Plaza Lucchesi Hotel

Despite typical neoclassic touches in the Florentine palazzo style, the unassuming facade of the Plaza Lucchesi Hotel is quite easily missed. Dating  back to the 1860s, this landmark hotel is certainly one of the more famous in Florence. Stepping inside the feel is anything but old-fashioned, with an almost minimalist reception area comprising two brushed-brass check-in desks, polished parquet flooring, and a smattering of sofas. The vibe is elegant but laid-back, combining plenty of period touches -- green marble, antique furnishings, and original stained glass windows -- with fresh contemporary styling. A pair of elevators and a white-marble staircase service the hotel's four floors, while a gorgeous rooftop pool and terrace area features superb views of the surrounding attractions including the Ponte Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce church, and the iconic Duomo. 

The hotel is situated on the Lungarno, a busy road that runs along the Arno River, on the east side of central Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is a five-minute walk along the river, and it takes about the same amount of time to reach the Uffuzi Museum. It's about 10 minutes on foot to the Duomo. While all of the city-center attractions are within walking distance, the main Santa Maria Novella train station is a 10- to 15-minute taxi ride. Florence's small Amerigo Vespucci Airport is about half an hour away by car, while the more popular Pisa International Airport takes about an hour to reach. 

The hotel has 87 rooms and 10 suites, all of which are bright and airy with a blend of simple, classical styling with contemporary touches. Amenities include minibars and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, but rooms lack tea/coffee facilities. Many rooms feature views over the river or over the Florentine roofline, some from furnished balconies. Family Rooms and some Suites are spread over two levels, with bed and living rooms on separate floors. Good soundproofing also means traffic is barely audible, and the rooms are relatively spacious by central Florence standards. Bathrooms have brown tile and shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. 

A free buffet breakfast is served in the hotel's elegant but relaxed restaurant, which also serves a mix of traditional Tuscan and international dishes at lunch and dinner. The most impressive feature of the hotel, however, is its seasonal rooftop swimming pool, surrounded by a furnished terrace with a bar and 360-degree views over Florence and its surrounding hills. Private parking is also available for a fee and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.