The Best Hotels to Book in Bergamo, Italy

Set just 10 minutes’ drive from Bergamo city centre, this elegant villa hotel feels a world away, coddled in gentle hills and mature trees. A main draw is the restaurant, a local favourite for refined fish dishes for more than half a century, and now run by two chef brothers, the Cereas. After feasting on linguine with clams or turbot with caviar, retire to one of 10 romantic rooms, complete with characterful touches such as fireplaces and wood floors.

The undulating hills of northern Italy frame your view from this upmarket retreat in the city’s eastern reaches. Simply furnished but stylish rooms at this Bergamo hotel have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the green landscape, and lodge-like touches such as blonde-wood beamed ceilings. Guests are drawn for the Michelin-starred food from chef Umberto De Martino; expect classic flavours given a modern makeover, such as a dessert featuring rum, banana, chocolate and – unusually – tobacco.

Le Funi has a prime position in the Unesco-protected walled old town, Bergamo Alta, arguably the city’s most enchanting quarter. But while the location may be a throwback, the interiors of this hotel in Bergamo are firmly now: expect cool white and cream walls, pops of abstract art and modernist furniture. The Italian-style breakfast – served up beneath an atmospheric vaulted dining area in winter, or a shaded terrace in summer – stars meats and cheeses from the local area.

Pink printed wallpaper; glass-lined staircase; aquamarine chairs: designs this fresh and modern aren’t what you’d normally expect in a hotel in Bergamo’s historic old town, but it’s what you get at Fuoriporta House. This place puts food and drink centre with a daily happy hour, featuring a buffet of snacks served up alongside your icy, thirst-quenching spritz. Quirky architectural touches hint to the building’s former life as part of the San Vigilio funicular.

It’s easy to feel at home at this boutiquey hotel in Bergamo, dressed in warm, soothing shades of creamy cappuccino and white. The six rooms aren’t flashy but they are flexible, sleeping between one and three people and accessed via a self-check-in process. You’re just 15 minutes from Bergamo centre or the funicular to the old town, but a breakfast of pastries and espresso can be grabbed on site at the Primo Caffé.

After a long day exploring Bergamo’s delights, you’ll welcome an evening at the stylish Arli Hotel, where you can unwind in the hydromassage pool, Finnish sauna or eucalyptus-scented Turkish bath. De-stress massages or facials are on hand for further shoulder unclenching, though a big glass of wine and a dinner of tender beef cheeks braised in local Valcalepio red – enjoyed in the hotel restaurant – might have the same effect.

It doesn’t get more picture-perfect than this. High in Bergamo Alta, this palatial stay was once military housing for the sixth-century San Vigilio castle, and is now a luxurious stay complete with vine-cloaked terrace, manicured garden and romantic restaurant. A natural pick for couples – particularly honeymooners – intimate rooms at this Bergamo hotel mix ancient vaulted stone ceilings with minimalist modern decor. Let the concierge set you up with some exclusive local experiences, such as a helicopter flight taking in Lake Como and the Franciacorta wine region.

The elegant grey, white and light wood colour palate of Bergamo Inn 43 makes it feel like you’re staying at a cool friend’s fabulous apartment. And with a location in Bergamo’s lower town, near the funicular and just 200m (650ft) from the landmark Donizetti Theatre, it will suit a whole host of travellers. Breakfast isn’t served on site, but you’ll find the morning caffeine hit you need at the adjoining café.

Petronilla Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Bergamo. The four-star luxurious hotel is located in the Città Bassa – a historical and serene quarter of San Lunardo developed in the 19th century. It aims to spoil guests by offering the best of both worlds, the old and the new, combining history with the latest design trends. The hotel offers studios, single and double rooms; it also has a wellness zone, an internal courtyard where you can have breakfast, and a cocktail bar.

The GombitHotel is located in the heart of Bergamo’s historic town, at the crossroads of two ancient Roman streets and next to the famous Gombito Tower. The hotel owes its classy design and unique colours to the artist Giò Pozzi. The hotel owns the luxurious Tower Lounge where you can enjoy your breakfast or an evening drink. The 13 simple, modern, grey-and-brown rooms of the GombitHotel are divided into classic, superior, deluxe, and suites.

The four-star Excelsior San Marco hotel is located in Bergamo’s lower centre next to the funicolare, or sky train, which will take you to the top. It faces a charming green square, Piazza della Repubblica, away from the noise of the streets. There are four room choices: standard, superior, deluxe, and a suite, sometimes with a balcony. All are designed in a beautiful, old-fashioned way, with wooden furniture and golden-and-red colour patterns. Upgrade to a deluxe room or a suite, which come with a jacuzzi. For dining and relaxation, choose from the Roof Garden Restaurant, with views of the historic Città Alta the Colonna Restaurant on the first floor or the cocktail bar.