grand Hotel Plaza, Milan
The 3-star Hotel Domus De Janas sits on the eastern coast of Sardinia, and enjoys terrific access to one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Torre di Bari sits just south of the town of Tortoli. The town of Bari Sardo sits just a little way inland and Tortoli is just up the coast. Hotel Domus De Janas, Nuoro
This three-star Rimini hotel is a great place for families to stay, with an outdoor play area and a babysitting service. It is minutes away from the beach and also has a pretty garden to relax in. Hotel Europa, Rimini
Hotel Prestige is a recently refurbished, modern hotel in Montesilvano, just a little way along the coast from the popular beachside resort of Pescara. The hotel has 40 comfortable and tastefully furnished rooms, all with en-suite bathroom, colour TV, direct-dial telephone with fax machine and a fridge. Hotel Prestige, Pescara
This hotel in Siracusa (Syracuse) literally the 'hotel of sanctuary' is located in a quiet back street of this ancient city, and offers guests a stay in peaceful surroundings only a short distance from the sights downtown. Hotel del Santuario, Syracuse
The 4 star Hotel Brunelleschi could not have a more central location, sited as it is in the very middle of Florence, just a few short steps from the Cathedral and the Palazzo Vecchio. Hotel Brunelleschi, Florence
The three-star Hotel Corallo has plenty of facilities to delight sun worshippers, culture vultures, business travellers, families and couples. It enjoys stunning views across the Mediterranean and all the rooms come with a balcony with sea view, and the town's sandy beach is within easy reach. Hotel Corallo, Imperia
