No matter how many times you’ve been to Italy, you’ll never come across another town like Trieste. Almost completely surrounded by Slovenia, Trieste is geographically and culturally detached from the rest of the Italian peninsula, giving it a unique character that’s a little bit of everything.

An unusual European melting pot, Trieste boasts remarkable Austrian-inspired architecture, sleek Croatian-style urban beaches, delicious German-originating cuisine, and a laid-back Greek-influenced lifestyle. If you dream of traveling around all of Europe but haven’t got the time, stay in one of the best Trieste hotels – it’s the closest you’ll get to a European tour while staying in a single city! 

For most of the 19th and 20th centuries, Trieste was one of the most important seaports in the Mediterranean and one of the richest cities. While its use as a port isn’t as crucial today, the city still holds onto its history and has an air of sophistication, elegance, and wealth.

Trieste is home to all kinds of fun places to stay, from ultra-cool hotels to family-run boutique lodges. In fact, there are so many great options out there that you may find it almost impossible to choose just one. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the absolute 12 best hotels in Trieste! 

Where to Stay in Trieste

There are loads of fantastic places to stay in Trieste, whatever you’re looking for. If this is your first visit to the city, we suggest staying in the Old Town. 

This neighborhood is located in the very center of Trieste and is largely pedestrian, making it a great place to walk around. Almost all the major attractions are within easy reach, and you’ll be spoiled for choice with bars and restaurants. You’ll also find some of the best hotels in Trieste in this area. 

If you’re looking for somewhere with a lively, dynamic atmosphere, consider staying in Borgo Teresiano. Also known as New Town, this part of Trieste is brimming with upbeat pubs, cool bars, and trendy clubs. It also boasts some of the finest shopping streets in the city and is still within walking distance of all the impressive attractions of Old Town. 

On the other hand, if you’re interested in a quiet, romantic getaway, we suggest staying in San Giusto. This peaceful neighborhood is where you’ll find plenty of beautiful green spaces and mesmerizing views. Here you’ll come across some of the most gorgeous boutique hotels in Trieste. 

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Trieste

1. Forvm Boutique Hotel

If you’re planning a romantic getaway for two, you can’t do any better than Forvm Boutique Hotel. This dreamy, rustic hotel has an old-world vibe, enhanced with bare stone walls, aged wooden beams, glittering chandeliers, and decadent velvet-clad furniture.

The guest rooms are stunning and feature huge plush headboards, luxury bedding, intriguing artwork, and romantic mood lighting. Some rooms come with the original stonework on the walls, while others are more modern and have delicate mauve, gray, or white walls. Whichever style of room you get, you’ll find an impressive rock sink in the bathroom, along with luxury toiletries and a fluffy bathrobe and slipper set.

Start your day off in the best way possible with one of the hotel’s lavish breakfast options: English, Italian, or vegan. If you ever need a break while sightseeing, you can pop back into the hotel and take it easy in the cafe with a cup of delicious Italian coffee or a glass of local wine. 

2. The Modernist Hotel

For a truly unique hotel in Trieste, check out the Modernist Hotel. Worlds away from the typical style of hotels you’ll come across in the area, this property is known for its bright pops of color, thought-provoking literary quotes, and eye-catching focal walls. If you’re a fan of off-beat places or you love contemporary art, this is the place for you. 

Here you’ll find a generous number of retro-chic rooms, each of which is a little different from the last. From leather-bound headboards, imposing stone columns, and floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains to mind-bending striped walls, hanging industrial decorations, and plants that grow from the ceiling, there’s always something new to discover here! 

There’s an on-site coffee shop that does amazing homemade cookies, plus a cute snack bar that’s open long hours. The restaurant takes care of families and provides plenty of kids’ options. Or, if you don’t feel like getting out of bed, you can order whatever you like via room service. 

3. Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste

When you’re looking for where to stay in Trieste with a little bit of luxury, choose Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste. One of the most opulent hotels in the area, this fine establishment will make you feel like a VIP as soon as you step through the door. 

The common spaces here are so decadent you’ll feel like you’re in a palace. Picture lofty ceilings decorated with gorgeous frescoes, impossibly large sparkling chandeliers, delicate hand-made carvings on the walls, and welcoming crackling fireplaces, and you’ve only got a tiny idea of how incredible this place is.

