The Sporting Hotel villa Maria, Francaville a Mare is a luxurious four-star Italy hotel. There are 70 spacious rooms, all with en-suite facilities, cable/satellite TV, telephone and minibar. There is an excellent restaurant and a pleasant bar. A handsome outdoor swimming pool, a conference suite and a free car park completes the package. Sporting Hotel Villa Maria, Chieti
Luxury is the name of the game in this Frascati hotel. Set amongst the historic "Castelli Romani" (Roman castles) of the area, this opulent villa has 96 rooms featuring hair-dryers, satellite television and private safes. Grand Villa Tuscolana, Rome
One of the grandest hotels in the city, this Florence hotel boasts 102 classically furnished rooms featuring colour televisions, centralised music systems and well-stocked minibars. Grand Hotel Minerva, Florence
Right next to the sea and boasting a large outdoor pool, this modern three-star Sicily hotel is located in the Ragusa district, on a stretch of coast still relatively untouched by tourism. Agathae Hotel, Ragusa
The innovative Hotel Boston is an exciting mix of luxury accommodation and a showcase for the best in contemprary Italian art. Bedrooms are individually styled, with four-poster beds, sculptures and paintings creating a unique atmosphere. Hotel Boston, Turin
This Naples hotel is in the city centre, near the Decumano Maggiore - Naples' historic area. Recently renovated, the Hotel Plaza, Naples (a Best Western hotel) is an elegant modern establishment with 57 comfortable, stylish rooms that have air-conditioning, cable/satellite TV, internet access, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, minibar and safe. Hotel Plaza, Naples
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
The modern Hotel Monaco is within easy reach of the heart of Verona, and just 2.5km from the Verona Porta Nuova railway station. It has 58 elegant, air-conditioned rooms, all with satellite TV, direct dial telephone, minibar and hairdryer. Hotel Monaco, Verona
