Living In Luxury: The Best Hotels In Ravenna, North Italy

Ravenna is one of those beautiful Italian destinations that has so much to offer yet remains unexplored. The town’s unparalleled collection of decorating centuries-old Byzantine mosaics and churches holds so many stories of saints, kings, and emperors. 

You will find yourself marveling at the stunning, intricate artistry adorning the centuries-old walls of the UNESCO-world heritage sites. It will take you back in time, across the pages of history and forgotten empires.

While the serene atmosphere of Ravenna has inspired artists and poets over the centuries, the beautiful Italian town has some great food and even better wine to enthrall your tastebuds. A trip to Ravenna is the perfect Italian summer you need – far away from the crowds. 

While we were in Ravenna, we made sure we were living in luxury, and today, we are here with our best picks. Let’s find out which stays made it to our tiny list featuring the best hotels in Ravenna.

But First, Why Stay In Ravenna?

Ravenna is beautiful – the mosaics here are stunning. The mosaics are not just beautiful works of art but also a piece of history, considering that they were created over 2000 years ago! 

While most tourists visit Ravenna for a day trip from bigger Italian cities like Florence or Bologna, if you are seeking the unexplored, you must spend at least a few nights in this region because Ravenna has a lot to offer. 

For starters, Ravenna boasts not one, not two, but eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Our favorite heritage picks are the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare, the Tombe of Dante Alighieri, and the Basilica of San Vitale. 

Moreover, you will also come across 6th-century churches built during the rule of Emperor Justinian – the same ruler responsible for soaring Hagia Sophia’s dome in Istanbul.  

Ravenna’s highlights include visiting the world-famous mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Theodora (his wife). According to history, Theodora was an actor and a simple dancer in the circus before becoming a queen – Theodora’s story is inspiring for ordinary people like us where future prospects are concerned. 

Ravena’s decorated ceilings, which predate even Michelangelo’s legendary Sistine Chapel by at least a thousand years, continue to dazzle visitors from across the globe. 

The Best Hotels In Ravenna, North Italy At A Glance:

Before we talk about the best hotels in Ravenna in detail, here’s an overview of the best hotels. While picking the best of the lost, we have tried to differentiate hotels based on what you are looking for – from luxury hotels to hotels with the most romantic views, there is something for everyone here. 

Stay tuned!

1. Best Luxury Hotel: Palazzo Bezzi.

2. Best Idyllic Countryside Stay: Sei Sequoie.

3. Best Historic Hotel: Maison 26.

4. Best Intimate Stay for Couples: Chez Papa.

5. Best Quirky Hotel: Palazzo del Settecento.

Please Note: We have already discussed Palazzo Bezzi in detail below since this blog is primarily about luxury hotels in Ravenna. But here’s an overview of the other 4 hotels. 

Sei Sequoie (Best Idyllic Countryside Stay):

If you are seeking a beautiful spot to stay in the Ravenna countryside, you will love Sei Sequoiea, a newly restored farmhouse that was turned into a Bed & Breakfast. 

The stay has a nice restaurant on site that serves rustic but fantastically good food. The biggest advantage of eating here is the great pool nearby that overlooks the fields. It’s a big plus for kids. Moreover, the stay is a good option for those energetic souls who love to cycle around the area. 

Maison 26 (Best Historic Hotel):

There’s so much to say about going to a beautiful town in Italy and immersing yourself in its old-world charm and elegance. Rooms adorned with stunning antiques for the past few centuries inside a former school. This is then blended with a great location, friendly owners, and modern amenities. 

Moreover, the place offers a pretty big apartment that can suit a family of four members out to explore the city for only a few days. Be careful, there is no elevator here. The old-world charm makes up for the missing elevator.

Living In Luxury: The Best Hotels In Ravenna, North Italy

Now that we are here, let’s look at the best hotels in Ravenna, North Italy.

