Hotel des Etrangers et Miramare, Syracuse, is a luxurious five-star hotel with its own private beach in the ancient Isle of Ortigia, Syracuse. There are 80 beautifully decorated, spacious rooms, many with fabulous sea views and each with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, telephone, satellite TV and minibar. Hotel Des Etrangers et Miramare, Syracuse
Part of the popular Baglioni hotel chain, this prestigious five-star hotel in Milan has an enviable location in the heart of the city's fashion district. The Carlton Hotel Baglioni is set in a beautiful historic building which overlooks the magnificent Piazza del Duomo and the fashionable Via della Spiga - it's hard to imagine a more perfect location for a stay in Milan. Carlton Hotel Baglioni, Milan
The Grand Hotel Timeo is Taormina's premier hotel. This Sicilian hotel is best known for its legendary Literary Terrace, with sensational views of the ancient Greek Theatre, Mount Etna and the Ionian sea. Grand Hotel Timeo, Messina
The Hotel Boscolo Exedra is one of Rome's Grandest hotels. It has 240 spacious rooms, each with en-suite facilities, air conditioning, TV, minibar and direct modem link, and all rooms have views over the city. Hotel Exedra, Rome
This five-star hotel in Florence is perfect for those seeking opulence and comfort at a short distance from the town centre. It is within easy reach of the city's many galleries, churches and shops, but with such great facilities on site, you may prefer to sit back and enjoy the view from this idyllic hillside retreat. Hotel Villa La Vedetta, Florence
Abano Ritz Hotel Terme is a wonderful five-star spa hotel located a short distance outside Padua. There are 140 generously proportioned rooms, all with immaculate en-suite facilities as well as satellite TV, AM/FM radio, direct-dial telephone and a well-stocked minibar. Abano Ritz Hotel Terme, Padua
Hotel Villa Aminta is a very nice five-star hotel situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore, and lying on the edge of the elegant Italian own of Stresa. As well as 65 magnificent en-suite rooms with all the amenities one would expect of a hotel of this calibre, this Lake Maggiore hotel boasts two terrific restaurants, luxuriant gardens, a shop, a free car park and a swimming pool. Hotel Villa Aminta, Verbano - Cusio
A new luxury hotel, the Melia Milano Hotel is near the Fiera Milano convention centre, the cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church. It has 288 elegant rooms and suites, each with bathroom, satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, internet access, minibar and safe. Melia Milano, Milan
