When you start planning a trip to Tuscany, Italy, you’ll quickly discover one crucial thing: here you don’t pay for stars, you pay for location and views. For exactly the same money you can get either a tiny room right in the bustling center of Florence, or an entire picturesque farmhouse with a pool just twenty minutes’ drive outside the city. It’s entirely up to you whether you prefer your morning coffee with a view of the cathedral or an evening glass of wine in the middle of the olive groves.
If you want to save money while still soaking up a gorgeous atmosphere, I recommend focusing on the south of the region, because Siena is significantly cheaper than Florence for comparable quality. On top of that, it puts you much closer to the most beautiful, photogenic rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia and to the vineyards of the Chianti area. Florence may be the cradle of the Renaissance, but you’ll simply pay a premium for staying in its heart.
So I’ve put together 30 specific places to stay and split them into three categories based on how much you want to spend. Every one of them is real and has hundreds of guest reviews, so you’ll find the right fit whether you’re after a 16th-century monastery, a working winery, or a practical hotel near the station.
TL;DR
- Three main categories: This article splits the tips into budget city hotels, authentic countryside farmhouses, and luxury boutique stays.
- Secret money-saving tip: Siena offers far better value for money than Florence, and it sits strategically closer to the countryside.
- Rough prices: Basic clean rooms start at around €55, beautiful countryside farms sit around €150, and luxury palaces climb into the hundreds of euros per night.
- Watch out for the ZTL: Historic centers have restricted-traffic zones, so if your hotel doesn’t have its own parking, expect to pay €15 to €25 a day for a garage.
- Pool seasonality: Outdoor pools at farmhouses usually run only from June to September; off-season they’re often drained.
- When to book: The prettiest countryside villas and farmhouses with pools disappear for the summer months easily half a year in advance.
- Main tip: If you’re driving, choose a place to stay outside the city walls or right out in the countryside — you’ll save yourself a lot of parking stress.
Three decisions that determine how much you’ll pay
Before you even start scrolling through specific hotels, it’s worth being clear about your travel style, because the choice between city and countryside will fundamentally shape your budget. In the city you pay extra for the luxury of having all the sights and restaurants within walking distance. That means a huge saving of time and the chance to enjoy the evening atmosphere without having to arrange a lift home. In the countryside, on the other hand, you’re paying for absolute peace, endless space and a private pool — but you’ll barely get around without a rental car, which is another significant budget item.
The second big trap is the walls of historic towns and the so-called ZTL zones, or Zona Traffico Limitato. If you find a beautiful, cheap guesthouse right on the main square but you’re travelling by car, an unpleasant surprise awaits. Driving into the center without a special permit is strictly penalized by a camera system. A garage outside the walls will cost you another €15 to €25 per night, something many travellers forget. A place just outside the center with its own free parking often works out much cheaper, even if the room rate itself looks a touch higher at first glance.
The third and utterly decisive factor is the season your holiday falls into. July, August and especially the period around the Italian holiday of Ferragosto, which falls on August 15, push prices to an absolute historic peak. Demand far outstrips supply in this period, and hotel owners know it all too well. If you can set off in April, May or October instead, you’ll not only pay perhaps a third less for exactly the same room, you’ll also avoid the worst crowds and the exhausting summer heat.
Budget places to stay in Tuscany, Italy
If you’re on a limited budget and want to actively explore the region rather than lounge by the pool all day, city hotels in Siena are the best choice. They offer great comfort, and prices here often start at figures that in Florence would barely get you a bed in a shared room. Just remember that the prices given are indicative starting rates and can vary considerably in high season.
1. Hotel Duomo
Right in the heart of Siena’s historic center you’ll find this smaller hotel, which makes an absolutely ideal base for exploring the city on foot. In their reviews, guests most praise the fantastic location a short walk from the main square, Piazza del Campo, and the very helpful staff. If you want to enjoy your morning coffee with a view of the ancient alleys, you’ll be at the right address. The property has a solid 8.2 out of 10 on Booking based on more than three thousand reviews, which speaks to its steady quality and popularity.
If you’re looking for affordable accommodation, prices here start at roughly €55 to €80 per night. For the very center of such a popular Tuscan town, that’s an incredible offer you’ll find hard to match elsewhere. Just bear in mind the rooms are on the smaller side and only functionally furnished. But for travellers who spend all day out sightseeing and basically only come back to the hotel to sleep, it’s an absolutely perfect and logical choice.
💡 Tip for drivers: Given the location in a strictly protected ZTL zone, definitely don’t drive here. It’s much better to park at one of the lots outside the walls and walk to the hotel, or use local public transport.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Hotel Duomo
2. Albergo Chiusarelli
This beautiful neoclassical villa sits just a short walk from Siena’s main sights and offers a huge advantage in the form of easy access from the bus station. In reviews, travellers rave about the generous breakfasts and the historic atmosphere of the building itself, which pulls you straight into Italian ease. The proximity to the bus terminal makes it a strategic base for anyone planning day trips to nearby towns like San Gimignano or Florence who doesn’t want to rent a car.
