What 30+ Hotels in Italy Taught Me About Real Luxury
September had me on the move with a whirlwind travel schedule. I kicked things off in Amsterdam, and from there, my daughter joined me for Italy. She took her very first solo international flight to meet me! I was so proud of her. At just 13, tackling it on her own was a perfect reminder of how travel can spark independence (and confidence!) in our kids.
Over the course of ten days, she and I visited more than 30 hotels (crazy, I know). From the Amalfi Coast to Capri and Rome, we covered it all. It might sound glamorous (and, moments definitely were), but it wasn’t a vacation—it was research of the best kind.
When I design trips for clients, I want to know that the hotels I recommend are more than just pretty in pictures. I want to know how the rooms smell when you first walk in. How the light hits the balcony at sunset. Whether the staff greet you by name or just by room number.
That’s why I go.
Each stop taught me something different about what true luxury really means.
The Amalfi Coast: Where Beauty Meets Soul
The Amalfi Coast is as breathtaking as ever, with each hotel offering a completely different lens on the region’s magic. From clifftop hideaways to elegant seaside escapes, here are a few standouts that left an impression:
Palazzo Avino, Ravello
Perched high above the sea, Palazzo Avino feels like stepping into a dream. It’s refined, romantic, and unmistakably Ravello—where pastel sunsets paint the coastline. The service here is impeccable, and every inch of the property feels personal. This is one of Kaleigh’s favorites, and it’s easy to see why: it captures that perfect balance of Old World charm and modern indulgence.
Santa Caterina, Amalfi
Another favorite, Santa Caterina embodies the essence of coastal glamour. Built into the cliffs just outside Amalfi, this hotel offers effortless elegance and views that take your breath away. The private beach club below is an oasis, and you can feel the property’s heritage in every tile and terrace.
Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi
For clients who love contemporary design paired with authentic Italian warmth, Borgo Santandrea is a showstopper. The interiors are light, fresh, and timeless, and the property’s terraced layout gives every room that cinematic sea view you dream about.
Le Sirenuse, Positano
The definition of iconic, Le Sirenuse in Positano has long been a symbol of Italian sophistication. It’s lively, romantic, and full of character—every corridor feels like part of a story. Whether you’re sipping a spritz at sunset or soaking in the view from your balcony, you feel like you’re in a painting.
Villa Treville, Positano
Villa Treville offers an entirely different kind of luxury—intimate, bohemian, and deeply personal. Once home to director Franco Zeffirelli, it still carries that cinematic energy. The gardens and terraces feel secret and secluded, perfect for travelers seeking privacy and artistry in equal measure.
Capri: The Island of Indulgence
Capri is always enchanting, but I found its most magical moments tucked away from the bustle of the main square. These two properties stood out for very different reasons.
Jumeirah Capri Palace, Anacapri
This absolutely gorgeous hotel feels like a world of its own. With a private beach club (accessible by shuttle), Jumeirah Capri Palace is ideal for those wanting a larger resort experience in Capri—complete with all the amenities and style—without being right in the heart of the island. Anacapri itself is smaller and more local, with charming boutiques and a slower pace.
Hotel La Palma, Capri Town
For travelers who prefer to be right in the middle of it all, Hotel La Palma is the island’s social heartbeat. While it doesn’t offer sea views, it makes up for it with design and energy. It’s elegant, contemporary, and perfectly positioned for exploring the boutiques and cafés that make Capri famous.
Rome: Where History Meets Hospitality
After the coast, Rome felt like a grand exhale. The eternal city holds its luxury differently—it’s layered, and filled with soul. I found properties that perfectly capture that balance between ancient history and modern sophistication.
Palazzo Roma
A hidden gem in the heart of the city, Palazzo Roma is a masterpiece of Italian elegance. Every space feels like a private residence, with rich materials, hushed hallways, and an atmosphere that honors Rome’s timeless grace. This was one of Kaleigh’s top picks—a property that feels both regal and intimate, where luxury whispers rather than shouts.
Orient Express La Minerva
The long-awaited Orient Express La Minerva redefines Roman luxury. Set within a beautifully restored palazzo, it captures that golden age of travel while offering the modern amenities today’s traveler expects. Think soaring ceilings, frescoed walls, and impeccable service that feels like a warm embrace. It’s a property that tells a story—and makes you part of it.
What This Journey Taught Me
By the end of the trip, I’d collected more than hotel photos and notes—I’d collected stories. The kind of stories that help me design better, more intentional journeys for my clients.
Because when you book through The Shameless Tourist, I want you to feel like every detail has been lived, tested, and handpicked—because it has.
If there’s one thing I learned across those 30+ hotels, it’s that luxury doesn’t always mean chandeliers and fancy linens (though those are nice!). Sometimes it’s a handwritten note left on your nightstand, a bookmark in your book, or feeling like an old friend when you walk through the front door.
Italy reminded me that real luxury is felt.