Ideally located overlooking the Bay of Trieste, Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste enjoys a prime position in the center of Old Town, just steps away from the best parts of the city. The hotel boasts an excellent restaurant where you can dine bathed in natural light as you watch the rippling water of the bay. But if you’re looking for something a bit more local, you’ll find plenty of dining options on your doorsteps. 

4. Residenza le 6 A

Residenza le 6 A is a fantastic place to stay if you want to get away from it all and simply relax. This tranquil, intimate hotel has only six rooms, each of which is inspired by a female character created by local novelist Italo Svevo.

No two rooms are entirely identical. But whichever one you choose, you’ll be treated to a calming neutral color palette, beautiful Italian artwork, and solid wooden furniture, as well as Wi-Fi access, a coffee machine, and a minibar with complimentary water.

If you’d prefer something a little larger, book one of the rooms in the hotel’s annex. Known as La Settima A, the annex boasts five more spacious rooms, all named after characters created by James Joyce. Each of these rooms comes with a very well-equipped kitchenette which also includes basic cooking ingredients. 

The hotel boasts an excellent location in Old Town, just steps away from the water and many of the best attractions the city has to offer. But don’t worry about noise. Every room is thoroughly soundproofed, so you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep.

5. Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta

Whatever type of vacation you’re planning, Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta is one of the coolest Trieste hotels. Located directly on Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of the liveliest and most interesting parts of the city, this hotel is the ideal place to base yourself if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing.

The five-star hotel offers stunning boutique rooms, suites, and apartments. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or you just want to treat yourself, we suggest splashing out on the master room.

Boasting an enchanting corner view of one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, this room will make you feel like royalty. From the vibrant red walls and the glittering golden mirrors to the huge plush bed and the sparkling chandelier, everything about this room suggests luxury. 

The rest of the hotel is just as extravagant as the accommodation. From an intimate restaurant with its very own wine cellar and a gourmet bistro with ultra-modern cuisine to a decadent bakery that could be run by artists and a sophisticated bar with an extensive menu, there’s loads going on here. 

6. Palace Suite

Trieste is home to a number of spectacular hotels, and Palace Suite is one of the finest. Definitely living up to its name, this art nouveau palazzo is located in one of the most prestigious parts of town and is instantly recognizable, thanks to the remarkable statues and carvings you can see on the façade.

Step inside, and you’ll discover 16 contemporary suites, ranging from simple studios to spacious family suites. All the rooms are decorated in a modern color palette, dominated by black, white, and gray, with subtle pops of friendly color. 

Smooth parquet floors, free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, and plush king-size beds come as standard. As an added bonus, all rooms also include a kitchenette, so you don’t have to eat out if you don’t want to. 

While you’ll find countless bars, restaurants, cafes, and bistros in the local area, the hotel’s restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Established way back in 1921, this gourmet hotspot dishes up international fine dining dishes for lunch and dinner. 

7. Urban Hotel Design

Easily one of the coolest hotels in Trieste, Urban Hotel Design is a super-modern four-star property that throws in loads of free extras. As well as high-speed Wi-Fi, all guests also get unlimited free calls to the EU, USA, and Canada, so you never have to feel homesick. 

Despite its modern appearance, the hotel is actually set inside a series of historic buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It took incredibly talented architects and designers two years to transform them into the work of art you can see today.

Guest rooms are cool and minimalist, with futuristic lighting, floating beds, cleverly placed mirrors, and bright pops of color. They’re surprisingly spacious and come with eco-friendly bathroom products. Set out over two floors and around twice the size of the standard rooms, the junior suite is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something with a little extra space. 

Breakfast is served each morning in a trendy glass-floored restaurant that allows you to check out the Roman ruins beneath your feet while nibbling on a buttery croissant.

8. Victoria Hotel Letterario

Nestled into the beating heart of Trieste, Victoria Hotel Letterario is the perfect place to stay if you’re a fan of literature. This cultural hotel is dedicated to the great novelists of the city and is set inside a historic building that was once home to James Joyce. Today, the establishment has been transformed into a stunning four-star hotel that features elegant decor and all the modern amenities you could ever need.

