Best Hotels in Tuscan Towns

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There’s no end of fantastic places to stay in Tuscany, the main challenge is choosing exactly where you want to be based. The Tuscan hills certainly have their charms and our Gurus have put together a useful list of the best hotels in rural Tuscany, but there’s also a strong argument to be based in a town — where there are cafes, gelaterias, restaurants and transport links if you’re travelling without a car. So our Gurus have helpfully put together a second list, this time of the best hotels in Tuscan Towns. To help with your decision, our recommendations only includes properties which are open all year, some of their country cousins close during the winter.

In Smaller Tuscan Towns

San Gimignano is small, but in size alone, it’s got quite a reputation and is a memorable stop for many visitors to Tuscany. After hours, however, it’s very quiet, and it starts to feel much more like Tuscany’s other small, beautiful, hilltop towns. Here we recommend L'Antico Pozzo, a carefully restored 15th Century townhouse with original terracotta floors and beamed ceilings, and delicate frescos throughout. There are 18 rooms, the best of which are at the top - the views are incredible.
The Palazzo del Capitano also dates from the 15th century, but this mansion with a manicured garden, complete with fountains, is just within the town walls of San Quirico d’Orcia. The rooms have whimsical spiral staircases and four-poster beds, so this is a romantic spot - there’s quite a bit of pink around too. And a cosy lounge with a vaulted ceiling and an open fire, plus an excellent restaurant and spa.

Historic Charmers

The Albergo Pietrasanta is a stylish conversion of a 17th Century Palazzo in the famed marble town of Pietrasanta. Inside guests discover delicate frescos and intricate plasterwork, interesting antiques — and surprisingly, a very fine collection of contemporary art. And it’s just ten minutes from the beach.
The Grand Hotel Continental in Siena offers a concoction of grandeur, elegant end luxury in a great location close to the Duomo. Some the 51 rooms have stunning floor to ceiling frescoes, as well as having some very nice antiques and art, and the restaurant is excellent. there’s also plenty on offer, from truffle hunting with hounds to hot air ballon rides, to cheese, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings in house.
Or, still in Siena, there are the six rooms of the Campo Regio Relais. They’re romantic and stylish, but it’s the incredible views over Siena which will really make your stay. The hotel itself is tucked away down a delightful, narrow alleyway, and the service is very personal.

For Luxury Lovers

The Grand Hotel Imperiale, in the rather glitzy resort of Forte dei Marmi on the Tuscan coast, has 46 airy, sophisticated rooms and suites, some with balconies overlooking the ocean. When it comes to luxurious details they’re offering a private beach, a wellness centre and a choice of three restaurants.
Just outside Forte dei Marmi is the Hotel Byron, also right on the coast, this is a smaller hotel, with 29 rooms, but the restaurant has a Michelin star, the grounds are idyllic, and we think it’s one of the best beach hotels in Tuscany. It’s fun and unfussy, but with all the luxury that really counts.
If you like the sound of seaside luxury you might also be interested in the Grande Hotel Principe di Piemonte, a splendid, 1920s-built charmer right on the seafront in Viareggio. There are 106 rooms and suites split over five floors, with a different decorating scheme on each: Art Deco, Colonial, Empire, Modern or International? There’s also a great spa and a lovely rooftop pool. And you’re just opposite the Excelsior Beach Club, a well groomed sandy beach with all the facilities you might need.
If you were thinking of the hills rather than the sea consider the Fonteverde Tuscan Resort and Spa, a magnificent, 17th century Medici palace turned five star hotel, and thermal spa, in the hills above Siena. The natural hot springs and Renaissance architecture, complete with marble bathrooms and airy suites, make this a memorable stay. Definitely one of the best small luxury hotels in Tuscany. And the food is excellent.

