Be it an afternoon tea or, even better, Christmas lunch, Italy offers stunning settings to stay or celebrate, all in perfect relaxation.
As the holiday season approaches, the desire to spend special moments in places that evoke unique emotions grows. For travel enthusiasts, here’s a selection of grand hotels where you can celebrate the festivities, indulging in comfort and fine cuisine.
Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte, Viareggio
The Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte in Viareggio opens the winter season with the revamped Il Piccolo Principe, the renowned restaurant led by two-Michelin-starred chef Giuseppe Mancino. Architects from S+S Studio have reimagined the interiors, enhancing the essence of the space: luxurious Dedar fabrics, velvet accents, sky-blue carpeting, and new lighting come together to create an intimate and elegant atmosphere. The pristine white tablecloths harmonize seamlessly with the colors and artistry of the chef’s creations, offering a unique sensory experience where every detail tells a story of excellence.
The Christmas lunch at the Grand Hotel will be a tribute to the authentic flavors of the season, masterfully reinterpreted. The menu includes dishes such as pumpkin, porcini mushrooms, and white chocolate; tortellini in capon broth with chestnuts and truffle; and traditional homemade panettone served with warm zabaglione. Each course will be paired with a carefully curated selection of wines to enhance the dining experience. Festive decorations and the timeless charm of the hotel provide the perfect backdrop for sharing the joy of Christmas with loved ones.
During the holidays, the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte also offers afternoon treats designed for both adults and children. Traditional Christmas desserts, hot chocolates, aromatic teas, and other delights are served in a cozy setting—perfect for unwinding after a stroll along Viareggio’s seafront. For the little ones, the Kids Club provides recreational activities, ensuring carefree moments for the whole family.
Finally, among the ongoing initiatives, the Sunday lunch stands out, available until December 29. Here, the flavors of the region meet Chef Mancino’s culinary artistry. The menu dedicated to Alba White Truffle offers guests a sensory journey through Piedmont’s finest delicacies, featuring exclusive dishes such as 40-yolk tagliolini with butter and white truffle, and veal cheek with foie gras and creamy potatoes.
Roccafiore Wine Resort & SPA, Todi
Nestled between the hills of Todi and the Monti Martani, Roccafiore Wine Resort & SPA is the perfect choice for a winter stay centered around relaxation and authentic charm. The country-chic rooms provide an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, while the Spa offers exclusive treatments designed for the body and mind’s rejuvenation. The Fiorfiore restaurant, with its farm-to-table offerings, celebrates the authentic flavors of Umbrian cuisine, blending local and seasonal ingredients in a gastronomic experience that highlights tradition.
The winery tastings and breathtaking views complete the unique experience at Roccafiore Wine Resort & SPA, offering guests a full immersion in nature and tradition. The Wine Chalet, a sustainable retreat surrounded by greenery, ensures privacy and comfort, making it the perfect choice for those seeking intimate moments.
Whether it’s savoring a glass of wine by the fireplace, relaxing with the Spa’s exclusive treatments, or discovering Umbrian traditions through the resort’s culinary and cultural experiences, Roccafiore is the perfect destination to experience the magic of Christmas. A place where slowness, authenticity, and beauty intertwine, offering an unforgettable winter in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Grand Hotel et de Milan, Milano
In the heart of Milan, the magical atmosphere of Christmas envelops the city’s quintessential living room, the historic Grand Hotel et de Milan. The hotel’s interiors, with their shades of antique pink, burgundy, and bottle green, are illuminated by Christmas lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere filled with charm.
Here, immersed in the history of one of the city’s most iconic hotels, guests can enjoy the warmth of Gerry’s Bar, with a cocktail or a treat from the “La Merenda di Natale” (from December 1 to 20, daily from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm). This includes a tasting of panettone by chef Gennaro Esposito, along with other irresistible sweet offerings from both Milanese and Neapolitan traditions, paired with tea, herbal infusions, and hot chocolate, allowing you to savor the most magical time of the year.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento
During the most anticipated time of the year, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, the iconic 5-star hotel in Sorrento with breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples, comes alive with festive cheer. Every corner of the hotel transforms into an invitation to embrace the magic of Christmas, with hot chocolate, traditional holiday sweets, themed cocktails, and live music, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
On Christmas Eve, a special lunch will be held at the Sala Vittoria of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, featuring a menu that reflects the authentic Neapolitan culinary tradition. From appetizers such as escarole pizza, creamed cod, and seafood salad, to main courses like sea bass in “acqua pazza,” each dish is designed to evoke the festive atmosphere, as tradition dictates.
On Christmas Day, Executive Chef Antonino Montefusco, leading the Michelin-starred Terrazza Bosquet, will offer three menus that celebrate the gastronomic traditions of Campania, reinterpreted in a contemporary style.
Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá, Roma
Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá is preparing to host an unforgettable Festive Season, transforming into an exclusive retreat where Christmas and New Year’s Eve are celebrated amidst the history and timeless charm of the Eternal City. Just steps away from the Tiber and the Vatican City, this elegant residence combines refined culinary experiences, moments of wellness, and a magical atmosphere that makes every detail unique.
