Choose from 147 tastefully furnished and beautifully equipped rooms at the Jolly Hotel de la Gare, in the centre of Bologna. This is a convenient, central base for exploring Bologna, with its sights including the Neptune Fountain, Europe's oldest university, and the city's famous porticoed streets. Hotel De La Gare, Bologna
Only 4km from the centre of Verona, the comfortable Hotel Brandoli is ideally situated for taking in the sights of this fascinating Italian city. It has 36 well-appointed rooms (each with a balcony, private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, air-conditioning, satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, minibar and safe), a restaurant and a bar. Hotel Brandoli, Verona
This cosy little hotel in Milan offers simple B&B-style accommodation in a brilliant central location that is minutes' walk from the Loreto underground/subway station and the city's central train station. Hotel Astrid, Milan
Hotel Moderno Verdi is a beautiful four-star hotel housed in an early 20th century building in the heart of Genoa's old quarter. The hotel has 87 elegantly furnished rooms, all with en-suite bathroom, telephone, TV, internet connection, safety deposit box and minibar. Hotel Moderno Verdi, Genoa
A very nice three-star hotel in the centre of Turin, the Hotel Lancaster is set in the business district of the city. Nearby lie the Parco del Valentino, the Duomo (Turin Cathedral with the Turin Shroud) and the Egyptian Museum. Hotel Lancaster, Turin
This very comfortable hotel in Sassari province is located close to the magical medieval town of Castelsardo with its wonderful 12th-century castle perched up on a hill overlooking the ancient town. Hotel Nadir, Sassari
Hotel Giardino is an enchanting hotel close to Ancona, Marche, Italy. In a beautiful peaceful setting, it is surrounded by its own extensive gardens. There are 41 rooms, all decorated in an elegant, understated style with en-suite facilities plus TV, radio alarm, telephone and fax. Hotel Giardino, Ancona
The three-star hotel Gauro is in Pozzuoli, just west of Naples. This is an ideal base for exploring the city, for visiting the delightful islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida (there are regular ferries from Pozzuoli), and for exploring the extraordinary volcanic landscape of the Campi Flegrei (the Elysian Fields of Classical myth). Hotel Gauro, Naples
