TravelDiari matches your credit cards to every hotel booking — saving you points you'd otherwise miss.

Destination + card

The best credit card for hotels in Italy.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for hotels in Italy.

Italy is a Marriott Luxury Collection and Bvlgari (now Marriott-affiliated) market. Hilton has Rome Eden, Hyatt has the Park Hyatt Milan, but Marriott has the deepest luxury footprint.

Annual fee

$650

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, 85,000-point free night certificate annually

Signup bonus

Up to 185,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months

The 85K free night certificate covers a full night at Hotel Eden Rome, Hotel Romazzino Costa Smeralda, or the Excelsior Florence. All three are $1,000-plus cash on a summer night. Platinum status gets you upgraded room category at most Luxury Collection properties, plus daily breakfast for two which is $60 to $80 a day in Italy. Single redemption usually justifies the $650 fee.

See this cardarrow_forward

If the top pick is not right

Alternative: American Express Platinum.

Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the Splendido in Portofino, and Le Sirenuse in Positano are all on Fine Hotels and Resorts. Upgrade on arrival plus $100 property credit on a $2,000-per-night room is a tangible discount you cannot get elsewhere.

American ExpressAnnual fee $695

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy BrilliantAmerican Express Platinum
Annual fee$650$695
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, 85,000-point free night certificate annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusUp to 185,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 monthsVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Italian hotels charge a city tax that ranges from 2 to 7 euros per person per night. This is always cash-only at checkout and not covered by points, status, or credits. Budget for it separately.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in Italy?

expand_more

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant from American Express. The 85K free night certificate covers a full night at Hotel Eden Rome, Hotel Romazzino Costa Smeralda, or the Excelsior Florence. Annual fee is $650.

How many points do you need for a free night in Italy?

expand_more

Roughly 85,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Italy. Cash rate is around $520 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the American Express Platinum a better choice for hotels in Italy?

expand_more

Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the Splendido in Portofino, and Le Sirenuse in Positano are all on Fine Hotels and Resorts. Upgrade on arrival plus $100 property credit on a $2,000-per-night room is a tangible discount you cannot get elsewhere. Annual fee is $695.