The Golden Tower Hotel is a luxury boutique renowned for its decadent touches and prime location. A blend of contemporary Italian furnishings, sumptuous fabrics, and rustic architectural details create a vibe that is opulent without being too stuffy. Swanky guest rooms offer flat-screen TVs, cozy beds, and sparkling marble bathrooms. The posh vibe extends to the Golden Spa with its specially lighted Jacuzzis, and the Golden Chocolate Bar with its selection of more than 30 types of chocolate. The hotel's location is another big draw, as it is close to everything from high-end shopping to popular tourist sights.

The understated exterior of the UNA Hotel Vittoria belies the funky, ultra-modern decor found inside this 84-room property. The hotel's eclectic style is hard to peg: Plastic furniture can be found in common areas, while Renaissance-style paintings adorn dark, atmospheric hallways. The design elements are definitely distinctive, but traditionalists seeking a classic Florentine vibe may prefer a more conventional property. Also, the hotel's location outside of the city center means most of Florence's tourist sights are not accessible by foot.

Hotel Palazzo Dal Borgo Aprile is a family-run hotel in a Renaissance building. Rooms are decorated in traditional Florentine style with canopy beds and rich upholstery, and street-side rooms on the upper floors offer fantastic views over the rooftops of central Florence. Despite the age of the building -- it was built in 1480 -- bathrooms are functional and have large bathtubs. Hotel perks include a lovely terrace in the back of the hotel, free breakfast in the charming bar, and free Wi-Fi. Room keys attached to large red tassels are a memorable touch.

The Hotel Pierre is in a 13th century building located in the historic center of Florence. Though it has been updated several times over the centuries, the building hasn't lost any its Florentine charm. Arched doors, windows, and detailed woodwork are all lovely historic details. Rooms are light and airy, and have decorative touches such as light peachy pink walls and antique-style furniture. The size and amenities of the bathrooms vary, but all are functional. The intimate, 50-room property has no real features, but the free breakfast is a nice touch, and the central location means that all of the main tourist attractions can be reached by foot. It's also worth considering the nearby (and comparably charming) Hotel Brunelleschi.

This intimate, family-run boutique is ideal for those seeking an authentic stay in Florence within easy reach of tourist sights. Built centuries ago as the home of a Florentine merchant family, this property was inherited through marriage by the Niccolinis in 1891. They have kept its historic charm intact, having preserved the wood-beamed ceilings and frescoed walls. Each guest room has a unique layout, but all are furnished with antiques, flat-screen TVs, and stocked mini-fridges. Many have large windows that feature stunning views of the iconic Duomo cathedral across the street. Free breakfast and Wi-Fi are great perks, but larger hotels nearby offer more amenities.

The Hotel Brunelleschi is a historic boutique property that's on the higher end of the price scale -- for good reason. The 95 rooms are of average size by Florence standards, and have lovely, classic decor -- wood floors, crisp white linens, wall panel molding, and in suites, four-poster canopy beds (though some rooms have contemporary touches, such as dramatic headboards). The hotel juxtaposes modern design elements such as glass staircases with historic elements such as old stone walls, and houses a private museum displaying ancient Roman artifacts found near the hotel. It's a convenient location for first-time visitors to Florence, just a short walk away from high-end shopping and popular museums, and the train station.

The Hotel Regency is a 35-room luxury boutique with an unpretentious, friendly atmosphere. Elements such as ornate wallpaper, dramatic drapes, and tray ceilings give the rooms old-world charm, but decor varies, and most rooms are in need of updating. The exterior of the hotel looks like a stately residence, and has decorative ironwork. Inside, comfortable couches and rich colors dominate the decor, and there is a lovely private garden where guests can dine. Extras include free Wi-Fi, a free breakfast buffet, free minibar soft drinks, and 24-hour concierge service, but the hotel's location is a bit far from Florence's major sights.

This 16th-century property features a distinguished facade -- and an impressive history to match. Together with the famed Ospedale degli Innocenti building, it forms one of Florence's most stunning Renaissance-era architectural complexes. Beautiful arches and columns make for an impressive exterior and the feeling of grandeur continues inside, with wood-beamed ceilings and parquet floors throughout. Rooms aren't quite luxurious, but do feature antique furnishings, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. The small, plain bathrooms are a bit of a letdown. The hotel's location on the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata puts it close to many tourist sights, but some guests may feel uneasy about the homeless people who linger in this popular square.

The San Gallo Palace is not so much a palace as it is a 56-room, mid-range hotel providing clean, spacious accommodations and some nice perks. A hearty breakfast buffet is served daily and guests have access to free loaner bicycles and a tiny fitness center. Rooms offer marble bathrooms, traditional decor, and hardwood floors, but have a somewhat generic look, as well as low-quality bedding and tube TVs. Visitors seeking a quiet stay should request a room facing the courtyard. The property's close proximity to the convention center may appeal to business travelers, but other visitors may find the location too remote.

This 77-room hotel sits in a quiet locale that's a bit removed from Florence's main attractions. A major draw is the rooftop terrace with small, seasonal pool and bar that overlooks the Tuscan hillsides. The rooms, however, are a mixed bag -- some have a bland look with generic furniture, while others feature bright accent walls and stylish adornments such as gilded mirrors. Flat-screen TVs add a modern touch, but some furnishings are showing signs of wear and tear. Overall, this hotel is a decent value, with perks such as free daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi.