Villa La Massa – Florence

On the banks of the Arno River, this luxe hotel in a grand 16th-century Medici estate is 8 km from both the Duomo di Firenze and the Ponte Vecchio. Featuring marble bathrooms and antique furnishings, the posh Renaissance-inspired rooms offer free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and river views. Suites add separate sitting areas, private gardens and/or additional bedrooms. Room service is available.
A breakfast buffet, parking and a shuttle to the Ponte Vecchio are free. There’s also a refined restaurant with river views, and an elegant bar, plus a gym, a seasonal outdoor pool and a spa. Cooking lessons, horseback riding and wine tastings are offered.