Hotel Palazzo Benci

In its prime location in a busy piazza, mere steps from the San Lorenzo Market, the three-star Hotel Palazzo Benci is a splurge-worthy little treat of a hotel.

The hotel’s 35 mid-sized, recently renovated rooms come in pleasant shades of beige with pops of yellow or red and clean-cut, basic furniture. While the lobby and garden are bright and light-filled, rooms are more simple, but with all the standard amenities, including air conditioning, a minibar, flat-screen TV and telephone. Bathrooms feature sparkling clean tiles. Some even have bathtubs, a big plus after days of shuttling across cobblestones.

The Hotel Palazzo Benci is housed in a 16th-century mansion that's been nicely restored. A fancy, marble-floored lobby and art deco bar and lounge set a glamorous first impression, as does the professional staff.

The inner garden is hands down, the best thing this three-star has going for it. It's a green oasis of lush tranquility, in a super-central and thus highly traveled hood.

Continental breakfast is usually included in the room rate (check when booking). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.