1. Hotel Palazzo Bezzi:

Located in a conventional townhouse, Hotel Palazzo Bezzi is an upscale property that happens to be only a 13-minute walk from the 5th-century Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale. The hotel’s modern rooms feature whirlpool tubs, round beds, minibars, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and panoramic city views. Plus, you can also upgrade your rooms to add sitting areas, living rooms, and sofabeds.

The world-class amenities include a steam room, a fitness room, a rooftop terrace, a walled courtyard, a sundeck, and a lounge/bar with a pool table.

Review By Martha Trupiano:

“Remember when hotel staff were professional, helpful, and just nice?? Remember when your room had little things that made your stay special?? Remember when the included breakfast was vast and fresh?? Hotel Palazzo Bezzi is just that. I had forgotten what a lovely stay was like. Thank you staff.”

2. Exclusive Hotel Residence La Reunion:

Located in a beautiful red brick building, the Exclusive Hotel Residence La Reunion is a relaxing, all-suite hotel. It’s only a 12-minute walk from the Ravenna station, an 8-minute walk from the Basilica of San Vitale, and just a minute from the nearest bus stop. 

While the informal suites here feature pull-out sofas, living areas, kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi, the upgraded quarters have patios or balconies. There is also a gorgeous lobby lounge. The best part? You can rent bikes! Oh, and pets are welcome!

Review By Margaret Harris:

“We stayed for 2 nights, Sept. 3rd and 4th. Lovely suite. Breakfast was a delight. The wonderful young lady at the front desk even helped us make smoothies from fresh fruit and veggies. Yes, the have a great machine! The young gentleman on the evening shift had great tips on where to eat. He was so right! I must confess I left some clothes. Remembered when we were out of town. Called and the young lady said she would take care of it. When we arrived in Siena, she had called our B&B and said they would arrive on Monday! They will truly take care of all your needs, plus! Thank you, La Reunion.”

3. Grand Hotel Mattei:

Located only 2.1 kms from the Ravenna rail station, the Grand Hotel Mattei is another polished, upscale property we really love. The property is only 3 kms from the world-famous ornate mosaics of Mausoleo di Galla Placidia and 2.9 kms from the Basilica di San Vitale. The modern, chic rooms with carpeted or parquet floors feature walk-in showers, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi. 

You can upgrade your quarters to add spa access and coffee and tea-making facilities. The suites come with sofabeds, lounge areas, and additional bathrooms. As guests here, you will get to enjoy a relaxing restaurant, conference rooms, a breakfast buffet, and a spa with a hammam and a sauna.

Review By Rob Ashford:

“Lovely hotel good reception ideal for the cruises out of Ravenna. For an extra fee (€90) you can leave your car securely parked for a week including taxi to cruise port. There are no restaurants within walking distance but hotel restaurant is excellent.”

4. Santa Maria Foris:

Located at the heart of Ravenna, Santa Maris Foris is a refined property that is only a 3-minute walk from the Baptistry of Neon church, a 5-minute walk from the Basilica of San Vitale, and a 4-minute walk from the Archiepiscopal Museum. Breakfast is served in chic dining rooms or on the terrace. 

The elegant suites and rooms are done up in black and mostly neutrals. The rooms feature laptop-sized safes, desks, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi. You can upgrade your room to add upscale sitting areas, while upgraded suites add living rooms. There’s also a garden, a library, and cozy lounge areas. The best part? You can bring your pets. 

Review By JerJer B (Jeremy):

“The staff here simply are wonderful and kind and amazing! We felt so welcome in this small hotel. I will definitely stay here again if I go to Ravenna. It made all the difference to have a friendly staff when coming home after a long day of seeing Byzantine mosaics.”

And It’s A Wrap!

And it’s a wrap on the best hotels in Ravenna. We had a great time soaking in the timelessness of Ravenna – it was like going back in time, as if time had stopped in this town. The people, the food, the places – everything has a story. The trip only became better with just the right touch of modernity that these luxury hotels brought in.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences (if you have already been to Ravenna) in the comments below.

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