Sina Villa Medici, Autograph Collection

Part of the Sina Hotels group, this grand four-story villa dates back to the 18th century and has hosted many VIP guests, one of the most famous being Luciano Pavarotti, whose photo hangs in the hotel's library. A top-hatted doorman ushers guest past cast-iron lion-head door knockers into a spacious and elegant lobby with marble floors, large floral arrangements and an ornate reception desk. Numerous seating areas -- tastefully decorated in tones of beiges and browns -- lead through to the dining rooms and a wood-paneled bar area with more cozy seating. A private walled garden provides a quiet and relaxing spot to relax, with plants, a lawn, and a small curved swimming pool overlooked by the balconies on one side of the hotel. A rooftop terrace also affords superb views over the Florence skyline and beyond. Clientele tend towards well-heeled vacationing couples. 

The Grand Hotel Villa Medici's walled garden is rare for the city center -- but the hotel is on the edge of the action rather than in the heart of it. Those who want more sprawling grounds and even better views could go a bit farther outside the center to the Torre Di Bellosguardo. Those who want a shorter walk to the sights will find plenty of upscale options to choose from, but most will lack the pool and wellness facilities found here. 

Set just on the outskirts of central Florence on a wide street with local shops, the hotel is situated less than a 10-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella central railway station. It is a five-minute walk from the oldest surviving gate to the city -- Porta al Prato -- and most of Florence’s main tourist attractions can be reached on foot. The beautiful old bridge of Ponte Vecchio, the Piazza del Duomo, and the famous domed Duomo cathedral are all within a 15-minute walk. Pisa International Airport at Pisa is about an hour's drive, while the train to Pisa Central Station next to the airport takes a little longer. 

The hotel has 100 rooms in all, including eight Junior Suites and 11 Suites. Decor is either contemporary, with fresh, light tones with wood floors and stylish furnishings, or classical, with striped wallpaper and carpet floors (these might be too old-fashioned for some tastes). Standard amenities include minibars and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Bright bathrooms are all finished in Carrara marble and have shower/tub combos, hotel-brand toiletries, and robes and slippers. Deluxe Rooms have terraces with garden views, while the six Penthouse Rooms have whirlpool tubs and balconies with lounge chairs and views over Florence.

The hotel serves an extensive continental buffet breakfast in the bright Conservatory restaurant overlooking the garden, though it's not included in all room rates. A second restaurant -- Lorenzo de Medici -- serves traditional Italian food in refined, formal surroundings, while the Jockey Bar serves cocktails and martinis. Facilities include an outdoor pool as well as a gym, a steam room, a sauna, and a hot tub with city views. A free courtesy car is also available daily to transport guests to Florence's landmarks.  Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but for a fee.