Prices per night here range from roughly €65 to €90 depending on the season. On Booking, this charming hotel boasts an excellent 8.6 out of 10, awarded by more than two and a half thousand happy guests. The rooms keep their traditional character with high ceilings and classic furniture, so don’t expect cold minimalism — rather the feeling that you’ve travelled back a century in time.
💡 Trip tip: If you stay here, definitely use the direct bus line to Florence. The journey takes a little over an hour, the ticket costs a few euros, and you avoid Florence’s utterly insane traffic and expensive parking.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Albergo Chiusarelli
3. La Villa
If you’re after something a little quieter, this cozy guesthouse sits in a historic building a short walk from Siena’s center and offers beautifully furnished rooms with original wooden beams. Guest reviews often mention flawless cleanliness and a very friendly, family atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. The owner looks after her guests with enormous care and is happy to lean over a map with you and suggest where to head for the best afternoon coffee or evening glass of wine.
A night here costs from around €75, making it a great compromise between a friendly price and high-quality service. On Booking it has an excellent 9.0 out of 10 from fourteen hundred visitors. It’s exactly the kind of place where you won’t find anonymous hotel corridors but a very personal touch and a quiet setting that’s priceless after a day of weaving through crowds of tourists.
💡 Booking tip: The guesthouse has only a limited number of rooms, so if you’re planning to come during the spring break or in September, don’t put off booking. The prettiest rooms with a view of the inner courtyard go first.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — La Villa
4. Hotel Athena
This unusually spacious hotel inside Siena’s walls is a massive hit for travellers with a car, because it offers its own free parking, an absolute rarity in a historic center. Beyond the hassle-free parking, guests can’t get enough of the amazing rooftop terrace with its phenomenal view over the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Especially at sunset, when the valley floods with golden light, you won’t want to leave the terrace at all.
Prices start at roughly €80 per night, but keep in mind you actually save a fortune on those expensive city garages. From more than three thousand reviews on Booking, the hotel holds a gorgeous 9.0 out of 10. The rooms are furnished very tastefully and cleanly, and the hotel restaurant serves excellent breakfasts with a wide choice of local cheeses, pastries and fresh fruit.
💡 Evening tip: Definitely reserve a table on the hotel terrace at reception for an evening drink. They mix a great Aperol Spritz here, and watching the sun disappear behind the horizon is an experience you’ll remember long after you get home.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Hotel Athena
5. Hotel Italia
You’ll find this modernly renovated hotel just a short walk from the escalators that carry you straight up into Siena’s historic center, so you avoid trudging up the steep hills. According to guest reviews, it offers absolutely exclusive breakfasts featuring delicious homemade cakes, nut spreads and generous vegan and gluten-free options. In Italy, where a traditional breakfast often means just a dry croissant and coffee, that’s a huge plus every food lover will appreciate.
Prices here start at roughly €82 per night, which is a very fair offer for such generous service and great access. On Booking it has over three thousand reviews with an average rating of 9.0 out of 10. The interiors have a playful, fresh design, so the place feels much more modern than most competing hotels nearby, which often stick to a heavier historic style.
💡 Comfort tip: The escalator system is a brilliant invention connecting the lower part of town with the historic center on the hill. Definitely ask at reception for the exact route — it’ll save you a lot of energy and sweaty t-shirts after a long day of walking.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Hotel Italia
6. BB Hotels Smarthotel Derose
Finally we move to Florence, where finding cheap accommodation is very hard, but this smart hotel near Santa Maria Novella station offers a great compromise for travellers arriving by train. It runs on a modern self-check-in system, which guests especially appreciate for late-night arrivals. You don’t have to stress about reception closing — you simply unlock your room with a code that arrives on your phone.
Prices start from €86 per night, an incredibly friendly figure for Florence itself. On Booking it holds a superb 9.3 out of 10 from almost two thousand reviews. The rooms may be small, but they’re brilliantly clean, with comfortable beds and modern bathrooms. For a weekend break in the city of the Renaissance, it’s an absolutely ideal base.
💡 Transport tip: Thanks to the proximity to the main station, you lose minimal time after arriving in Florence. You can drop your bags and be standing in front of the famous Duomo cathedral within fifteen minutes, an easy walk from the hotel.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — BB Hotels Smarthotel Derose
7. Sangallo Park Hotel
If you prefer a more American style of travel and don’t mind staying on a hill just outside Siena, this hotel offers a big pool and a huge free parking lot. Guest reviews mention the wonderful ease and calm away from the city noise, while you reach the center on the local bus in literally a few minutes. It’s an ideal solution for those who, after a morning of sightseeing, want to spend a lazy afternoon with a book by the water.
Prices for a double room start at around €96 per night. On Booking, this spacious complex has an excellent 9.0 out of 10 from eighteen hundred happy visitors. The garden around the hotel is carefully maintained and provides plenty of shade even on the hottest summer days. Breakfast is served as a very generous buffet with a view of the greenery.
