If travelling is the art of discovery, then the three star Hotel Piemontese will prove a revelation. Built at the end of the 1800s in Liberty style, this is surely one of the nicest hotels in Turin, Italy. Hotel Piemontese, Turin
The Hotel Parco dei Principi is a stylish modern five-star hotel just outside Sorrento. Each of the 96 en-suite rooms has a balcony and there are two fine restaurants plus a fitness centre. Hotel Parco dei Principi, Naples
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
This Florence hotel is a luxurious modern establishment ... a converted Florentine palazzo. The three-star Grand Hotel Cavour will meet all your requirements for business trips. It has a business centre with three rooms that can accommodate 10-60 people, and all have internet sockets. Grand Hotel Cavour, Florence
Located close to the beautiful mountain town of Aosta, this small, three-star hotel offers a wide range of sporting and leisure activities, set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-topped Alps. Hotel Nordend, Aosta
This handsome four-star hotel in Rome is part of the popular Best Western chain of international hotels. It enjoys a great central downtown location, close to many of the city's major sights such as the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Hotel Mondial, Rome
Opened in 2004, the Hotel Alimandi Vaticano, Rome, offers contemporary comforts in a beautifully realised traditional 'Liberty style' setting. Even better - sitting right in front of the Vatican museums, this Rome hotel offers superb access to St Peter's and the Vatican City. Hotel Alimandi Vaticano, Rome
Hotel Diana is a small, attractive hotel in Pompeii's historic centre, close to the ancient Roman archaeological site. There are 13 elegant rooms, each with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, direct-dial phone line, satellite TV, and internet modem link. Hotel Diana, Naples
