Tiny as it is, San Marino in Southern Europe’s Apennine Mountains is home to a wealth of attractions. There are many reasons to visit this country, from charming medieval streets and sumptuous food to fairytale castles and vibrant festivals. You’ll find no shortage of accommodation here, whether you’re planning to stay awhile or just on a day trip from nearby Italy. From the best hotels in San Marino, Italy is close by. This is unsurprising since San Marino is fully surrounded by Italy’s Le Marche and Emilia-Romagna regions. So, while many people visit on short jaunts from Italian cities like Bologna or Florence, many also fall in love with San Marino. Thus, they find themselves staying longer or making plans to come back.
Where To Stay In San Marino
Besides being the oldest republic in the world, San Marino is also one of the smallest countries on Earth. It’s home to nine towns, but the most-visited one is its capital and namesake city. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s where you’ll find many of the top things to do in San Marino. And since the city is so small, walking from landmark to landmark is easy.
You could also book a hotel room in Borgo Maggiore. Sitting in the shadow of Monte Titano, this commune is San Marino’s most important market town. Thus, it’s quite a popular shopping destination.
Acquaviva is another interesting commune to consider. Legend has it that Saint Marinus, after whom the country was named, baptized Christians at the foot of Mount Cerreto. Acquaviva hotels in San Marino are near Italy, particularly the Italian municipalities of Verucchio and San Leo.
Palace Hotel
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While it isn’t quite palatial, the Palace Hotel nevertheless provides a luxurious stay. Choose from 91 well-appointed rooms and suites where you’ll enjoy features like minibars and satellite TV. What’s more, you’ll feel rejuvenated thanks to the hydromassage shower in the en suite bathroom. Plus, if you book a suite, you’ll have your own private sauna.
Its superb amenities make the Palace Hotel among the top luxury hotels in San Marino. You can go for a long soak in the rooftop saltwater pool and hot tub while enjoying views of the Riviera di Rimini. Also, don’t forget to pamper yourself with a massage and a turn in the Turkish bath in the wellness center. And when it’s time to eat, head to the Vivo Restaurant for fine dining, rich wines, and artisanal beers.
The Palace Hotel sits along the San Marino highway in Serravalle, a short drive from the San Marino city center. And if you’re yearning for some sun, sand, and sea, you’ll find the beaches of the Riviera Romagnola within easy reach.
Hotel Bellavista
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Many of the best hotels in San Marino near Italy boast incredible views. Such is the case with Hotel Bellavista. This budget property lives up to its name; “Bellavista” means “beautiful view.” In fact, it’s the only hotel in the city with a view of the Cava dei Balestrieri, where crossbow demonstrations and other events take place. Not only that, but the hotel also offers scenic vistas of the Adriatic Riviera as well as the Marche-Romagna Apennine mountain range.
The rooms epitomize simplicity but are well-equipped for comfort. Each comes with its own bathroom with complimentary toiletries. And with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, you can keep updated with what’s going on in the world.
The hotel offers a restaurant and a pizzeria. Here, you can feast on homemade pasta, cold cuts, and more. During the summer, enjoy your meal on the outdoor terrace. And if you visit during the holidays, you’ll find Hotel Bellavista to be a great base for the Magic Christmas Tour in San Marino.
Titano Suites
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Distinguished and elegant, the 4-star Titano Suites is among the best hotels in San Marino near Italy. Set in a 17th-century building, it’s a show-stopper in Old Town. It’s a marvelous base for sightseeing as its steps from landmarks like the Piazza Titano and the Palazzo del Governor. And if you’re a shopaholic, you’ll delight in the popular shops right in front of the hotel.
If you’re after a room with a view, you won’t be disappointed. All accommodation here offers amazing vistas of the beautiful Montefeltro Valley. Likewise, the interiors of the rooms and suites are lovely thanks to frescoes by local artists. And of course, you’d expect features standard in a luxury hotel room such as air-conditioning, satellite TV, and a private bathroom.
