If you’re planning a trip to Italy—whether to trace your roots or simply to capture picture-perfect moments for social media—consider skipping the big international hotel chains. Instead, opt for a family-run establishment. Italy is synonymous with authenticity, offering real food, charming accommodations, and breathtaking scenery. Staying at a family-operated hotel not only enhances your experience but also immerses you in the country’s rich culture and traditions.
Even better, many of Italy’s finest family-run hotels make planning your journey effortless. With properties spanning from Tuscany to Campania, booking a cross-country adventure within a single family-owned portfolio is as seamless as enjoying an aperitivo at sunset.
One of the most luxurious family-run hotel groups in Italy is Sina Hotels, founded in 1958 by Count Ernesto Bocca. Now operated by the third generation of the Bocca family, Sina Hotels boasts 11 elegant properties stretching from Venice to Capri. The brand is a hidden gem in Italy’s competitive hospitality scene, dedicated to preserving the timeless, slower-paced Italian lifestyle.
Here’s a guide to some of Sina’s standout properties:
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### Sina Villa Medici, Florence
**Starting at $367 per night**
Nestled in a quiet, leafy district just outside Florence’s bustling city center, the Sina Villa Medici exudes stately glamour. Housed in a 19th-century palazzo, the hotel has been tastefully modernized while retaining its sumptuous Italian charm. Its garden and bar—an extension of the iconic Harry’s Bar—have become a hotspot during the annual Pitti Uomo fashion event.
Under the expert leadership of general manager Fernando Pane, the concierge team curates unforgettable Florentine itineraries that highlight the city’s rich offerings in food, art, and fashion. Staying here is like stepping into a symphony of elegance, where every detail is orchestrated to perfection.
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### Sina Brufani, Perugia
**Starting at $209 per night**
Perched atop the medieval city of Perugia in the Umbrian hills, the Sina Brufani offers breathtaking views of the valleys below. The city’s ancient charm, with its winding stone streets and lazy morning church bells, is perfectly complemented by the hotel’s historic ambiance. Opened in 1884, the property features parquet floors, roaring fireplaces, and a medieval-inspired aesthetic that radiates sophistication.
While the hotel’s pool—surrounded by 3,000-year-old ruins—is a highlight, Perugia is also a gateway to exploring Umbria. From the renowned wineries of Montefalco to a fashion pilgrimage to Brunello Cucinelli’s atelier in nearby Solomeo, the region offers endless opportunities for discovery.
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### Sina Centurion Palace, Venice
**Starting at $367 per night**
Venice’s labyrinth of canals and hidden treasures finds a perfect match in the Sina Centurion Palace. Located in the Dorsoduro district, this former convent boasts ornate Gothic architecture and a prime spot on the Grand Canal. Its private boat landing makes it an ideal base for exploring the city by water.
The hotel is a short walk from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the beloved cicchetti bar, Enoteca Schiavi. For those looking to venture further, the concierge can arrange private boat rides to Murano’s glass-blowing studios, the Biennale grounds, or iconic landmarks like Saint Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace.
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### Sina Villa Matilde, Piemonte
**Starting at $188 per night**
A hidden gem within the Sina portfolio, the Sina Villa Matilde is the Bocca family’s personal favorite. Located just outside Turin, this former family estate was transformed into a luxury retreat for the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Surrounded by the rolling hills of Piemonte, the property is perfect for a summer escape by the pool or a cozy base during truffle season. The region is renowned for its world-class food and wine, making this hotel an ideal destination for culinary enthusiasts.
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From Florence’s stately elegance to Venice’s enchanting canals and Piemonte’s gastronomic delights, Sina Hotels offers a uniquely Italian experience at every turn. By choosing a family-run property, you’ll not only enjoy exceptional hospitality but also become part of a tradition that celebrates the heart and soul of Italy.
Source: nypost.com