💡 Relaxation tip: The outdoor pool is usually open from June to the end of September. If you’re planning your trip in this period, definitely pack your swimsuit, because the Tuscan summer can be relentless and a chance to cool off is priceless.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Sangallo Park Hotel
8. Essence Hotel
Finding a reasonably priced hotel right in Florence’s historic center is a genuinely tough nut to crack, but this stylish boutique hotel pulled it off, and you can walk to all the main sights in a few minutes. In reviews, travellers particularly praise the beautiful modern room design, which contrasts sharply but very tastefully with the ancient palace building. The interiors are thought out to the last detail and offer an oasis of calm in the middle of a pulsing metropolis.
Prices here start at €112 per night, which is entirely understandable and justifiable for such a premium location. On Booking it holds a high 9.2 out of 10. Compared with other hotels in the same district, which often charge double, you get fantastic value for money. Breakfasts are generous, and the staff will happily prepare an excellent Italian cappuccino exactly the way you like it.
💡 Stroll tip: The hotel sits just a short walk from the Arno river, so it’s tempting to head out early in the morning for a walk to the Ponte Vecchio bridge before the crowds flood in. The morning light over the river is absolutely unbeatable for photos.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Essence Hotel
9. Ruby Bea Hotel Florence
This design hotel sits in the Florence district of Campo di Marte, a little away from the biggest tourist madness, but it offers a wonderfully authentic local atmosphere. Guests love the original in-house bar and the overall modern vibe inspired by playful retro style and colors. Here you won’t just bump into crowds with cameras — you’ll see real Italians drinking their morning espresso standing at nearby cafés.
Have around €123 per night ready, with prices climbing steeply in high season. On Booking, sixteen hundred guests rated it 9.1 out of 10. The rooms come with luxury mattresses and top-notch soundproofing, so you’ll sleep like a baby after a long day. On top of that, there are very nice communal spaces where you can sit down quietly in the evening with your laptop.
💡 Transport tip: From the Campo di Marte district you reach the absolute center of Florence very easily by bus or on a pleasant half-hour walk. It’s a great choice for those who want to experience the city more like a local.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Ruby Bea Hotel Florence
10. The Social Hub Florence Belfiore
This place is an absolute phenomenon for young travellers and digital nomads, because it combines a classic hotel, a coworking space and a huge rooftop pool with a view of Florence. The Booking reviews, of which there are an incredible five thousand, celebrate above all the informal community atmosphere, the well-equipped gym, and the option to rent stylish bikes right at reception. It’s simply a huge, buzzing campus where something is always going on.
Prices here change very dynamically with occupancy, so you need to check them online for your specific dates. The overall Booking rating is a great 8.9 out of 10. You can pick anything from classic hotel rooms to fully equipped studios with a kitchenette if you’re planning a longer stay in the city. The rooftop terrace with pool and bar is then the crown jewel of the whole complex.
💡 Nomad tip: If you work while travelling, you won’t find a better spot in Florence. Fast wifi, plenty of sockets, comfortable armchairs, and the chance to connect with other travellers from around the world make this hotel an obvious choice.
Authentic stays: farmhouses, monasteries and wineries
If you long for a real countryside experience, views of cypresses and breakfasts under a pergola, staying on the farms known as agriturismo is exactly for you. Most of these farms are still actively working: they grow olives, make their own wine, and serve dinner in the evening from ingredients grown just behind the house. If you want to explore more farms like these, check out our separate, detailed article Agriturismo in Tuscany: 20 tips, prices and how to choose.
Below you’ll find ten amazing spots, but watch the different rating scales carefully. The first five stays have Booking ratings on a scale from one to ten, while the next five exclusive tips have ratings from Google Places on a much stricter scale from one to five. All of them, however, represent the very top of their field.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — The Social Hub Florence Belfiore
11. Fattoria San Donato (Booking)
This historic farm lies among the rolling hills near the famous town of San Gimignano and still operates as an active agricultural estate. In reviews, guests very often call it the absolute highlight of their trip through Italy, mostly thanks to the incredibly kind owners who take you into the family right away, and the fantastic home-cooked food. The rooms are furnished in traditional country style with solid wood, terracotta floors and small rustic touches.
An evening sitting in the courtyard over a glass of local wine while farm dogs run around is simply priceless. On Booking it has a beautiful 9.3 out of 10 based on more than five hundred reviews. The owners make sure all the food comes from their own fields or from local neighbors, so you can look forward to homemade cheeses, olive oil and fresh vegetables grown with love.
💡 Dinner tip: If you love honest Italian cooking, definitely pay extra for dinner right at the farm. They cook traditional family recipes here, and the atmosphere at the shared tables under a starry sky is simply magical.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Fattoria San Donato
12. Hotel Pescille Country House (Booking)
This gorgeous country house, whose building dates back to the deep Middle Ages, offers you one of the loveliest views of San Gimignano’s stone towers anywhere. In reviews, guests can’t stop praising the morning breakfasts served on a terrace with a panoramic view deep into the valley, as well as the beautiful clean pool surrounded by a blooming garden. The rooms combine historic charm with modern comfort, so you won’t miss a thing.
