What it is

A glam 13th century palazzo remade as an art-stocked 97-room hotel with a rooftop pool and bar, buzzing restaurant and breakfast overlooking a Japanese garden.

What it isn't

Missing out on wellness and spa services. You’ll find a private caldarium (hot bath inspired by ancient Rome) available for bookings, as well as a high-tech gym with expansive windows overlooking the city.

What we think

There is art everywhere you look at Grand Hotel Minerva, and it comes from generations old and new—from ancient frescoes on the ceiling to the streamlined Midcentury design of modernist architect Carlo Scarpa. Guest rooms are every bit as cinematic, beginning with the 220 square foot Premium rooms, which have courtyard views and Italian wide oak paneled floors, plus high-end Simmons mattresses. But this being fair Firenze, we recommend splurging on an Only-in-Florence option: the 103 Open Space Frescoed Suite, where your 550 square foot floor plan sits under a ceiling hand-painted centuries ago and lit by a dazzling Venetian crystal chandelier. Did we mention the private balcony overlooking Santa Maria Novella? In short: it’s a dream, made real.

You're here because

The rooftop pool is heated and has a show-stopping 360-degree panorama of Florence, with a bar beside it that has perfected the Negroni. Bliss.

The Moment

You’re famished from a day of exploring, and thankfully, the hotel’s La Buona Novella restaurant is exactly what you fantasized about when you booked this trip: airy and artful. Your dinner order? A salad of just-plucked greens, asparagus and grapefruit; homemade pappardelle with beef ragout; and tiramisù. “When in Florence,” as they say.

Restaurants & Bars

La Buona Novella - bistrot offering lunch and dinner serving classic Florentine and Mediterranean dishes with a contemporary twist

Bistrot Al Fresco - outdoor terrace dining at La Buona Novella, open April to October

Il Chiostro - offers daily buffet breakfast

Bistrot Bar - offers coffee, cappuccino, sodas, snacks, aperitifs, and cocktails

The Rooftop Bar - rooftop pool bar offering cocktails and snacks, open May to September

Sky Lounge - private terrace area for events up to 20 people

Location

Fronting Florence’s iconic Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, a block from the Museo Novecento modern art museum. Amerigo Vespucci Airport is 21 minutes away.