CASTIGLIONE DELLA PESCAIA

What it is: Originally the Duke of Tuscany's hunting lodge, a 19th-century inn on the 1,240 acre Tenuta La Badiola estate in the Maremma region of Tuscany.

The rooms: Each of the 33 rooms is decorated in traditional Tuscan style with warm wood floors and stately pillars. Single rooms can be supplemented with a third bed or crib, and suites have two bedrooms and a sitting area.

Amenities: While here, enjoy a lavish spa; two restaurants serving traditional Tuscan cuisine; secretarial service including faxing, photocopying, and mail delivery; laundry and dry-cleaning services; and a private car service.

Activities: Relax by the three outdoor pools (one heated) with a book from the hotel's own library. Those in search of a more active vacation can enjoy the three-hole golf course and outdoor tennis court, or the concierge can arrange horseback riding, sailing, trips to the coast, or tours and wine tasting in the surrounding vineyards. The Tuscan Culinary Experience at L'Andana also offers courses in traditional Italian cuisine.

Details: 58043 Castiglione della Pescaia, from 678 euros for the Superior suite, with two bedrooms.

DOLOMITES

What it is: A 50-room hotel 5,080 feet above sea level in the Dolomite mountains.

The rooms: No two rooms are exactly alike, but all are decked out in linen, wood, and marble. Extra beds can be added for a fee.

Amenities: Choose between the hotel's four restaurants: Restaurant St. Hubertus, a hunting-lodge style restaurant; Fondue Stube for cheese and meat fondue; the Wine Bar & Grill; or Limonaia for breakfast. The Daniela Steiner Spa has an indoor pool, sauna, and steam bath. The hotel also offers babysitting and taxi service, and the concierge can help organize guided excursions through the mountains.

Activities: Whether you visit in winter or summer, there are plenty of outdoor-adventure opportunities. Hike or bike through the Dolomite mountains, visit the natural parks, or play a round the 9-hole golf course. In the winter, there are ski lessons for children and adults and guided mountain tours. Or forgo the physical exertion and enjoy the view of the mountains from a helicopter. The Dolomites Children program entertains tots with kids' yoga, nature walks, trips to the zoo, rock climbing, cooking classes, and various crafts. Kids can also take one of the hotel's language courses to learn English, German, Italian, or Spanish.

Details: I-39030 San Cassiano in Badia; from 170 euros for a double room standard during the summer.

MILAN

What it is: A 401-room five-star hotel in the heart of the Piazza della Repubblica.

The rooms: Excluding the deluxe singles and junior suites, every room has or can have up to three beds, with the option of connecting most rooms to accommodate more family members. The family package, available from June to September, offers a discounted rate for a Double Classic room, a free third bed, and a 50 percent discount for additional connecting rooms.

Amenities: Various spa and VIP packages, including an image consultation where beauty and style experts will help you reinvent your look, are available. The hotel also has a fitness and beauty center and an indoor rooftop pool with complimentary private swimming lessons for children. When sightseeing wears you out, stay in and enjoy veal cutlets or risotto with lobster from the 5-star Acanto Restaurant, or indulge in room service with a full kids' menu and takeaway options and let kids veg out with movie services or online video games available through each room's LCD interactive television. Small pets are also allowed.

Activities: The concierge can arrange theater tickets, dinner reservations, and transportation to the shopping and culture metropolitan of nearby Milan. Or, if you're looking for alone time, babysitting services can also be arranged.

Details: If you're traveling during the summer months, the family package starts at 320 Euros for a Double Classic room (includes full breakfast and taxes). For the rest of the year, the Classic room starts at 610 euros and can accommodate extra beds. Piazza della Repubblica 17, 20124 Milan; from 320 Euros for the family package (includes a Double Classic room, full breakfast, and taxes).

VENICE

What it is: A glamorous 82-room hotel set in the gardens of Giudecca Island.

The rooms: Hotel Cipriani's 49 suites and 31 double rooms each face either the gardens, pool, or gorgeous lagoon and can all be supplemented with roll-away beds and cribs.

