Travel

Three of Italy's best luxury hotels

Whether you are looking for a cultural city break or a relaxing country holiday, Italy's wealth of luxury hotels means there is something for everyone. Daria Afanasieva looks at three of the best.

Value for money in Venice

For a "good-value five-star that's right on the Grand Canal", head to the Westin Europa & Regina. If you were inclined to, you could dangle your feet straight into the Grand Canal from the hotel's terrace. St Mark's Square, Venice's sightseeing Mecca, is just ten minutes' walk away. But for all the square's attractions, don't forget to explore the hotel itself – the Westin is made up of five historic buildings dating from the 17th to 19th centuries.

After the rigours of a day's sightseeing, retire to your room for an in-room spa. The hotel's service is "slick and professional", says Nick Trend in The Daily Telegraph.

Do be aware that Venice is best avoided in summer when the canals can start to smell. Go in autumn when the pong recedes and the Westin's terrace provides a great view of the Venice Historical Regatta, which takes place on the first Sunday of September.

• Double rooms cost from €310, including breakfast. Guests are given a 10% discount for stays longer than three nights in mid- and low season. For more, see www.starwoodhotels.com/westin, or call 00 39 041 240 0001.

Learn to be a gladiator in Rome

If you want to visit Rome, but would like to be able to escape the mania of the city when the tourist crush gets too much, book into the Rome Cavalieri (above). It's just ten minutes outside the city, but boasts 15 acres of Mediterranean parklands. With three swimming pools, a spa, its own art collection and stunning views of the Vatican, it's the answer for "families wanting to combine poolside pleasures with sightseeing", says Genevieve Fox in The Times.

For a guaranteed unforgettable experience, sign up for the hotel's gladiator training. You'll be given your own gladiator kit with tunic, Roman sandals, belt, protective gloves and sword – a wooden training sword that is. Anyone aged over seven can take part.

• Double rooms start at €270 per room per night, inclusive of breakfast buffet and VAT. For more, call 00 39 063 5091, or go to www.romecavalieri.com.

Eat, drink and relax in Tuscany

"High in the hills of beautiful Valle Serena, Borgo Santo Pietro (above) is a perfect base for cultural exploration," says Madeleine Lim in The Independent. Siena is just 30 minutes away, Florence an hour and Pisa two hours.

This villa hotel opened last summer after being converted from a "rustic, historic" property into "chic tourist accommodation" by its Dutch owners. The renovation has been a complete success: Borgo Santo Pietro is "a temple of comfort for rather more indulgent travellers".

The luxurious retreat boasts a spa, a freshwater infinity pool and acres of Tuscan gardens. And you'll need to do plenty of laps to work off the hotel's wonderful food. The in-house restaurant has a menu in which "classic Italian cookery meets superlative comfort food".

• Doubles start at €335 a night, including breakfast, or for €43,000 a week you can rent the whole seven-bedroom villa. For more, see www.borgosantopietro.com/en, or call 00 39 0577 75 1222.