Relais Santa Croce

Elegance and class abound at Relais Santa Croce, a stately 24-room luxury establishment that’s part of the exclusive Italian group Baglioni Hotels. Set in a historic 18th-century palazzo once inhabited by the pope's treasurer, the hotel's prestigious legacy is carried through to the present day. Preserved original architecture complete with gorgeous period features sets a classical tone that’s accented with modern touches: loud pops of color in reception are the result of a recent refreshing. The breathtaking music room - a distinguished space with gorgeous frescoed ceilings and intricate sculpting -- is beautiful and especially charming when the fire is roaring in the winter. Soft lounge music sets a relaxed tone, and evenings in the music room are particularly romantic, attracting mature couples and occasional families from the U.S., U.K., and Western Europe. It is worth noting that, when compared to public spaces, lower category rooms are somewhat lackluster, with an absence of the extra luxury comforts one might expect from the Baglioni brand. As such, the hotel can come across as a slightly mixed bag.

Relais Santa Croce is located on the far east side of Florence’s historic city center, on a quieter street above a popular Michelin-star restaurant (with which it shares its entrance and foyer). The closest attraction -- a mere two-minute stroll -- is the Basilica of Santa Croce, the burial site of some of the Italian Renaissance’s most central figures including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. It’s a 10-minute walk to both the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, with the historic Ponte Vecchio just a few minutes farther. High-end shopping on Tornabuoni Street is a 12-minute walk, and the main train station is 20 minutes away on foot. Expect drives to Florence's airport to take 20 minutes.

Rooms at Relais Santa Croce are a mixed bag when it comes to style and quality. Lower-category rooms are simple, with leather furniture and bare walls that feel somewhat lackluster by Baglioni brand standards. However, as you move up in categories, the rooms embrace the hotel's classic charms alongside fresh, modern accents. Expect details like soaring coffered ceilings, herringbone hardwood floors, and historically inspired prints on the walls. Standard amenities include electric kettles, minibars, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, delicious welcome treats from the chef, and free Wi-Fi. Absence of other luxury comforts such as pillow menus, high thread count bed linens, and even free bottled spring water may detract from the feeling of a luxury stay. However, espresso machines are offered in the suites.

Other details are well thought out, however, including large wardrobes and luxuriously large bathrooms in most rooms -- some with separate tubs and showers. Suites come feature separate living areas, while the Presidential Suite and Royal Suite (which once hosted Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie) are spectacular spaces with gorgeous frescoed ceilings.

Compared to other city center hotels in Florence, which often provide extremely limited features, the Relais Santa Croce has a nice selection of on-site amenities. The music room is the hotel’s prize feature, and is a stunning space with elegant high ceilings and intricately sculpted frescos. It hosts a daily free afternoon tea accompanied by live piano music, along with weekly live performances that are free for guests and open to the public. The handsome bar also serves a menu of light bites, while the classically-styled restaurant offers a modern interpretation of traditional Tuscan and Italian fare. The decent breakfast buffet is also served here, and includes hot options. Keep in mind that a Michelin-starred restaurant, Enoteca Pinchiorri, also shares the building, though isn't owned by the hotel. A rotating exhibition of current Tuscan art exposes guests to the local present-day culture. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout, and paid valet parking service in partnership with a local garage is available at a somewhat inflated fee.