DK Travel : Tuscany

Limiting the choice of prime sights is not an easy task in a land as rich and varied as Tuscany. Its storybook landscape is home to medieval hill towns, fabled wines and, as crucible of the Renaissance, an unrivalled collection of artistic masterpieces. Here are the best of the best.

Hotel Alba

Centrally situated 3 star Hotel, 300 yards from the bus station where the airport bus stops and picks up , and 300 yards from the Piazza Santa Maria Novella . Walking distance from all the sites of interest , but also of a range of good bars [ " Fiddlers Elbow " and " Joshua Tree "] and eateries such as Osteria Belle Donne . Alba is a clean , well maintained hotel , with a friendly , helpful and welcoming staff . It provides a substantial breakfast and the reception is open 24 hours . I have stayed at the Alba for 4 of my 8 visits to Florence and highly recommend it .
Hotel Cavour

This hotel has a roof top terrace where you can sit and have a glass of wine whilst admiring the wonderful view of Florence and the Duomo.
Hotel Davanzati

A lovely hotel just a few steps from the hustle and bustle of Florence. An inconspicuous archway leads up to this hotel - an oasis of calm after a long day taking in everything Florence has to offer.

The staff are always on hand to book tickets, taxis, days out and recommend and book restaurants - in fact, we ate the most delicious food thanks to the recommendations.

At 6pm every night, there's a 'happy hour'. Not a bar filled with beer-swilling tourists though! Prosecco or chianti is on offer with a few nibbles - the perfect start to your evening.
Hotel Garden

A pretty Hotel in large grounds situated only 10 minutes walk from the walled centre of the town. Despite its proximity it is very quiet and has a high level of service for a very reasonable price.
Hotel San Michele, Cortona

A 15th-century palazzo of High Renaissance architectural panache (creamy plaster against soft grey stone). Beamed ceilings, antiques, rural vistas from many rooms, and yet sited right in the centre of town.
Hotel Santa Croce in Fossabanda

This hotel and conference centre in Pisa is a former monastery. Full of history, the original monks’ cells are now comfortable bedrooms with ensuite facilities. The shuttered windows overlook a beautiful colonnaded 13th century courtyard. A place to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Hotel Villa Ce.S.I.

This hotel is in close-to-Florence Impruneta, a small village that has regular bus service to and from Florence. I believe the hotel was originally a villa, and still has beautiful and serene grounds, but numerous modern rooms have been added, as well as meeting facilities. The restaurant is also very good, and the staff at both hotel and restaurant are very accommodating and helpful.
Hotel Villa Ce.S.I.

Quiet with an old-world feeling, this hotel nonetheless has all the modern facilities to make you comfortable, a very pleasant restaurant, and friendly and helpful staff.
I Fratellini

This is a traditional fiaschetteria – a hole-in-the-wall wine bar also serving delicious sandwiches for on-the-go street-side eating.
I Mori, Lastra a Signa

This wine- and olive oil-producing villa, renting five doubles and two apartments sleeping 4–6, offers a chance to canter amid the hills or relax by the pool. Minimum three-night stay, low season; one week, summer.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €50
- €50-€100
- €100-€150
- €150-€200
- over €200
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25-€35
- €35-€55
- €55-€70
- over €70