Prices here start at roughly €168 per night, which perfectly matches the high quality of service and the historic value of the whole place. On Booking this country house has a 9.1 out of 10 from a respectable thirteen hundred reviews. Olive groves and vineyards spread out around the property, and you can wander through them and soak up the true essence of the Tuscan countryside.
💡 Tip for photographers: The tower town of San Gimignano looks best from a distance early in the morning, when a light mist rises from the valley, or at sunset. From this hotel’s terrace you’ll have the best conditions for perfect photos without having to drive anywhere.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Hotel Pescille Country House
13. Hotel La Collegiata – Adults Only (Booking)
If you’re after romance without small children shrieking by the pool, this former Franciscan monastery from 1587 is a bullseye. The rooms keep their unique historic character with original vaulted ceilings and heavy furniture, yet offer all the modern comfort you’d expect from a top hotel. Outside, a carefully tended, enchanting Renaissance garden awaits, where you can stroll with a book in hand.
Prices for this unique experience start from around €200 per night, and trust me, every euro spent is worth it for that immersive atmosphere. From more than four hundred ratings on Booking it holds a strong 9.0 out of 10. The property runs adults-only, which guarantees absolute peace and quiet. The on-site restaurant also offers an excellent tasting menu paired with the best regional wines.
💡 Evening tip: The historic character of the building is especially striking after dark, when the monastery is softly lit. Take a glass of wine from the bar and sit in the courtyard where monks once meditated — it’s an incredibly powerful experience.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Hotel La Collegiata
14. Torciano Hotel Wine & Winery (Booking)
This stay will delight any lover of good food and drink, because it’s a top-class winery with its own boutique hotel right among the green vineyards. Guest reviews are full of endless praise for the professional wine tastings, the well-organized transfers to nearby medieval villages, and the amazing option to rent an iconic Vespa scooter right at reception. The rooms are very elegant, spacious, and smell of wood and cleanliness.
You’ll pay from around €190 per night here, and the price often includes the first-class guest care this place is famous for. On Booking it boasts a 9.4 out of 10. The family who owns the winery walks you through the whole winemaking process and serves excellent local specialties in the evening that will make you wish the feast would never end.
💡 Trip tip: Renting a Vespa is an absolute must. Riding with the wind in your hair between endless rows of vineyards and stopping in a sleepy village for an afternoon espresso is an experience that simply belongs to Italy.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Torciano Hotel Wine & Winery
15. Agriturismo I Pini (Booking)
This very small, at first glance unassuming family agriturismo lies a short drive from busy San Gimignano and is absolutely ideal for those seeking total isolation and peace from the outside world. Reviewers really highlight the generous homemade breakfasts, which the hostess prepares fresh each morning mostly from her own local ingredients, and the incredibly personal approach to guests. It’s a place where after the first day you’ll feel more like you’re visiting good friends at their cottage.
It’s a smaller stay with limited capacity, so you have to book well in advance, especially for the summer holidays. On Booking it has a near-perfect 9.3 out of 10. The whole homestead runs in complete harmony with nature, and the owners are happy to show you how they tend their olive trees and little garden, which supplies the ingredients for your table.
💡 Tip for vegetarians: If you don’t go in for meat, you’ll be in absolute heaven here. The hostess can conjure up incredible dishes from fresh vegetables, cheeses and pasta — just report your dietary preferences in advance and they’ll take care of the rest.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Agriturismo I Pini
16. Fattoria Poggio Alloro (Google)
This large working farm a short drive from San Gimignano is a true local one-of-a-kind, because the owners grow their own rare saffron and produce the famous white wine Vernaccia. If you pay for a served dinner here, which guests warmly and repeatedly recommend in reviews, the ingredients on your plate come literally from the field outside the window. The family has worked the land for several generations, and their enormous love for the craft shows in every bite.
From the huge pool there’s also an iconic, unobstructed view straight onto the medieval stone towers of the nearby town. On Google Places this farm has a fantastic 4.8 out of 5 from an amazing nineteen hundred reviews. The atmosphere here is very lively, since the farm is fairly busy during the day thanks to the agricultural work, but in the evening everything settles into a perfect country idyll.
💡 Shopping tip: Don’t leave without buying something from their little farm shop. A bottle of their own olive oil or a box of saffron is the best souvenir you can bring home from Tuscany.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Fattoria Poggio Alloro
17. Agriturismo il Rigo (Google)
If you have that classic photo of the Tuscan landscape with rolling hills and lonely cypresses stored in your head, this farm near San Quirico d’Orcia lies right in the middle of these iconic scenes. In reviews, guests love the long evening walks along the surrounding dusty field paths and the utterly disarming silence that reigns here after dark. It’s the true, unadulterated essence of the Val d’Orcia area, which you mustn’t miss on your trip.
