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Hotels

Florence has been on the "grand tour" for centuries, so lodging of all sorts abound. As with most cities of its ilk, your toughest decisions will involve how close to the main sights you want to be and just how much you're willing to pay for that accessibility. In high season, prices are steep generally everywhere, but there are some good moderate and budget options around – and even they tend to occupy former palazzos. To help you choose where to stay, we've outlined our Florence favorites in each category, from budget to luxury.

If you came to Florence to enjoy the spirit of Renaissance, then treat yourself to a luxury stay at the Grand Hotel Baglioni (www.hotelbaglioni.it), a hotel that dates from 1903 and was once home to Carrega Bertolini princes. You'll get a taste of Old World Florence here, as the corridors are lined with historic Florentine photos from the Alinari museum's collection. If you need your American creature comforts while away, the equally posh Grand Hotel (www.starwood.com) is the place to get them. Located right on the Arno, with views up and down the scenic river, and high-tech gadgetry you won't find elsewhere, it's a repeated listing on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List.

Of the moderate hotels in Florence, we particularly like the Pensione Alessandra (www.hotelalessandra.com), a trendy 27-roomer set in a 16th-century palazzo near the best shopping streets in the city. Another good choice is the longtime literary haven – where Byron, Stendhal, and D.H. Lawrence, among others, have stayed – the Porta Rossa (www.hotelportarossa.com), which takes double honors as the city's oldest hotel. It occupies a medieval palazzo near the Ponte Vecchio and is loaded with ornate frescoes, parquet floors, chandeliers, gold mirrors, beamed ceilings, and giant, freestanding wardrobes.

If you're visiting Florence on a budget, the best bargain in town is the Hotel Constantini (www.costantini.hotelinfirenze.com), set on the second floor of a palazzo within easy reach of the Duomo; while the 14 rooms lack frills, they compensate with classic Renaissance touches and modern amenities like air conditioning, color TV, and private baths, some of which even have marble finishes. This place fills up fast all year long, so book early.

See Florence Travel Guide