At Follie restaurant, led by chef Alfonso D’Auria, Christmas Eve comes alive with refined flavors. The menu begins with seared scallops, caviar, and truffle, followed by amberjack sashimi with gin and green apple granita. Among the main courses, highlights include a cicoria-stuffed parcel with clam mousse and tempura-battered cod with ginger. The evening concludes with a dessert that celebrates Christmas tradition: chocolate, mandarin, and panettone ice cream.
For those who prefer a more informal atmosphere, Amaro Lobby Bar & Lounge offers a festive brunch, perfect for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. From 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, guests can enjoy a wide selection of dishes, from classic sweet and savory options like sandwiches, pancakes, and eggs, to first and second courses inspired by the flavors of the holiday season, making every gathering special.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milano
Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan celebrates Christmas with a special edition of the “The Ritual | 7 PM is the new 5 PM” format, running from November 21 to January 6. The event, held at the Gallia Lounge & Bar, combines the British afternoon tea with the Milanese aperitif in an exclusive offering.
The Christmas drink list features tea-inspired cocktails such as the “Five O’Clock Tea,” “Carcadet Negroni,” and the mocktail “Indian Tea,” served in striking teapots. Accompanying these drinks are the Special Bites created by chefs Antonio and Vincenzo Lebano, including the Gallia Club Sandwich and smoked salmon with black bread. Guests can also enjoy artisanal panettone by pastry chef Stefano Trovisi, served with chocolate fondue and fruit, along with an exclusive Louis XIII tasting for cognac lovers.
The Christmas offering at Excelsior Hotel Gallia also includes a collection of four signature desserts, available for purchase at the hotel’s pop-up shop or on the portal www.cosaporto.it:
- The Traditional Panettone: a modern reinterpretation of the classic Milanese panettone, made with premium ingredients such as AOP butter from the Ardennes, Calabrian candied oranges, and a blend of Tahitian and Madagascan vanilla.
- The “Anima Esotica” Panettone (new): a fusion of tradition and freshness, featuring Pellecchiella apricots and semi-candied mango, glazed with almond and sugar granules.
- The “Guilt-Free” Limited Edition Panettone: designed for those who want to reduce sugar intake, featuring sugar-free chocolate drops and a touch of rice malt syrup.
- The Chocolate Tree: a shareable creation made with Valrhona chocolate, enriched with dried and candied fruits.
St. Regis Rome Hotel
With 130 years of excellence in the art of hospitality, St. Regis Rome honors a tradition of timeless luxury, where art, music, and cuisine intertwine to create extraordinary experiences. Here, iconic rituals mark the moments, adding rhythm and charm to the day: from the refined afternoon tea, served from 3 PM with exquisite canapés and delicious Christmas pastries, to the elegance of Sabering, and the ever-present Bloody Mary. Each ritual is an invitation to immerse oneself in an unparalleled atmosphere, where the magic of the holidays blends with the elegance of a unique place, turning every celebration into a cherished memory.
Hotel de Russie, Roma
Hotel de Russie, the iconic address of the Rocco Forte Hotels group, kicks off Christmas 2024 with a celebration dedicated to Italian excellence, in collaboration with Dolce&Gabbana.
In the heart of the hotel’s courtyard, a majestic Christmas tree, designed by the maison, rises over four meters, adorned with ceramic and glass spheres. Gold and red intertwine with sparkling lights, bows, and colorful ribbons, offering guests a warm holiday welcome. The elegant décor continues in the lobby, where red and gold dominate, enhancing the space with floral arrangements curated by Sebastian Flowers Italy.
Christmas at Hotel de Russie is also synonymous with fine dining and unforgettable convivial moments, thanks to the menus created by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Not to be missed are the Christmas Eve dinner and the Christmas Brunch at the Le Jardin de Russie restaurant. The Christmas magic at Hotel de Russie extends beyond its courtyard, along a charming path leading guests to the Dolce&Gabbana boutique in Piazza di Spagna, offering an exclusive selection of clothing and accessories.
Park Hyatt, Milano
Park Hyatt Milano, a symbol of luxury hospitality in the heart of the city, transforms for Christmas 2024 into an extraordinary chocolate factory, offering a multisensory experience that blends elegance, tradition, and sweetness.
The hotel features an exclusive setup created in collaboration with renowned Milanese pastry chef Enrico Rizzi. Every detail, from the towering cocoa-colored trees at the entrance to the refined decorations in the lobby, immerses guests in a world inspired by chocolate. The majestic Cupola Lobby Lounge hosts a six-meter-tall Christmas tree, adorned with sparkling lights, crystal baubles, and colorful glass balloons.
The entrance of the hotel welcomes visitors with two majestic chocolate towers and three-dimensional decorations, including giant lollipops and sparkling details. Every space, from the Signature Suites to the Pellico 3 restaurant, is immersed in the Christmas atmosphere, thanks to unique decor that blends the elegance of cocoa with the magic of the holidays. A chocolate-scented fragrance fills the hotel, enveloping guests and evoking memories and emotions tied to Christmas.
Finally, Christmas at the Park Hyatt Milano is enriched with an exceptional gastronomic offering:
- The Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch at La Cupola, with menus designed for both adults and children.
- Unique cocktails and appetizers at Mio Lab, perfect for convivial evenings and toasts with company.
- Moments dedicated to tea and chocolate with the elegant Afternoon Tea Time and the delightful Chocolate Afternoon Time, a perfect ritual to immerse oneself in the essence of the holidays.