On Google Places the farm holds a beautiful 4.8 out of 5 from more than three hundred guests. The rooms are furnished with an incredible eye for detail — everywhere you’ll find fresh flowers and antique furniture that fits the whole concept perfectly. Breakfast is served on a terrace with a view that could go straight onto a postcard.
💡 Tip for lovers of quiet: The rooms deliberately have no TVs. The owners want guests to truly rest, listen to the sounds of nature and disconnect from everyday digital stress for a while.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Agriturismo il Rigo
18. Vento d’Orcia (Google)
Near the renowned town of Pienza, famous across Italy for its excellent sheep’s cheese Pecorino, sits this very small, top-rated stay with a breathtaking view. Reviews unanimously agree it’s one of the best-kept places in the wider area, where the owners care about the smallest detail, from the perfect garden to flawless service at breakfast. It’s a little piece of paradise the owners cherish.
On Google Places it boasts an absolutely incredible 5.0 out of 5 based on more than a hundred and fifty enthusiastic ratings. Each room has its own unique character and offers views over the endless hills. The morning breakfasts are a chapter in themselves, with a huge choice of local cheeses, homemade jams and freshly baked crusty bread.
💡 Foodie tip: Pienza is just a short drive away and it’s a cheese town. Head there for an early evening stroll and stock up on different aging stages of Pecorino, which you can then taste in the evening on the terrace.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Vento d’Orcia
19. Agriturismo San Sano (Google)
This massive stone farmhouse is tucked deep in the leafy woods and vineyards of the famous wine region of Gaiole in Chianti and offers a true escape from hurried civilization. In their reviews, travellers particularly praise the beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by mature greenery and the chance to taste bold red wines right in the old cellar beneath the house. The Chianti area is overall much hillier and greener than the rest of the region further south.
The Google Places rating is an amazing 4.9 out of 5 from more than three hundred and fifty visitors. The farm offers a very rustic, honest atmosphere where time has stopped. The rooms have beautiful terracotta floors and thick stone walls that guarantee a pleasant coolness even during the hottest August days, so you’ll manage even without air conditioning.
💡 Tip for wine lovers: The Chianti Classico area is home to some of the best red wines in the world. Definitely ask the owners which smaller local wineries nearby are worth a visit — you’ll often discover real gems without the tourist crowds.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Agriturismo San Sano
20. Agriturismo Casanova (Google)
Just a short distance from the town of Asciano, in the middle of the fascinating lunar landscape of the Crete Senesi, lies this exceptionally photogenic farm, which you’ll often see on Instagram thanks to the iconic swing overlooking the valley. Guest reviews enthusiastically celebrate the beautiful clean pool and the unbelievable sunsets, when you can see the towers of Siena taking shape in the distance. It’s simply an absolutely perfect place for a romantic holiday for two.
On Google Places this agriturismo has a great 4.9 out of 5. The Crete Senesi landscape is defined by its rolling clay hills, which change color with the season, from vivid spring green to parched summer gold. The farm itself offers very comfortable accommodation in spacious apartments with their own kitchenette, giving you complete freedom.
💡 Tip for photographers: If you love taking photos, I recommend getting up early. The morning mists rolling over the bare hills of the Crete Senesi create a mystical atmosphere you simply have to capture on your lens.
Luxury places to stay in Tuscany, Italy
For those of you who want to treat yourselves to the very best on holiday, Italy’s cities and countryside offer incredible historic palaces elegantly converted into boutique hotels. You can sleep in a former 14th-century charterhouse or in a palace a few steps from the Uffizi, where breakfast is served on a rooftop terrace. If you’re thinking more about renting an entire estate just for yourself, definitely read our guide Villa with a pool in Tuscany: 20 tips.
The following tips focus on the absolute peak of Italian hospitality. Don’t forget to notice with the last tip that it has a Google Places rating on a scale from one to five, whereas all the other city palaces are rated on Booking. Get ready — you’ll carry these experiences in your memory forever.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Agriturismo Casanova
21. Hotel Certosa di Maggiano (Booking)
This is exactly the kind of place that drops your jaw the moment you arrive, because it’s a carefully restored former 14th-century charterhouse lying just a short distance from Siena’s busy center. In reviews, guests often describe the feeling of sleeping in a private art museum, but one with a huge outdoor heated pool and top-notch modern cuisine. The original monastery corridors and courtyard have been preserved in all their beauty.
It’s an absolutely iconic affair, for which you’ll pay from around €185 per night — actually still an acceptable figure for such a unique place. On Booking it has an exceptional 9.6 out of 10 from almost a thousand delighted reviews. If you’re interested in more gems like this, take a look at our detailed article on the Hotel Certosa di Maggiano, where we cover the stay in more depth.