Amenities: Besides a heated, Olympic-size outdoor saltwater pool, a beauty and wellness center, a clay tennis court with available lessons, three restaurants, cooking classes, room service, and a concierge who can arrange private boating excursions, hairdresser services, and travel and airport transfers, Hotel Cipriani also offers a Very Important Kids program (for an extra charge), which has reduced rooming rates, a free room for kids, four free hours of babysitting, a Playstation, toys, and movies for nights in.

Activities: Explore nearby Venetian islands and an 18-hole golf course with the hotel's private boating program. The outdoor clay tennis court also offers lessons. Or stroll the surrounding peaceful gardens and courtyards.

Details: Giudecca 10, 30133 Venice, from 870 Euro for a double room.

What it is: A 19th-century former flour mill, renovated into a luxury hotel on Guidecca.

The rooms: The 380 rooms are decorated in a simply elegant style reminiscent of the surrounding Venetian city and are available in singles, doubles, and suites—all equipped with high-speed Internet. Cribs can be added.

Amenities: Visit the city's largest spa or Venice's first and only rooftop outdoor swimming pool. Also check out the hotel's two restaurants and a 7,000 square-foot spa and Turkish bath.

Activities: All the major attractions of Venice are just a short complimentary shuttle boat ride away. The Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco, and the Doge's Palace are the just the beginning of the sites to see. The other islands of the Venice lagoon are also easily accessible.

Details: Giudecca 810, 30133 Venice; from about 1,350 euros for a King Deluxe suite.

What it is: A charming six-room country house and garden in the middle of Venice.

The rooms: The simple, yet elegantly decorated rooms of the hotel offer a chic and comfortable alternative to the sea of oversize hotels. Each has a sitting room and bathroom, as well as a desk area and double or queen-size bed. All except the Ivory and Grey rooms can accommodate a third person or children.

Amenities: The staff is ready and willing to assist guests with any planning or reservations, from restaurants to theaters to places to explore. In the warmer months, breakfast is served in the garden. Rooms come with LCD televisions, high-speed Internet, and a DVD player on request.

Activities: Stroll the garden with its lush olive, magnolia, and pomegranate trees. The hotel is minutes from the Church of the Frari and other historic Venice hotspots. The Rialto Bridge is only a 15-minute walk away.

Details: Fondamenta Contarini, San Polo 2542; from 180 euros for a double room with an extra bed (includes breakfast).

What it is: The former home of famous Venetian architect Angelo Scattolin on the edge of the canal.

The rooms: These quiet, spacious rooms offer king-size beds, LCD satellite TV, and Internet access. The stately décor is simple and tasteful, and some rooms have lovely views of the canal.

Amenities: Dine on a classic continental and Mediterranean breakfast prepared with certified organic ingredients.

Activities: The hotel's library offers a selection of titles about Venetian art, architecture, and history. Or simply step outside to experience it all yourself.

Details: Calle del Tragheto della Madoneta, 1434, 30125 Venice; from 105 euros for a double bedroom (includes breakfast).

What it is: A luxurious six-bedroom apartment hotel in the heart of Venice.

The rooms: Choose between a suite, three large bedrooms, and two loft suites. All rooms are outfitted in oriental silks with a king-size bed, modern bathroom, and a television.

Amenities: A traditional Italian breakfast is served daily and can be taken in your room. The concierge is available to schedule daily itineraries or to help you book an in-room massage.

Activities: Ask your concierge about booking restaurant reservations, theater seats, concerts, or other local events.

Details: Calle Botteri, San Polo 1569; from 120 to 280 euros.

What it is: An inviting, family-run establishment housed in a historic palazzo in a quiet area of Castello.

The rooms: The rooms of Palazzo Schiavoni are decorated in gold, green, and maroon. Single to quadruple rooms are available, along with family suites. The apartments are named after famous Italian painters, sleep up to six guests, and have fully equipped kitchens, dining rooms, full bathrooms, and satellite televisions.

Amenities: Guests of the hotel have wireless Internet access, a breakfast buffet, and a laundry/ironing service. The concierge is also available to help book guided tours or help you plan your daily itinerary.

Activities: Lose yourself in the hidden corners of Venice at this out-of-the-way hotel. Take a guided tour or excursion of the lagoon landscape, or take a ferry across the Grand Canal to Lido di Venezia.