Exploring Trieste can be tough on your body, which is why the hotel provides you with an indulgent wellness center to relax after a long day. Illuminated by gentle, relaxing lighting, the spa features a hot tub, chill-out loungers, a dry sauna, and a Turkish bath. If that’s not your idea of unwinding, you’ll also find a regal reading room where you can curl up in an armchair and lose yourself in your latest read.

While all the rooms at the hotel are magnificent, we recommend booking the James Joyce suite. Dedicated to the famous writer, this magnificent suite boasts a hydromassage bath, a four-poster bed, and a genuine fireplace.

9. Hotel Vis à Vis

Staying at Hotel Vis à Vis is a fantastic decision if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing during your trip and you enjoy the finer things in life. One of the top Trieste boutique hotels, this property overlooks the Piazza Unità d’Italia and the glistening ocean, with many rooms in the hotel offering views of at least one.

Also an excellent choice for foodies, the hotel invites you to enjoy its opulent range of Harry’s dining options. From a luxury cafe that dishes up homemade treats every day and the romantic bistro guaranteed to delight your taste buds to the sophisticated bar stocked with everything you could imagine and the Michelin-starred restaurant that’s sure to wow, you’ll be truly spoiled for choice here.

Classic, superior, and deluxe rooms are available at this stunning hotel. Whichever category you settle on, you’ll be treated to one of the comfiest beds you’ve ever slept on, your very own hydromassage bath, a superior coffee machine with complimentary capsules, and a minibar with free drinks. 

10. Seven Historical Suites

Located just steps away from the mesmerizing Grand Canal, Seven Historical Suites is one of the most romantic and spellbinding hotels in Trieste. With some of the city’s best museums, monuments, galleries, and shopping opportunities on its doorstep, you’ll never be stuck for something to do here.

The accommodation comes in the form of luxury suites and extravagant apartments. Boasting dramatic artwork, brightly colored focal walls, original wooden beamed ceilings, and all kinds of artistic touches, the suites are almost too beautiful to be true. 

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, we suggest upgrading to one of the gorgeous apartments. They’re huge and boast a separate lounge and dining area, two bedrooms (one of which has an ultra-cool circular bed), a well-equipped kitchenette, and a stunning bathroom with top-of-the-line toiletries. 

The rest of the hotel is just as dazzling as the guest rooms. Take a look around, and you’ll discover ornate chandeliers, beautiful artwork on display, towering marble columns, and genuine antique furniture.

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11. Francis B&B Superior

Looking for a truly unique Trieste hotel that will make your vacation unforgettable? Make a reservation for Francis B&B Superior. Set in the heart of the city, surrounded by things to see and do, this friendly boutique inn is a great option if you want something more welcoming than a standard hotel but don’t want to stay in an independent apartment.

Kick off each morning with a fabulous breakfast overloaded with Italian specialties, plus freshly-baked croissants, local hams, and some of the most delicious cheeses you’ve ever had! Although lunch and dinner aren’t available inside the hotel, you’ll find countless options in the surrounding area.

The rooms at Francis B&B Superior are beyond stunning. Each is uniquely decorated with one-of-a-kind artwork and furniture, so you never know what you’re going to get. From sky-inspired murals and swings for bedside tables to plush velvet ottomans and giant atlases that cover the whole wall, the decor is so gorgeous you’ll never want to leave.

12. Boutique Hotel Albero Nascosto

Hidden away inside a magnificent 18th-century building, Boutique Hotel Albero Nascosto offers you a tranquil place to hide away after a long day spent sightseeing. Although it’s within walking distance of the city’s biggest and best attractions, the hotel is in a very peaceful neighborhood, so you’re guaranteed a great night’s sleep every night.

To make sure you really do have pleasant dreams, each of the hotel’s four apartments features a huge bed with a sumptuous mattress and wonderfully soft bedding, plus individual air-con so you can get the temperature just right. Depending on which apartment you choose, you may also be treated to fantastic extras, such as a fully-equipped kitchen and extra bedrooms.

There are rooms for 1-4 people, making this hotel a great choice however many people you’re traveling with. A tempting breakfast buffet is served each morning, and there’s a cozy tavern bar where you can enjoy a glass of local wine while you make plans for the next day. There’s also an on-site garage if you plan on hiring a car, plus an airport shuttle service if you don’t.

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That completes our list of the 12 best Trieste hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Trieste? Comment below so we can add them to the list! 

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