A wealth of dining options is at your disposal. You can have a latte and a salad at the cafe, a formal dinner at the restaurant, and a cocktail in the bar. On top of that, you can also enjoy a customized meal on the terrace of your suite.
Hotel Rosa
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Staying in a hotel where you’re made to feel like a member of the family is a precious experience. And this is something that you can look forward to at Hotel Rosa. Managed by the same family for three generations, it’s a wonderful place that you can call your home away from home.
With just 18 rooms, the vibe is cozy and intimate. Walk on parquet floors to the minibar for a drink before choosing an Italian or foreign channel on satellite TV. You can start the morning right with the generous breakfast buffet. From biscuits and cereal to cheeses and homemade cakes, it has everything to set you up for the day. And if you’re in the mood for a drink, you can head to the bar. It’s open all day every day until midnight.
Hotel Rosa is one of the best hotels in San Marino that’s ideally located for sightseeing. It sits atop Monte Titano, the highest mountain in San Marino. Above it, the dramatic Guaita fortress, dating from the 11th century, looms tall. Also, several museums are a short walk away.
Grand Hotel Primavera San Marino
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“Primavera” means “spring,” and staying at the Grand Hotel Primavera evokes images of the season so aptly. The rooms, airy and light-filled, boast classic furnishings. Some boast ornate headboards while others have terraces offering panoramic views. A minibar means something refreshing to drink is always close at hand. Meanwhile, a safe protects your valuables when you go out.
There are plenty of ways you can keep yourself occupied at this 4-star hotel. You can swim a few laps in the heated indoor pool and work out in the gym. The spa beckons with its hammam and sauna. Need some quiet time? Then head to the library to escape from the world with a good book. Meanwhile, drinking and dining are pleasurable undertakings at the restaurant and bar. Plus, there’s a garden where you can enjoy a meal when the weather is fabulous.
Grand Hotel Primavera is in Borgo Maggiore, a short drive from San Marino’s historical center. A walk of roughly 30 minutes will bring you to landmarks like the University of the Republic of San Marino and the State Museum.
Grand Hotel San Marino
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There are several reasons why the Grand Hotel San Marino is the accommodation of choice for many people. First, it boasts large rooms and suites, all of which boast tasteful decor and modern comforts. Some feature wall-to-wall carpeting while others have parquet floors. If you book a suite, you’ll get not one but two balconies, from which you can enjoy scenic views of the Montefeltro Valley and the Apennines.
Second, the hotel offers a wealth of fantastic services and amenities. You can work on your tan on the sun terrace or soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi. And if pampering is on your mind, head to the hotel’s wellness center. Here, you can indulge in a hot stone massage, a mud bath, Reiki treatment, and more. And when it comes to dining, you can savor homemade pasta and other delicious local cuisines at L’Arengo Restaurant. Later, head to the American Bar for a cocktail.
Finally, the hotel sits in the historic city center. It’s a stone’s throw away from must-sees like the Three Towers and the 18th-century Teatro Titano. For these reasons and more, it’s definitely one of the best hotels in San Marino close to Italy.
Locanda Cantina Di Bacco
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B&Bs tend to have an ineffable charm and Locanda Cantina Di Bacco is no exception. The rooms might be a bit basic—there’s no A/C for instance, only cooling fans—but they’re bright and cheery with splashes of color. Some have bunk beds to accommodate up to six people. It’s also worth noting that the B&B has only four rooms, so it feels homey and intimate.
The hotel restaurant is as atmospheric as it can get. Sitting on a wooden table amid thick stone walls and arches, you’ll feel like you’re in a cave or a grotto. Here, you can feast on traditional Italian favorites like lasagna and panna cotta. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of fine wine.
You’ll find some interesting places to visit close by. For instance, the Pinacoteca San Francesco Museum showcases sacred art. The building itself is a piece of history. Dating from the 15th century, it used to be a Franciscan convent.
Hotel Sanmarino iDesign
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and at Hotel Sanmarino iDesign, there’s much beauty to behold. This 4-star hotel overflows with colorful, gorgeous art. Each floor is dedicated to a certain continent, a tribute to the art of various civilizations. Among the artists showcased in the hotel are Rossano Ferrari, Adriano Maraldi, and Roberto Valisi.
