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Italy is again flexing its five-star muscle with the triumphant return of the Best Luxury Hotel Awards in 2025 – a lavish tribute to the dolce vita appropriately done. Born of passion, precision, and perhaps a touch of Prosecco, this prestigious event, now in its second edition, isn’t merely handing out shiny trophies – it’s certifying the very soul of Italian hospitality.

Organised by Teamwork Hospitality in concert with Elle Decor and the European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA), the awards recognise the crème de la crème of Italian luxury lodgings. From Lake Como to Lecce, 5-star and 5-star-luxury hotels are flourishing across the boot-shaped peninsula. As of 2025, about 720 of them are welcoming the global elite—and by 2028, that number is expected to reach a rather Bellissimo 836.

The figures alone would impress Caesar himself. But Italy offers not just quantity – it’s quality in silk-lined spades. Mauro Santinato, the stylishly unflappable president of Teamwork Hospitality, summed it up beautifully:

“This award enhances the daily commitment that makes a stay experience unforgettable.”

In layman’s terms? It’s about time we gave these hoteliers a proper pat on the back – and a fabulously designed statuette to boot.

Nominations are open until 30 June 2025, and the buzz is already reaching opera-level crescendo.

“We’re receiving numerous entries in all categories,” Santinato added – with a grin only a seasoned sommelier could match.

Ten Titles of Triumph – and a Toast to Wine

Set to unfold at Milan’s ritzy Hotel Principe di Savoia on 29 October 2025, this year’s ceremony promises more sparkle than a Murano chandelier. Ten categories are up for grabs:

A toast to Italy’s finest—where luxury checks in proudly.

A toast to Italy’s finest—where luxury checks in proudly.

  • Best Service

  • Best Restaurant

  • Best Bar

  • Best Breakfast

  • Best Wellness & Spa

  • Best Sustainability Program

  • Best Design

  • Best New Opening

  • Best General Manager

  • And the brand-new cork-popping entrant: Best Wine Experience

This last category pays homage to oenophilic excellence – from in-house sommeliers who could give Dionysus a run for his drachmas, to wine tours that might sway even the most resolute teetotaller. It’s not just about what’s in the bottle, but the entire grape-to-glass journey.

Design Fit for a Roman Emperor

Italy’s luxury legends gather in Milan—smiles, suits, and five-star sparkle guaranteed.

Italy’s luxury legends gather in Milan—smiles, suits, and five-star sparkle guaranteed.

Even the award itself is worthy of a gallery. Architect Giuliana Salmaso has woven the elegance of golden ratios with the gravitas of ancient Roman stele to craft a monolith in burnished brass and travertine. It’s an objet d’art that whispers luxury while firmly declaring, “Yes, I’m important.”

Winners won’t go home empty-handed. Each will receive:

  • A Chantecler jewelled bell (bling with a ding)

  • An Aurora pen (for jotting down inspired room service menus)

  • A Prisma certificate that’ll sit pretty in any executive suite

A Sponsors’ Circle of High Society

When Italy does luxury, it doesn’t do it halfway. Award sponsors include a veritable who’s who of the elite: Lavazza, Technogym, Ginori 1735, Simmons, Adecco, and Herita Marzotto Wine Estates. TTG Incontri, Italy’s iconic travel expo, will present a special accolade: Best Italian Luxury Destination.

Because even the finest hotel needs a dramatic setting, preferably with a view of Capri or a whiff of the Amalfi breeze.

The Jury’s In – and They Mean Business

No clipboard-carrying interns here. This panel is as refined as an aged Chianti. Five new luminaries have joined the already distinguished lineup:

  • Andrea Grisdale, CEO of IC Bellagio and WTTC Vice Chair

  • Stefania Lazzaroni, Director of the Altagamma Foundation

  • Maddalena Fossati Dondero, Editor of La Cucina Italiana

  • Martin Kuczmarski, CEO of Difficult Name (yes, really)

  • Elisabetta Canoro, Head of Hospitality at Identità Golose

They join established stalwarts like Ezio Indiani (GM, Principe di Savoia), Andrea Grignaffini (ALMA), and Santinato. Between them, they’ve likely stayed in more hotel rooms than most of us have had breakfasts.

Who Can Enter – and Why They Should

Any accommodation rated 5-star or 5-star luxury in Italy may enter. Independent palazzi, global hotel brands, boutique gems – all are welcome, free of charge.

Entries close on 30 June 2025. The finalists will be unveiled on 1 September, giving them two months to polish marble floors and rehearse acceptance speeches.

The big night? 29 October 2025 in Milan. Black ties, chilled bubbles, and perhaps even a few tears.

Final Thoughts – A Salute to La Bella Figura

Italy doesn’t just host guests. It seduces them. The 2025 Best Luxury Hotel Awards are more than just accolades – they’re a salute to a timeless tradition of elegance, artistry, and service.

This is Italy showing the world that genuine hospitality isn’t simply meeting expectations – it’s about exceeding them with flair, finesse, and a perfectly folded napkin.

Italy reminds us that hospitality is still a human art in a world increasingly driven by algorithms and automation.

And to the victors? We raise a glass of Barolo. Salute!

By Sandra Jones

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