💡 Relaxation tip: The heated pool is surrounded by centuries-old trees and offers a complete oasis of calm. It’s the ideal spot to retreat to after a demanding morning of exploring Siena’s sights.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Hotel Certosa di Maggiano
22. Torre del Fuggisole (Booking)
In the luxury category it’s often very hard to find a reasonable price, but this historic palace in Siena offers unbeatably the best value-to-luxury ratio in the whole city. Guest reviews highlight the incredibly sensitive restoration, which preserved the original painted ceiling frescoes, and the extremely personal approach of the staff, who will literally grant your every wish. You feel more like a treasured guest in a noble residence than an ordinary tourist.
Prices here start at a lovely €105 per night, which for a five-star experience like this is an absolute dream that vanishes quickly in season. On Booking the stay boasts a prestigious 9.6 out of 10. Each room has an entirely unique design, heavy curtains and luxury toiletries in the bathrooms that underline the overall sense of exclusivity.
💡 Booking tip: Given that the hotel offers such great value and luxury, it tends to sell out many months ahead. If you know your travel dates, book this stay first — you won’t regret it.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Torre del Fuggisole
23. Palazzo Patrizi Suites & Spa (Booking)
If you love wellness above all and want to relax in complete luxury after a long day of sightseeing, this ancient palace in Siena hides an amazing private spa in its basement. In reviews, guests praise the huge, wood-scented suites furnished with heavy antique pieces and the absolute discretion of the whole stay, which sits just a few steps from the famous cathedral. The entire space feels incredibly refined and calm.
Have around €295 per night ready, which makes it a perfect and much-sought spot for an anniversary or honeymoon. From more than a hundred reviews on Booking it has an excellent 9.5 out of 10. The underground spa with vaulted ceilings offers a hot tub, sauna and relaxation zone that you can book just for yourself, enjoying an undisturbed evening with a glass of prosecco.
💡 Tip for couples: Definitely reserve private time in the underground spa as soon as you arrive at reception. Evening relaxation in the warm water beneath the historic vaults is the perfect end to the whole day.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Palazzo Patrizi Suites & Spa
24. Hotel La Gemma (Booking)
Finally we move to Florence, where near Santa Maria Novella station you’ll find this modernly styled five-star gem, which is the embodiment of Italian elegance and absolutely first-class design. Guest reviews regularly celebrate the luxury bathrooms clad in rare marble and the unforgettable dining experiences at the on-site restaurant, which prides itself on a very high culinary level. The service here is invisible but always at hand.
Prices here start at €420 per night, a figure that buys you service without any compromises. On Booking it holds an exceptional 9.5 out of 10 from more than fifteen hundred reviews. The hotel interiors perfectly blend Florentine history with contemporary design trends, so you’ll feel like you’re in a luxury home magazine.
💡 Dinner tip: If you want to treat yourself, reserve a table in the hotel restaurant. The food is pricier here, but the chefs can conjure up incredible variations on traditional Tuscan dishes in a beautiful visual presentation.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Hotel La Gemma
25. Hotel Spadai (Booking)
This stunning hotel sits in a renovated Renaissance palace right in the heart of Florence, and from some windows you can look literally straight at the dome of the famous Duomo. In reviews, travellers very often mention the precisely soundproofed windows, thanks to which you don’t hear a thing from the noise outside, even though you’re sleeping in the busiest part of the city. The crown jewel is then the fantastic top-floor bar, from where you have the city at your feet.
Prices here start at roughly €455 per night, reliably reflecting the absolutely exclusive location and five-star standard of service. On Booking it has over fifteen hundred reviews with a rating of 9.5 out of 10. Each room is fitted with smart electronics, huge beds with premium mattresses, and bathrooms you won’t want to leave.
💡 Drink tip: The rooftop bar is open to the public too, but as hotel guests you naturally get priority. Come here for an early evening Negroni, listen to the quiet music and soak up the view of a Florence bathed in the setting sun.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Hotel Spadai
26. Donati Luxury Tower Suites (Booking)
If you want to experience that incredible feeling of owning all of Florence, these suites set right inside an ancient medieval tower a short walk from the Duomo offer rooftop hot tubs with a panoramic view. In reviews, guests describe the stay as the absolute peak of Florentine opulence, where you have a personal butler at your disposal and total privacy in the middle of the busiest city. It’s a place where dreams of an opulent holiday come true.
For this exceptional experience you’ll pay from around €910 per night, making it a choice for truly special life occasions, like milestone birthdays or honeymoons. The Booking rating is 9.4 out of 10. The rooms spread across entire floors of the tower and offer incredible space, their own fully equipped kitchens, and marble bathrooms the size of a small apartment.
💡 Experience tip: A hot tub atop a medieval tower with a view of the cathedral is not something you’ll experience just anywhere. The staff will happily bring you chilled champagne and light snacks, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Donati Luxury Tower Suites
27. Hotel Bernini Palace (Booking)
This absolutely legendary hotel occupies a historic 15th-century building right around the corner from the world-famous Uffizi gallery, and its interiors look literally like the set of a lavish historical film about the nobility. Guest reviews regularly gush over the preserved period tapestries, the giant crystal chandeliers, and the incredible breakfasts served in a breathtaking hall with original frescoes on the walls.