The rooms are modern and filled with natural light courtesy of large windows. Rooms facing the southeast boast views of the Adriatic coast and the old town’s medieval towers. The bathrooms have mirror walls, further adding to the feeling of spaciousness. And if you book a suite, you’ll enjoy the luxury of a spa bath.
In the morning, you can enjoy a continental breakfast in the welcoming dining room. There’s a terrace offering scenic vistas of the old town, which is roughly a 30-minute walk away. Meanwhile, the bar is a great place to unwind with a drink.
Modà Antica Dimora
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If you’re looking for the best hotels in San Marino, Italy, for a romantic getaway, there are quite a few to choose from. One that should definitely be on your list is the superb Modà Antica Dimora. Located inside the 17th-century Palazzo Mengozzi, it would be so easy to pretend to be a royal couple in your own castle during your vacation.
The rooms are beautifully furnished with wood furniture and in some cases, canopy beds. Chandeliers, frescoes, and spa baths all contribute to a romantic atmosphere. In the morning, start the day with an Italian breakfast in bed. If you’d like to see other noble structures, join the E-Bike Rental and Excursion With Guide in the San Marino Castles. Or, you could get your daily dose of Vitamin D on the sun deck or in the beautiful garden. And before ending the day, have a nightcap in the hotel bar.
The hotel is in Montegiardino and offers glimpses of the Adriatic Sea and Mount Titano in the distance. It’s a mere 10-minute drive from the city of San Marino.
Hotel La Grotta
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If you’re looking for fantastic mid-range hotels in San Marino, Hotel La Grotta would like a word. Ensconced among medieval buildings in the heart of the old town, it scores high for location, service, and amenities.
The rooms are unfussy and are perfectly equipped for a comfortable stay. Each comes with an en suite bathroom with free toiletries. With air-conditioning and soundproofing, you’ll experience a good night’s sleep. And for some in-room entertainment, you can watch a show on TV or break out one of the board games and puzzles supplied. Also, some rooms have private balconies where you can relax while gazing at the mountains in the distance.
You can enjoy your morning cup of coffee in the bright, homelike lobby lounge. But for a truly memorable meal, have your breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the cellar cave. And when you feel like sightseeing, you only need to walk a few steps to reach some of San Marino’s most popular museums.
Hotel Cesare
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“Magical” is an apt word to describe a stay at the 4-star Hotel Cesare. Housed in a stone building atop a peak, it’s an imposing yet alluring sight. The beauty extends indoors. Its 18 rooms each feature individual colors to reflect a distinct personality. The Dreaming rooms are particularly stunning. They have huge glass windows providing endless mountain views. But regardless of the room, you book, you’ll enjoy modern features like climate control, Wi-Fi, and minibars.
In the morning, energize yourself with the sumptuous buffet in the breakfast room. And if the weather’s nice, you can have breakfast on the adjacent terrace. Meanwhile, the hotel restaurant serves fabulous Romagna cuisine made with local ingredients.
Its central location also makes the Cesare one of the best hotels in San Marino near Italy. From here, you can walk to the State Museum, the three towers of Guaita, Cesta, and Montale, and the Museum of Curiosities.
Recommended Bars / Restaurants in San Marino:
- Ristorante Righi – This Michelin-starred restaurant offers elegant, delicious cuisine served in a warm, welcoming space. Overlooking the scenic Piazza Della Libertà, the Righi is close to many hotels in San Marino.
- La Cantinetta Dello Stradone – Whether you like red, white, or bubbly, you can enjoy a glass in this cozy wine bar. Pair your drink with cheese or cold cuts as a quick lunch or an aperitif.
Recommended Activities in San Marino:
- Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site – Explore the historic core of San Marino and see its ancient buildings. You’ll also get to drop some euros in this shopping paradise!
- Museo Delle Cere – Wax figures in period clothing recreate historical scenes, including some of San Marino’s institutions and traditions. And if you aren’t squeamish, don’t miss the section dedicated to instruments of torture.
