Top 10 Hotels in Tuscany

Description:

This hotel, excellently located just south of its namesake, is housed in a 12th-century palazzo that once served as barracks to medieval troops, though the only reminders of this are the Renaissance central staircase and the ancient brickwork in the basement breakfast room. Most of the carpeted guest rooms are of a modest size but not cramped, and the modern furnishings are as tasteful as functional gets, some with worn veneer units, others with newer wicker-and-wood pieces. The bathrooms are tiny, but the mattresses lie on wood-slat orthopedic frames. If you want to secure one of the nine "panoramic" rooms with a view of the Duomo, be sure to ask when booking. The friendly staff is polished and professional.

Description:

The Santi-Ravizza family has run this hotel in a 17th-century Renaissance palazzo since the 1920s. It's a bit overpriced in the high season, when you have to take dinner here, but an excellent deal in winter. (Make sure to call ahead, as some years they close for a month to renovate.) The rooms tend to be large, with high ceilings -- some gorgeously frescoed, a few with painted details around the wood beams. "Superior" rooms are a bit bigger with a small sitting area. Those on the front catch some traffic noise, but on the back you'll hear only birdsong and the splashing fountain in the grave garden with sublime countryside vistas. The Ravizza is outside the center of Siena, but still inside the city walls, offering a good Sienese neighborhood experience away from the tourist bustle.

Description:

Located on the top of a hill three kilometers from the center of Siena, Villa Scacciapensieri offers an unmatched view of the city.This 18th-century villa was converted into a hotel in 1934. It has large grounds, an Italian style garden and a swimming pool and tennis court. Rather small, it is furnished with taste and offers all facilities. There is a restaurant and solarium.

Description:

Stepping into The Grand Hotel Continental is like stepping into an era gone by but maintained by the hotel with grace for a few lucky to enjoy. Being here is a privilege that a few can afford but an experience that can hold ground for a lifetime. With fairytale like frescoed vaulted ceilings, terracotta floors, paintings and gorgeous furniture; the hotel is palatial. Every room and suite has a distinct style and decor. The rooms are lavishly furnished and touched up with marble and gold themed motifs. Don't let the old themed look fool you, the hotel has every modern amenity available. An indulgent retreat, it caters to your every whim and fancy whether you are on a business or leisure trip.

Description:

You'll find some of the friendliest hoteliers in Siena here, and they've been slowly reinvesting in the place. The rooms have tile floors (antique terra-cotta flooring in some), soft beds, and furniture made of old wood; and many have a view down one of the most verdant, unspoiled valleys around Siena. (Most of the other vales in the area have been filled with housing developments.) In summer you can breakfast in the pretty little garden; a glassed-in breakfast veranda is used for winter dining.

Our Local Expert Says:

This building does in fact belong to the Ferragamo family.

Description:

This 1893 hotel underwent a complete transformation in 2000 by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, who designed the warm, stylishly minimalist modern interiors. Rooms are standardized, with walk-in closets, dark brown marble bathrooms, and mosaics over the tubs. The different room "styles" -- classic, executive, and deluxe -- really just refer to size. Four suites (two rooms, two TVs, leather easy chairs, white marble bathrooms) are on the back, four on the piazza. Two of them include a Turkish bath. Rooms on the fifth floor, added in 1958, just peep over the surrounding buildings for spectacular views, especially those on the Duomo (back) side. You're just a few steps in any direction from all the sights and the best shopping. The building actually belongs to Ferragamo, as do many of the other buildings in this square.

Facilities: Restaurant; bar; small gym w/view; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; courtesy car; secretarial services; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; Wi-Fi in public spaces.

Our Local Expert Says:

A gorgeous site with artwork lining the walls and ceilings of the hotel.

Description:

Borghese Palace Art Hotel is an art-themed contemporary hotel centrally located inside the 15th-century Palazzo Borghese, 500 metres from the Duomo. Individually designed guestrooms feature contemporary decor and original artworks; all include minibars and satellite TV. Guests can work out amid the new timber and exposed brickwork of the fitness centre, and then relax with a Turkish bath. The Borghese Palace Art Hotel gives a taste of neo-classical palazzo on one of Florence's oldest streets, one street away from the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. An artistic feel that brings your senses alive to experience the sophisticated landscape of the palace.

Our Local Expert Says:

Close to Bargello and located right behind Piazza della Signoria, a great pick being in the city center.

Description:

This palazzo stands in one of Florence's historical piazzas. In the square the monumental complex to San Firenze, the site of the tribunal, stands out. From it one notices the foreshortened figure of the famous Florentine monument, the Bargello and the back of the medieval Palazzo della Signoria which is the city council building. The 74 guestrooms are decorated with rich fabrics and antique furniture; all include Internet access.

Our Local Expert Says:

Check out the great views of the Oltrarno from your hotel terrace.

Description:

Hotel degli Orafi is an ancient Florentine residence in the heart of the city, overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, one kilometer from the Duomo. Featuring dark wood and classic floral fabrics, most of the 42 air conditioned guestrooms have views of the river or Duomo. Guests can enjoy a cocktail while taking in views of the city from the roof garden bar or relax with a book in the library. A historic hotel that was the backdrop of the film A Room with a View. The actual suite that the cast and crew filmed in is available to stay in. Although you must reserve a year in advance, it is a very popular suite.

Our Local Expert Says:

An elegant stay where you get even more for what your pay.

Description:

This luxury hotel is located in a Renaissance palace that was formerly a papal residence. The décor stays true to the hotel's historical origins, with velvets and silks in period styles, plus a private garden and 15th-century frescoes. The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is the place to go to get a taste of what it might have been like to be a wealthy Florentine during this city's heyday. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients, and the major sights of the city are just a short walk away. A bed and breakfast option is available. Check website for special offers.