Details: Castello 3288, 30123 Venice; from 189 euro per night for a triple.

What it is: A historic former home a few minutes from St. Marco's square.

The rooms: Forgoing pseudo-historical decorations, Palazzo Soderini's rooms are bright and minimalist in style. All rooms can be arranged as singles, doubles, or triples by adding extra beds. Each has a private bathroom, satellite TV, and wireless high-speed Internet.

Amenities: Breakfast is served every morning in the kitchen and can be taken indoors or outside in the garden. The hotel can also arrange transportation into Venice.

Activities: Take a taxi into Venice and experience the rich history waiting there. Or stay at the hotel and relax in the large, private, leafy garden.

Details: Castello 3611, 30122 Venice; from 150 euros for a double room.

What it is: A modern 60-room hotel that was once a monastery and gondola workshop.

The rooms: Decorated in a simple and contemporary style, many rooms have exposed beams, skylights, and a sleeping loft. Three suites can sleep up to five. Rooms are also equipped with a minibar, satellite TV, Internet, and radios.

Amenities: Enjoy wine tastings in the hotel's Al Grappolo bar, or have the concierge make a reservation at Al Piron restaurant for international courses served on the Venetian garden terrace.

Activities: The hotel is a water taxi ride away from many of the major Venice attractions. Explore the Campo del Ghetto (the oldest Jewish settlement in Europe), the Rialto Bridge, and Piazza San Marco.

Details: 30121 Venice, from 90 euros for a Superior Double room.

What it is: A charming B&B with two only 15 minutes from San Marco Square.

The rooms: Choose the Suite on the Roofs, which can sleep a family of four and has a rooftop terrace. Both rooms have been kept in the style of a traditional Italian home and have lovely views of Venice.

Amenities: The breakfasts, included in the price, include tea, coffee, fresh juice and fruit, cereals, breads, butter and marmalades, cheeses, hams, and a variety of other buffet staples. Afternoon tea is also included in the price of your room. Along with your welcoming hosts, two resident cats, Picci and Cabi, await your stay.

Activities: The neighborhood has an authentic atmosphere with small shops, food markets, and wine bars. Take a relaxing stroll the Cannaregio Canal.

Details: Sestiere di Cannaregio 2452, 30121 Venice; from 105 euros for the suite.

TUSCAN MAREMMA

What it is: An elegant 140-room hotel and spa situated at the foot of the medieval village of Saturnia in the Tuscan Maremma region.

The rooms: All of the rooms in Terme Di Saturnia include luxurious beds and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and golf course. Double rooms and suites can also accommodate an extra bed, crib, or child-size bed.

Amenities: The spa offers an extensive list of therapies and services, including massages, thermal treatments, and beauty services. A thermal pool and Roman bath offer additional ways to melt away stress, the resort's newest restaurant, all'Acquacotta offers delicious canapés and Florentine steak. Sample an international menu including wild boar salami and cold melon soup at the Terme Di Saturnia's second restaurant, Aqualuce.

Activities: Experience year-round golfing at the hotel's 18-hole course in the valley of Saturnia or explore countryside paths, thermal waterfalls, and medieval towns.

Details: Saturnia, Tuscany; from 200 euros for a double room (includes breakfast).

POSITANO

What it is: A 63-room hotel that was once the home of former mayor of Positano, Mardusi Sersale.

The rooms: All suites and junior suites, most of the rooms overlook the bay and have a private terrace or balcony.

Amenities: Enjoy Neapolitan cuisine prepared with local ingredients at the hotel's restaurant, La Sponda, or take in the gorgeous view at the Champagne and Oyster Bar on the terrace. The swimming pool is heated in cooler months, and the Sirenuse AVEDA Concept Spa offers a fitness center and relaxing and rejuvenating treatments.

Activities: Take a complimentary cruise along the coast in the hotel's Sant'Antonio 13-passenger wood vessel. For those afraid of getting their feet wet, Positano offers virtually endless opportunities for touring the surrounding towns and ruins. The steep nearby mountains make for a challenging hike, but the view from the top is more than rewarding.

Details: Via C.Colombo, 30, 84017 Positano; from 350 euros for a double room.