This small renovated farmhouse property within the rolling green hills of Tuscany oozes relaxation and romance. With only five classically rustic rooms and an adults-only policy, the upscale Aia Mattonata Relais' intimate vibe is ideal for couples seeking a secluded starting point to explore Siena and other nearby areas of Tuscany. The ultra-boutique B&B may be quaint, but with a wellness center with Turkish bath and body treatments, a saltwater infinity pool, and small exercise room, it is not lacking on features. Since it's a few miles outside of town, guests will either need to have their own car or rely on public transportation. The attentive owners aim to do what they can to accommodate guests.
This small renovated farmhouse property within the rolling green hills of Tuscany oozes relaxation and romance. With only five classically rustic rooms and an adults-only policy, the upscale Aia Mattonata Relais' intimate vibe is ideal for couples seeking a secluded starting point to explore Siena and other nearby areas of Tuscany. The ultra-boutique B&B may be quaint, but with a wellness center with Turkish bath and body treatments, a saltwater infinity pool, and small exercise room, it is not lacking on features. Since it's a few miles outside of town, guests will either need to have their own car or rely on public transportation. The attentive owners aim to do what they can to accommodate guests.
This updated 15th-century villa, located on top of a hill just two miles north of Florence, offers five-pearl luxury in a stunning setting. There are beautiful views of Florence and the Tuscan countryside from many rooms, and 19th-century frescoes and antique furnishings. The food from chef Carmine Calò gets high marks. This Renaissance-era property is a splurge.
This updated 15th-century villa, located on top of a hill just two miles north of Florence, offers five-pearl luxury in a stunning setting. There are beautiful views of Florence and the Tuscan countryside from many rooms, and 19th-century frescoes and antique furnishings. The food from chef Carmine Calò gets high marks. This Renaissance-era property is a splurge.
In the 500-year-old Palazzo della Gherardesca, the 116-room Four Seasons is one of Florence’s most luxurious hotels, combining Renaissance-era opulence with signature Four Seasons service. Guests get exclusive access to the 11-acre Giardino della Gherardesca, one of the city’s largest private gardens, along with three restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Rooms and suites range from large and comfortable to huge and palatial. A former convent across the park has 36 guest rooms that provide a more private stay. It’s definitely a splurge, and the best that Florence has to offer for those who aren't worried about price.
In the 500-year-old Palazzo della Gherardesca, the 116-room Four Seasons is one of Florence’s most luxurious hotels, combining Renaissance-era opulence with signature Four Seasons service. Guests get exclusive access to the 11-acre Giardino della Gherardesca, one of the city’s largest private gardens, along with three restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Rooms and suites range from large and comfortable to huge and palatial. A former convent across the park has 36 guest rooms that provide a more private stay. It’s definitely a splurge, and the best that Florence has to offer for those who aren't worried about price.
Staying in a castle is an undoubtedly romantic experience, and the Castello Delle Quattro Torra is an affordable and familial alternative to many of the more opulent castle hotels found in the Italian countryside. A short drive from Siena, this family-run bed and breakfast has only three rooms, including an apartment and a two-story tower room, all of which can be rented by the night or -- for a discount -- by the week. There's little to do in the surrounding area, and guests really need a car, although those who love walking can hike to Siena in about 45 minutes.
Staying in a castle is an undoubtedly romantic experience, and the Castello Delle Quattro Torra is an affordable and familial alternative to many of the more opulent castle hotels found in the Italian countryside. A short drive from Siena, this family-run bed and breakfast has only three rooms, including an apartment and a two-story tower room, all of which can be rented by the night or -- for a discount -- by the week. There's little to do in the surrounding area, and guests really need a car, although those who love walking can hike to Siena in about 45 minutes.
Firenze Suite is a very charming, small hotel located a 10-minute walk from the Duomo that is well-suited to couples. All seven rooms are spacious suites with vaulted and frescoed ceilings, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Most suites have kitchenettes, and some have access to a garden. This mid-range property is an intimate alternative to a traditional city-center hotel, and gives the feeling of staying in your own apartment, though there are very few on-site features. A free hot-and-cold breakfast is delivered to the suites each morning, and there's a lovely library with leather seating. As an alternative, the Garibaldi Blu Hotel Florence is even closer to the Duomo and has distinctive interiors plus on-site features like meeting rooms and a small bar.
Firenze Suite is a very charming, small hotel located a 10-minute walk from the Duomo that is well-suited to couples. All seven rooms are spacious suites with vaulted and frescoed ceilings, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Most suites have kitchenettes, and some have access to a garden. This mid-range property is an intimate alternative to a traditional city-center hotel, and gives the feeling of staying in your own apartment, though there are very few on-site features. A free hot-and-cold breakfast is delivered to the suites each morning, and there's a lovely library with leather seating. As an alternative, the Garibaldi Blu Hotel Florence is even closer to the Duomo and has distinctive interiors plus on-site features like meeting rooms and a small bar.
The 24-room Residence La Contessina is a value property ideally located in the heart of Florence, a five-minute walk from the train station and 10 minutes from the Galleria dell'Accademia. It's mostly made up of spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes, which families find especially appealing. Regular hotel rooms offer mini-fridges and electric kettles, which are convenient additions for convenience. Decor is classic Florentine, which may look charming to some and dated to others. Breakfast is free and includes more than the standard continental options, while an interior courtyard offers a relaxing place to hang out in nice weather. Travelers looking to save a few dollars could check out the Hotel Azzi - Locanda degli Artisti, a similar property nearby -- but rooms don't have kitchenettes.
