One of Florence's iconic hotels, The St. Regis oozes elegance and old-world charm. Housed in a historic palace designed by Filippo Brunelleschi of Duomo fame, the hotel evokes the city's artistic splendor in its magnificent interiors. Guest rooms and public spaces are bedecked with elements like coffered ceilings, gilt mirrors, frescoes, and chandeliers. In-room amenities include big flat-screen TVs, Bose stereos with iPod docks, ultra-comfy beds, and marble bathrooms. The St. Regis prides itself on its impeccable service standards and features multilingual concierge staff, plus butler service for suites. Property facilities include a superb Tuscan restaurant and small day spa. Situated in an elegant area on the north bank of the Arno, the hotel is within a 10-minute stroll of the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, Santa Maria Novella train station, and Ponte Vecchio Bridge.

In the 500-year-old Palazzo della Gherardesca, the 116-room Four Seasons is one of Florence’s most luxurious hotels, combining Renaissance-era opulence with signature Four Seasons service. Guests get exclusive access to the 11-acre Giardino della Gherardesca, one of the city’s largest private gardens, along with three restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Rooms and suites range from large and comfortable to huge and palatial. A former convent across the park has 36 guest rooms that provide a more private stay. It’s definitely a splurge, and the best that Florence has to offer for those who aren't worried about price.

One of the Maremma region's classiest hotels, the luxurious Il Pellicano has refined classic Tuscan style and a gorgeous green hillside location. The hotel's 50 spacious rooms have a contemporary, understated decor, and additional privacy can be found in the few detached cottages. Opened as the product of a personal love story, Il Pellicano is ideal for affluent couples seeking romance and tranquility loaded with luxury. Everything here is top-level, including a restaurant with two Michelin Stars, wellness center, state-of-the-art gym, and beautiful private beach area overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Golden Tower Hotel is a luxury boutique renowned for its decadent touches and prime location. A blend of contemporary Italian furnishings, sumptuous fabrics, and rustic architectural details create a vibe that is opulent without being too stuffy. Swanky guest rooms offer flat-screen TVs, cozy beds, and sparkling marble bathrooms. The posh vibe extends to the Golden Spa with its specially lighted whirlpools. The hotel's location is another big draw, as it is close to everything from high-end shopping to popular tourist sights.

A luxury hotel with history and style just south of the center of Florence, the Villa Cora was built in the late 1860s by Baron Oppenheim, a German financier, and was restored in 2010. It is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux fellowship of hotels and restaurants. With a unique heated outdoor pool and a subterranean spa, the special property is a good spot for both relaxation and sightseeing. Those who are up for it can walk a little more than a mile and a half to attractions in the center of Florence, including the Duomo, but the hotel also offers a free shuttle. The hotel provides a fairly good value for its class and amenities.

With a seemingly never-ending array of treatments and health-related services, Fonteverde Tuscan Resort & Spa can just as well be considered an overnight wellness center. Its status as an iconic luxury property is well-earned considering its large, 80 elegantly styled rooms, on-site gourmet dining choices, and 180-degree Tuscan valley view. The hotel's somewhat remote location and access to indulgence make it easy to see why many socially elite and well-discerning guests return again and again. There isn't much to do in the area, as the Fonteverde itself is the destination.

This converted 12th-century mansion in a beautiful square on the banks the River Arno is one of the more historic hotels in the center of Florence. Some of the 171 elegant, luxurious rooms, including one that’s a favorite of actress Sophia Loren, overlook the river and have private balconies. The sixth-floor restaurant has stunning 360-degree views of the city and river. The decor blends classic, historical touches with modern sophistication. Just note that there is no spa, which some guests may expect at a hotel of this category.

This 102-room hotel is known for personalized service and contemporary style. Neutral tones and tasteful fabrics create an elegant look, and are livened up by colorful artwork throughout. The attached L'Incontro Bar and Restaurant features a renowned Tuscan menu created by Michelin-starred Chef Fulvio Pierangelini and a chic dining room that spills out onto the piazza during summer months. The hotel's central location is a major draw, and mostguest rooms offer spectacular views. Those facing front look out onto the piazza, which makes for a pretty vista, but a bit of noise. Rooms in the rear overlook the stunning Duomo -- even the fitness center has lovely views from its top-floor perch. Such beauty comes at a premium, however, as rates at this luxury hotel are steep. And unlike at the Golden Tower Hotel, there is no spa.

This 12-room Renaissance-era palace just south of the Arno River preserves the atmosphere of living in an ancient private residence. The five-pearl property features a dozen large suites with original architectural features and antiques. Prices are on par with similar historic properties farther away from the city center, such as the Grand Hotel Villa Cora. Though there are plenty of places to eat in the neighborhood, one downside is that the hotel doesn't have a restaurant.

This updated 15th-century villa, located on top of a hill just two miles north of Florence, offers five-pearl luxury in a stunning setting. There are beautiful views of Florence and the Tuscan countryside from many rooms, and 19th-century frescoes and antique furnishings. The food from chef Carmine Calò gets high marks. This Renaissance-era property is a splurge.

Part of a small luxury hotel chain originating in the Italian Alps, the Adler Thermae Spa and Relax Resort is a relaxing retreat nestled in a small thermal village in the Siena countryside. This resort makes the most of its natural setting, offering indoor and outdoor thermal pools and serving locally-grown food, but its modern decor sets it apart from other properties in Tuscany; some like the sleek look, while others wish it were more authentic. Rooms are spacious and offer soaking tubs in modern bathrooms and scenic balconies. There are all sorts of amenities for a relaxing or active escape, with miles of hiking and biking trails, along with bike rentals, and a kid’s club with supervised activities for children.

This luxury hotel is set in a former medieval village with a rich history. Originally built in the 11th century as a monastery, it later became a castle and residence for the noble Chigi family. The hotel has been updated with modern amenities and sophisticated decor, and provides a relaxed, chic setting. The 74 guest rooms are dispersed throughout the different buildings and chock-full of charming historical touches. Surrounded by vineyards and the beautiful Tuscan countryside, the hotel is isolated, but there are many amenities at the hotel to keep guests occupied, such as a full-service spa, a Gordan Ramsey restaurant, a fitness center, and two outdoor pools.