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 Tuscany Towns Hotels
In terms of places to stay, Tuscany is the richest region of Italy. When choosing accommodation, you have to decide between town and country, or go for a mix of the two. You can book anything from a frescoed boudoir in a grand palazzo to a modest room in a B&B in Tuscany's towns and cities; bear in mind that these tend to stay open all year while many country places close in the winter. If you are travelling without a car, a town-based holiday is probably advisable.
 Reviews by Nicky Swallow |
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| Luxury: In the grand style, with stunning frescoes and sumptuous rooms |
| Location: SIENA; in the centre, minutes from Piazza del Campo |
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| Grand Palazzo Gori Pannilini, located in the heart of historic Siena, houses the area’s only 5-star hotel. The amazing salon is decorated with floor-to-ceiling frescoes and the bedrooms are suitably lavish, with polished, attentive service to match. The hotel offers many activities from truffle hunting with hounds and ballooning over the countyside to wine, cheese, oil and balsamic vinegar tastings. |
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| Luxury: Stylish conversion of a 17th-century palazzo in the town centre |
| Location: PIETRASANTA; in the centre, on a pedestrian street |
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| This elegant hotel occupies a 17th-century palazzo in the centre of attractive old Pietrasanta. The interiors are characterised by delicate frescoes, intricate plaster work, antiques and the owner’s fine collection of contemporary art. Breakfast is served in a winter garden. |
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| Luxury: Romantic hotel furnished with antiques and enjoying splendid views |
| Location: SIENA: in the heart of the old town |
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| Tucked away down a delightfully narrow, winding street, the Campo Regio is small and impeccably stylish. While some of its six attractive bedrooms are more luxurious than others, all are elegant, spacious and comfortable. Standing out from the rest, room number five is a luxurious treat, with its four-poster bed, antique furniture and spectacular views of central Siena. The handsome breakfast room enjoys the same breathtaking views and doubles as a lounge for drinks later in the day. |
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| Mid Price: Smart, central bed-and-breakfast with attractive bedrooms |
| Location: LUCCA; near Piazza Anfiteatro |
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| This small, up-market guest house is located near Lucca’s historic Piazza del Anfiteatro and in easy walking distance of several good restaurants. The six bedrooms are prettily decorated in pastel shades and are named after flowers; bathrooms all have Jacuzzi tubs. |
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| Mid Price: Elegant, well-located hotel in a one-time monastery |
| Location: PIENZA; in the centre, next to Palazzo Piccolomini |
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| Occupying a former monastery whose graceful cloister you pass through on the way in, this stylish hotel is situated in the heart of Renaissance Pienza. Bedrooms are housed in the ex-monks’ cells while the sitting room and restaurant open on to a delightful terrace garden. |
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| Mid Price: Family-run, prettily furnished pensione |
| Location: SIENA; just south-west of the centre, on a residential street |
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| Situated in a pretty, quiet area just outside the centre of Siena, this 14thC palazzo is steeped in history and has retained much of its original character. Rooms are tastefully and traditionally decorated and some enjoy outstanding views of the Tuscan hills. Professional and attentive staff are on hand to assist at all hours, and a beautiful garden overlooking stunning countryside completes the picture. |
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| Mid Price: Colourful hill town hotel with nine fresh modern suites and splendid views |
| Location: SAN CASCIANO DEI BAGNI; just outside the centre |
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| The tiny spa town of San Casciano provides an unexpected location for such a colourful little hotel and the contemporary interiors (designed by Tricia Guild) make a refreshing change from pan-Tuscan rustic style. Bedrooms have sitting areas and kitchenette. The warm thermal waters are 10 minutes walk away. |
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| Mid Price: Attracively converted 15th-century mansion in traditional Tuscan style |
| Location: SAN QUIRICO VAL D'ORCIA; in the centre |
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| Occupying a 15th-century mansion in the lovely old town of San Quirico d’Orcia, the Palazzo del Capitano has emerged looking better than ever from a recent renovation. It offers 11 pretty rooms, handsomely furnished in Tuscan tradition, a comfortable sitting room/bar in the former stables with a fine vaulted roof and open fire, and an excellent restaurant. In warm weather, meals are served in the lovely shady garden. |
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| Inexpensive: Painstakingly restored 15th-century townhouse |
| Location: SAN GIMIGNANO; in the centre, on a pedestrian street |
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| Arguably the best hotel in this famous walled town, Il Pozzo occupies a 15th-century townhouse which has been carefully restored and tastefully decorated. There are original terracotta floors, beamed ceilings and delicate frescoes; rooms at the top have wonderful views. |
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| Inexpensive: Chic, comfortable accommodation in part of an 11th-century fortress |
| Location: SORANO; on the outskirts |
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| This remote corner of the Maremma is way off the worn tourist track, but it’s a fascinating area and there is somewhere comfortable and stylish to stay in the form of this hotel which occupies part of an 11th-century fortress. Views from the rooms are fabulous. |
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| Inexpensive: Grand Dame hotel full of mementoes from the past |
| Location: PISA; on the north bank of the Arno River |
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| With its long list of illustrious guests from the past, stepping into the Royal Victoria is like stepping back in time to some bygone era. Relax in the grandeur of the beautifully decorated public areas, or, in warmer weather, enjoy a drink on the delightful roof terrace with its breathtaking views of the city. Bedrooms are simple yet tasteful, some with stunning views of the Arno River below. |
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