For Romance

Alla Corte degli Angeli is a charming, upmarket B&B within Lucca’s old town walls — close to the Piazza del Anfiteatro and within a short stroll of several very nice restaurants. There are six rooms, beautiful decorated with wonderful murals, some are suitable for families as well as couples, and all have either whirlpool bathtubs or jetted showers.
The Villa di Piazzano was built by the Medici family as a hunting lodge, just outside of Cortona, and is now a magical, family-run hotel with 21 romantic rooms, a beautiful pool and Italianate gardens and a restaurant serving excellent Tuscan food and wine. They have an excellent cellar and run cooking classes too…
Once a monastery, Il Chiostro di Pienza is now an elegant, 37 room hotel in the heart of pretty Pienza. The decor is traditional, but in natural colours, against arched ceilings and tiled floors, and there’s an excellent restaurant, beautiful gardens and a pool overlooking the valley below.
Just outside the centre of Siena is the Palazzo Ravizza, a prettily furnished pensione with bags of old-world elegance and stunning views. Built in the 14th century as a Renaissance palace, this quiet, family-run property has retained much of its original character and is tastefully and traditionally decorated.
If you’re looking for a small, historic, affordable, yet romantic hotel, it’s hard to go past La locanda del Loggiato, in the charming medieval town of Bagno Vignoni, which is right in amongst the vines of the Brunello wine region. There are just six unique rooms with wood beams and terracotta flooring.

For great value

The Palazzo Alexander is an elegant B&B in central Lucca with rooms are beautifully decorated in the noble Lucchese style with original wooden floors, and antiques throughout.

For Families

The Albergo san Martino is a well positioned, and comfortable hotel in Lucca. The suites are generous and well designed for families, there’s a breakfast courtyard and the hosts are very friendly. And room rates are very reasonable.

For Food and Wine Lovers

La Bandita Townhouse in Pienza is a sophisticated 10 room townhouse with a modern Italian restaurant that has a great reputation. The decor is minimalist: think exposed brickwork, whitewashed walls, angular four-poster beds and stand alone baths.
We also like the Villa Tolomei, which is an elegant, 14th century villa converted into a 31 room retreat, surrounded by gardens, olive groves, vineyards and an outdoor pool, yet just five minutes from the centre of Florence. The views over the city are stunning, and the restaurant is wonderful.
If you’re here to learn how to cook like the Tuscans consider staying at the Tenuta San Pietro, a small gourmet hotel with just ten rooms. Its location is superb, just outside Lucca, and it's surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. The interiors of this 16th century farmhouse are lovingly restored, yet still charmingly rustic. They also run art classes.
Montepulciano is a big name in Italian wine, and this gorgeously cobbled, Medieval hilltop town bats above its weight in the calibre of its restaurants too. The Locanda di San Francesco is a great gourmet restaurant in the centre of town, with just four rustic chic rooms — all with fabulous views over the surrounding countryside. Their wine tasting events are excellent too…

Still not sure?

expand your search to include the best hotels in rural Tuscany,
drill down to the Tuscan region you’re most interested in by using the search box,
consult our Guru’s Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Tuscany,
or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

20 of the Best Hotels in Tuscan Towns

Grand Hotel Continental, Tuscany

Siena (Tuscany)

A concoction of grandeur, elegance and luxury. Sumptuous rooms include stunning floor to ceiling frescoes, terracotta floors, period furniture and artworks. The restaurant is elegant and Tuscany is on your doorstep: a perfect romantic getaway.

Romantic Break - Elegance and history make this the perfect place for a romantic weekend with your loved one
Local exploring - The heart of Siena and perfect for exploring its sights
Great walks - Explore the Orto Botanico dell'Università di Siena - bontanical gardens kept by the University of Siena.
Sights nearby - Steps away from Piazza del Campo and the Duomo.

from £357 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

20 of the Best Hotels in Tuscan Towns

In Smaller Tuscan Towns

Historic Charmers

For Luxury Lovers

For Romance

For great value

For Families

For Food and Wine Lovers

Still not sure?

20 of the Best Hotels in Tuscan Towns

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