Best Value Hotels in Tuscany

Once an 18th-century hospital, the four-pearl Palazzo San Lorenzo is now a refined, relaxing hotel that enhances its original space with contemporary touches. The 48 guest rooms are bright and sophisticated, with comfortable beds framed by leather headboards, separate seating areas, and luxurious bathrooms. The Palazzo has a full-service luxury spa with an indoor hydromassage pool, a sauna, rainfall showers, and various treatments. There's also a restaurant, a breakfast room, and a bar that is accessible to non-guests. The property is located in the quiet town of Colle Val D'Elsa, within driving distance of both Siena and Florence. Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking along with low rates make the Palazzo San Lorenzo an excellent value -- though there is a pesky charge to use the swimming pool. 

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 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.

Inside the historic walls of Siena, the 100-room Hotel Athena is a classic, upscale property. A rooftop terrace overlooks the historic buildings of the area and has a bar serving cocktails and snacks. There is a free breakfast buffet with hot and cold items and an elegant restaurant serving regional cuisine. The hotel is less than a 10-minute walk to the busy Piazza del Campo. There's no pool or fitness center at the hotel, but rooms are simple and clean and have free Wi-Fi. 

The 20-room, budget Hotel Perugina is a family-run inn in the spa village of Chianciano, which offers few frills but tons of personal attention, and serves as an excellent base for exploring Tuscany. Built in the '60s, but renovated in recent years, rooms and public areas are basic. Special touches, however, like the free buffet breakfast and discounts at Ristorante Patri, a superb restaurant under the same ownership, give the Perugina a homey feel. The hotel is a standout value in Chianciano.

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, whileRenaissance-style paintings adorn dark, atmospheric hallways. The design elements are definitely distinctive and add trendy appeal. Just note that the hotel is a bit removed from the tourist heart of the city -- but it's still possible to walk to popular sights in around 20 minutes.

With a contemporary and arty style resulting from its 2008 renovation, some may think Hotel Miramare is beyond its three-star category. Located across from one of Italy's best beaches in the center of a small sea village, guests won't come across much English being spoken and can experience a real slice of Italian beach life. Some of the hotel's 23 contemporary rooms also have a small terrace overlooking the sea. With multiple meal options available as well, this is an ideal hotel for couples and families.

The old-fashioned, family-run, 27-room Hotel Alessandra has a great location on a pedestrian-only street a short walk from Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery. A friendly staff and helpful concierge contribute to the warm atmosphere and are happy to make reservations for sites and tours. There’s a large staircase and tiny lift up to the reception area, which the hotel staff freely admits is a drawback for some, but overall the Hotel Alessandra provides a good value for fit travelers in a prime location.

The Hotel Palazzo Ravizza is an upper-middle-range hotel in the center of Siena that was built in the 19th-century as a family residence. The hotel has a private parking lot on-site, a rarity in the area. There’s a small bar and a tasty breakfast is included. The 37 rooms are furnished to reflect a 1920s' style, and they're plenty charming, with details such as wood-beam ceilings, chandeliers, and antique furnishings, but some are showing a bit of wear. Guests recommend paying extra to stay in the rooms with the gorgeous views of the Italian hillside. There's no restaurant on-site, but the nearby Hotel Athena has modern rooms, a rooftop bar, and a full restaurant.

This 77-room hotel sits in a quiet locale that's a bit removed from Florence's main attractions. A major draw is therooftop 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.

A 20-minute drive outside of Siena, Hotel Garden is a classic 125-room hotel surrounded by lush garden grounds with roses, pine trees, and stone paths. There’s a large outdoor pool in a grassy lawn, as well as a tennis court (but no fitness center). The restaurant serves regional cuisine on a beautiful terrace as well as in a dining room with wrap-around windows offering views of Siena. The outdoor areas of the hotel are beautiful, but the indoor spaces are in need of a revamp. The lobby feels dated and bedspreads and curtains in some rooms are in need of an upgrade. 

This B&B offers a great location just 21 yards from the Duomo cathedral (with lovely views of this gorgeous landmark from some rooms) and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and museums. Checkered fabrics and classic Italian furniture make for an authentic old-world vibe, but guests who seek luxury touches will be disappointed (think tube TVs and tiny showers). Rooms feature pretty parquet floors, stocked mini-fridges, and work desks, but little else. The cheapest rooms are especially no-frills, with shared bathrooms and no air-conditioning. Free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and free coffee add up to a good value, but the property is short on amenities.