Prices here start at €1,265 per night, making it one of the most expensive addresses in our overview. On Booking it has a rating of 9.1 out of 10 from 779 reviews, in which guests highlight above all the location a few steps from the Uffizi and the discreet service.
💡 Tip for history lovers: Breakfast alone in the Parliament Hall, where Italian senators once gathered when Florence was briefly the capital of Italy, is an experience that gives you goosebumps.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Hotel Bernini Palace
28. Palazzo Ravizza (Booking)
We return to calmer Siena, where this beautiful 17th-century historic palace offers what’s by far the rarest thing in cities — a huge private garden with a view deep into the valley. In reviews, travellers very often praise the stay’s old-world charm, the creaking parquet floors, and that warm feeling that you’ve come to visit a wealthy Italian aunt for the summer. Everything here is extremely elegant, yet at the same time very cozy and informal.
Your budget will be pleased too, because prices start at roughly €110 per night, which is great for such beauty. From more than seventeen hundred ratings on Booking, the palace holds a lovely 9.0 out of 10. The garden full of fragrant lemon trees and old trees provides the perfect refuge from the summer heat and offers countless quiet corners for reading or simply watching the sunset.
💡 Relaxation tip: Many guests mention in reviews that the loveliest part of their stay in Siena wasn’t the sightseeing itself, but the afternoon spent with a book and a glass of wine in this very private garden.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — Palazzo Ravizza
29. I Merli di Ada (Booking)
This charming, unassuming boutique hotel hides in the quiet medieval alleys of Siena and offers a very intimate atmosphere, because it has just a few carefully curated rooms. In their ratings, guests repeatedly highlight the beautiful exposed brick vaults in the rooms and the fantastic, incredibly helpful staff, who will effortlessly arrange you a table at the best local restaurants where the locals themselves go to eat.
Prices here start at €233 per night, a very fair offer for such a personal touch and top design. On Booking the hotel has a rating of 9.0 out of 10 from a thousand happy guests. Each room is furnished a little differently, but they’re all united by an emphasis on natural materials, soft fabrics and the absolute comfort you desperately need after a day on the cobblestones.
💡 Foodie tip: Trust the reception’s recommendations. The hotel staff know exactly which tourist traps to avoid and where, on the other hand, you’ll get the best homemade pici pasta in all of Siena.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — I Merli di Ada
30. Borgo Santo Pietro (Google)
Our very last tip takes us back to the Tuscan countryside near the small village of Chiusdino, where this breathtaking boutique estate sits surrounded by enormous herb and rose gardens. It represents the very top league of countryside luxury, where guest reviews praise the Michelin-level dining from home-grown ingredients and the incredible spa treatments with a view of pristine nature. This is a place people go to for a complete reset of body and mind.
On Google Places this fairytale spot boasts an excellent 4.5 out of 5 from more than two hundred enthusiastic visitors. The estate offers several pools, its own farm that supplies the kitchen, and staff trained to anticipate your wishes before you even manage to voice them. The rooms come with huge fireplaces, antique chandeliers and freestanding bathtubs.
💡 Experience tip: The stay offers plenty of activities, from cooking classes and horseback rides to painting lessons in the garden. Definitely ask at reception what’s happening on the day — it’s a great way to immerse yourself even more in the local atmosphere.
Where to stay based on your trip plan
💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. For tickets, tours and activities it’s worth comparing and booking through GetYourGuide.
| Your trip plan | Recommended area | Why there |
|---|---|---|
| :— | :— | :— |
| First visit, cities | Florence or Siena | You can walk to all the main sights, so there’s absolutely no need to rent a car and deal with expensive parking. |
| Driving tour of the region | 2–3 bases (Florence → Chianti/Siena → Val d’Orcia) | You’ll spend far less time packing bags and driving long distances, and explore each area in depth. |
| Holiday with kids | Countryside agriturismo with a pool | You’ll have huge space, safety, often farm animals, and total peace from city noise and traffic. |
| Romance for two | Val d’Orcia or around San Gimignano | It offers the most beautiful panoramic views over the landscape and magical evening sunsets with a glass of wine in hand. |
| Combining with the sea | Versilia, the island of Elba or the Maremma area | You’re just a short drive from sandy beaches and can easily alternate history with relaxed swimming in the waves. |
| Lowest possible budget | Siena and smaller nearby towns | You’ll save considerable sums on accommodation compared with very expensive Florence, while the quality of service stays very high. |
What to watch out for when booking
Before you eagerly click the book button, it’s better to double-check the map and the parking rules in the area. The ZTL zones, or Zona Traffico Limitato, are the bogeyman of every tourist, because unauthorized entry into the historic center risks hefty and completely uncompromising fines from the camera system. If you choose a hotel right in the center, you must verify in advance whether reception can register your license plate with the police, or simply prepare to pay €15 to €25 per night in a private underground garage, which can unpleasantly surprise your budget.
A tricky thing about old Italian palaces and majestic stone farmhouses is also the fact that air conditioning is by no means an across-the-board, automatic given. Always read the room’s detailed amenities carefully, because in the August heat, when temperatures routinely hit forty degrees, even very thick stone walls won’t be enough without active cooling. It’s similar with swimming, because outdoor pools tend to operate strictly only in high season, usually from mid-June to the end of September. If you arrive in late October and it’s beautifully warm, the pool will most likely already be drained.
Don’t forget to add one more small but certain expense to your budget: the city tax known as tassa di soggiorno, which is always paid separately and almost exclusively in cash right at reception. It’s usually a few euros per person per night depending on the category of the accommodation; current rates are published by the individual town halls, for example Florence or Siena. The official portal Visit Tuscany keeps an overview of the region, and the rules for entering the centers are summarized by the Florence ZTL. And if you book a countryside stay with half board, don’t forget to clearly tell the owners in advance that you’re vegetarian, because the Italian countryside is otherwise very meat-heavy, and at the last minute the chefs would struggle to improvise something under stress.
Where to eat
Countryside stays often offer half board, and at an agriturismo they cook from their own produce, so you won’t go hungry. In the cities, it’s worth avoiding restaurants right on the main squares and going a street further, where the menu changes with the season.
What to order in Tuscany and why the local bread has no salt, we cover in our separate article Tuscan cuisine. Good news for vegetarians: most of the local classics are meat-free.
Where to next
If you now have a clearer idea of where you’ll lay your head in Tuscany, I recommend exploring our other useful articles to help you plan the rest of your Italian adventure. I’ve written them to follow on logically from one another.
- Tuscany, Italy: 30 most beautiful places and a 7-day itinerary
- Agriturismo in Tuscany: 20 tips, prices and how to choose
- Villa with a pool in Tuscany: 20 tips
- Wellness hotels in Tuscany: 12 thermal spas
- Tuscany by car: a 7-day itinerary
- Tuscany with kids: 18 tips that work
- Weather in Tuscany: temperatures by month and when to go
- Siena and San Gimignano: 8 tips on what to see
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Tuscany?
It always depends fundamentally on your specific trip plan and what you expect from your holiday. For intensive sightseeing, the best options are large cities like Florence or Siena, because you can walk to all the main attractions and don’t have to stress about parking. However, if you’re planning to take road trips and explore the countryside, it’s ideal to choose two to three rural bases to avoid daily traffic jams and urban stress. For families with children, a spacious agriturismo with a pool and animals is the clear winner.
Is accommodation cheaper in Florence or Siena?
For comparable quality of service, amenities, and room location, Siena is significantly cheaper than the famous but very overcrowded Florence. It also has a huge advantage in its more strategic location, because from there you’re much closer to the beautiful photogenic valleys of Val d’Orcia to the south and the renowned wine regions of Chianti to the north. It’s simply the ideal base.
How much does a night in a hotel or farmhouse cost?
The cheapest clean and decent rooms in historic Siena start at around €55 per night outside the main tourist season. Beautiful authentic farmhouses with outdoor pools typically range between €100 and €200 per night, which is a great price for that space, while luxury historic palaces in cities and five-star boutique hotels climb into the hundreds or even thousands of euros for a single night.
Do I need a rental car for accommodation?
If you’re planning to stay only in cities and travel between them by fast and reliable train, a car will just be a huge and expensive burden full of parking stress. However, if you’re dreaming of a remote stone farmhouse with a pool surrounded by cypress-lined avenues, you basically can’t get there without your own or a rental car, because buses simply don’t run there.
When is the best time to book accommodation?
The very nicest and best-rated farmhouses with pools disappear for the popular months of July and August easily half a year in advance—demand is simply huge. If you want to have a choice and not just take what’s left at the last minute at inflated prices, I recommend starting to sort out your summer accommodation no later than right after New Year.
What is the ZTL zone and how does it relate to my hotel?
ZTL or Zona Traffico Limitato is a strict ban on non-residents entering the historic centers of Italian cities, enforced by cameras. If you have a hotel reservation there, you must arrange with the reception in advance for them to report your license plate to the police, otherwise you’ll receive a hefty fine at home. It also often means expensive and complicated parking in private garages for €15 to €25 per day.
Is it worth staying at rural agriturismo farms?
For families with children and for travelers who are going with their own or a rental car, it’s absolutely worth it. You get enormous personal space, incredible peace from traffic, often a clean pool, and above all the opportunity to dine on fantastic homemade food from local ingredients at very reasonable prices. It’s the most authentic Tuscan experience.
Are there any additional fees to pay at hotels?
Yes, almost everywhere in Italy you are required to pay what’s called the tassa di soggiorno, which is a municipal tourist tax. It’s usually paid in cash directly at reception upon checkout and amounts to several euros per person per night depending on the category of the hotel and the specific city you’re in.
👉 Book it: Check availability and prices — GH Palazzo Suite & SPA
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified rental cars in ItalySearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in Italy →Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
