NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina

I didn’t quite expect to fall in love with Turin the way I did. Having already visited most of Italy’s major cities, I planned a short two-night stop here and was unexpectedly blown away. In my opinion, it’s one of Italy’s most underrated cities and well worth adding to your itinerary.

I stayed at NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina, a handsome building with seventeenth-century bones that now houses a polished contemporary hotel. It sits right in the middle of Piazza Carlo Emanuele II, the heart of Turin's historic centre with most of the city's major sights (and train station) an easy walk away.

Why stay at NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina?

The check-in desk gleams in deep green marble, a chain-linked glass chandelier dazzles overhead, and the whole space feels quietly chic. Step further inside and the mood softens into a tranquil courtyard where breakfast spills out onto a leafy terrace. It feels properly European, with understated design flair layered over hundreds of years of history.

The location is also undeniably great. I didn’t take a single bus during my stay (even though there's a bus stop right outside the hotel), opting instead to wander through the surrounding streets. The River Po and leafy Valentino Park are five minutes away on foot, while the National Museum of Cinema and the Royal Palace are also within strolling distance.

The building itself has an interesting past. It dates back to the mid-seventeenth century when it operated as a Regio Albergo di Virtù – an institution designed to train young people in practical trades. In the early twentieth century, it also housed Antonio Gramsci, the Italian philosopher and political thinker who would later co-found the Italian Communist Party.

What are the rooms like at NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina?

I stayed in a 25sqm Premium Room with View, with gorgeous hardwood floors and tall windows that stretch almost from floor to ceiling. At night, the lights of the piazza flicker outside, giving the view a quietly cinematic feel.

The king-size bed sits in the middle of the space, with a desk tucked behind the headboard. It’s a slightly unconventional layout and there are no charging points by the bed, which means phones have to live on the desk overnight. The pillows also lean a little soft for my liking, though the mattress itself is excellent.

There’s a comfortable reading nook with a pendant light, plus a proper coffee station with an Electrolux Lavazza machine – always appreciated in a country where caffeine is practically a religion.

The bathroom setup is slightly unconventional too. The sink area and shower open directly into the bedroom with no door separating them, which might make things awkward if you’re sharing with someone you’re not particularly close with. The toilet, thankfully, is enclosed in its own room alongside a separate bidet.

What are the best places to eat and drink at NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina?

Breakfast is the highlight here, served buffet-style on the courtyard terrace when the weather allows. It’s a classic continental spread – pastries, fruit, cheeses and cured meats – with the added luxury of sipping your morning espresso in a quiet historic courtyard.

The hotel also houses Restaurant Carlina, which serves seasonal Italian dishes made with local produce alongside a solid wine list. Even if you’re not staying for dinner, the bar is worth a stop for an aperitivo before heading out into the city.

What is the service like at NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina?

Service is friendly and efficient. Staff at reception are quick to help with directions around town. It’s not overly formal or fussy, which suits the relaxed feel of the place.

What facilities does NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina have?

The facilities here are solid but I'll admit that I spent most of my time exploring the city instead hitting the gym. But if you must hit leg day, there's a compact but well-equipped gym with views out towards the hills beyond Turin.

Two rooftop terraces sit on the upper floor, offering views across the city’s rooftops. On warm evenings, they’re a lovely spot to watch the sun dip behind the Alps.

The hotel also offers indoor parking (€35 per day), pet-friendly rooms for cats and dogs under 25kg, and three flexible meeting spaces for events or conferences.

What’s the area like around NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina?

Piazza Carlina itself feels lively with its colourful lamps and surrounding cafés, wine bars and elegant historic buildings. From here it’s easy to wander through the city’s famous arcaded streets, browse antique shops in the old town, or walk down to the Po River.

Public transport connections are convenient, with buses running to the main train station, or you could do what I did and drag your luggage down the cobblestone streets for about 15 minutes. 

Why you should book a stay at NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina

The location is excellent, the rooms are spacious, and the building itself has a sense of heritage. It’s not a flashy luxury hotel, but it delivers a comfortable, stylish base right in the heart of the city – perfect for travellers who want to soak up Turin’s culture without sacrificing modern comforts.

Book a room facing the piazza if you want those atmospheric nighttime views, or opt for a courtyard-facing room if you prefer total quiet.

Address: Piazza Carlo Emanuele II 15, 10123 Turin, Italy
Price: Rooms from around €200 (£170) per night
Closest transport: Porta Nuova railway station (around 15 minutes’ walk)
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