The 24-room Residence La Contessina is a value property ideally located in the heart of Florence, a five-minute walk from the train station and 10 minutes from the Galleria dell'Accademia. It's mostly made up of spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes, which families find especially appealing. Regular hotel rooms offer mini-fridges and electric kettles, which are convenient additions for convenience. Decor is classic Florentine, which may look charming to some and dated to others. Breakfast is free and includes more than the standard continental options, while an interior courtyard offers a relaxing place to hang out in nice weather. Travelers looking to save a few dollars could check out the Hotel Azzi - Locanda degli Artisti, a similar property nearby -- but rooms don't have kitchenettes.
Part of the practical NH chain, the upper-middle-range NH Pisa has a sleek modern lobby, but little in the way of features. The location, however, is excellent -- it's right across from Pisa's main train station and walking distance to shops, restaurants, and bars in Pisa, and a 25-minute walk from the Leaning Tower. Its 100 rooms are compact but comfortable (if a bit bland) with minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Renovated Superior Rooms get an upgrade all around with more stylish decor and extras like coffee/tea service and rainfall showers. There's no full-service restaurant or bar and no wellness facilities, but a small self-service snack station, a daily breakfast buffet (for an extra fee), and meeting rooms provide a few helpful extras. Travelers on the market for more regional flair might consider the Bologna Hotel Pisa, though it's farther from the train.
Part of the practical NH chain, the upper-middle-range NH Pisa has a sleek modern lobby, but little in the way of features. The location, however, is excellent -- it's right across from Pisa's main train station and walking distance to shops, restaurants, and bars in Pisa, and a 25-minute walk from the Leaning Tower. Its 100 rooms are compact but comfortable (if a bit bland) with minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Renovated Superior Rooms get an upgrade all around with more stylish decor and extras like coffee/tea service and rainfall showers. There's no full-service restaurant or bar and no wellness facilities, but a small self-service snack station, a daily breakfast buffet (for an extra fee), and meeting rooms provide a few helpful extras. Travelers on the market for more regional flair might consider the Bologna Hotel Pisa, though it's farther from the train.
The Hotel Brunelleschi is a historic boutique property that's on the higher end of the price scale -- for good reason. The 95 rooms are of average size by Florence standards, and have lovely, classic decor -- wood floors, crisp white linens, wall panel molding, and in suites, four-poster canopy beds (though some rooms have contemporary touches, such as dramatic headboards). The hotel juxtaposes modern design elements such as glass staircases with historic elements such as old stone walls, and houses a private museum displaying ancient Roman artifacts found near the hotel. It's a convenient location for first-time visitors to Florence, just a short walk away from high-end shopping and popular museums, and the train station.
The Hotel Brunelleschi is a historic boutique property that's on the higher end of the price scale -- for good reason. The 95 rooms are of average size by Florence standards, and have lovely, classic decor -- wood floors, crisp white linens, wall panel molding, and in suites, four-poster canopy beds (though some rooms have contemporary touches, such as dramatic headboards). The hotel juxtaposes modern design elements such as glass staircases with historic elements such as old stone walls, and houses a private museum displaying ancient Roman artifacts found near the hotel. It's a convenient location for first-time visitors to Florence, just a short walk away from high-end shopping and popular museums, and the train station.
The 10-room Academy Hostel is a budget property close to the Duomo that's ideal for young travelers looking for a clean, affordable spot for exploring the city. Other major attractions nearby include the Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery, while Florence's central train station is less than 10 minutes away on foot. Rooms are basic and simple, but clean, and have from two to six single beds. Some have private en-suite bathrooms; others are shared. A communal area has a big-screen TV and computers for guests to use. Breakfast is free, as are evening wine and snacks. Travelers looking for a livelier scene in a budget property could check out the Plus Florence.
The 10-room Academy Hostel is a budget property close to the Duomo that's ideal for young travelers looking for a clean, affordable spot for exploring the city. Other major attractions nearby include the Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery, while Florence's central train station is less than 10 minutes away on foot. Rooms are basic and simple, but clean, and have from two to six single beds. Some have private en-suite bathrooms; others are shared. A communal area has a big-screen TV and computers for guests to use. Breakfast is free, as are evening wine and snacks. Travelers looking for a livelier scene in a budget property could check out the Plus Florence.
The 14-room Hotel Colomba is a friendly budget hotel occupying the second floor of an ancient palace in the heart of Florence. Rooms are simple with sparse decor, but pleasant, immaculately clean, and all feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and minibars. A tasty continental breakfast is served daily free of charge in a quaint room with a handful of tables and a small bar area, and Wi-Fi is free and reliable. No other amenities or common spaces are available on-site. Its location a five-minute walk from the Duomo and other major attractions is hard to beat, though. Couples seeking something with more local charm in this price range may want to consider Hotel Atlantic Palace, located just a few blocks away.
The 14-room Hotel Colomba is a friendly budget hotel occupying the second floor of an ancient palace in the heart of Florence. Rooms are simple with sparse decor, but pleasant, immaculately clean, and all feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and minibars. A tasty continental breakfast is served daily free of charge in a quaint room with a handful of tables and a small bar area, and Wi-Fi is free and reliable. No other amenities or common spaces are available on-site. Its location a five-minute walk from the Duomo and other major attractions is hard to beat, though. Couples seeking something with more local charm in this price range may want to consider Hotel Atlantic Palace, located just a few blocks away.