Palazzo di Camugliano, Florence

• Stay in a converted 16th-century palazzo, once owned by a contemporary of Cosimo de' Medici. 
• The location feels quiet but central, with the riverside and Piazza di Santa Maria Novella within a 4-minute walk, and the Uffizi and the Duomo reachable in under 10.
• Choose between 13 unique rooms, including "Baldacchino Rosso," a converted ballroom with a deep crimson palette and a four-poster bed, and "Camera delle Stelle," the former chapel featuring a soaring midnight-blue ceiling dotted with gold stars.
• An included breakfast is served in the "hanging gardens" (invisible from the street below), or under ornate frescoes in the grand dining room.

• There are stairs to access the property, so this isn't a good fit for guests with limited mobility. 

Authenticity

Villa di Camugliano is named for the Marchesi Niccolini di Camugliano, who bought the 16th-century palazzo in the early 1800s. His descendants still own the property, and they oversaw the careful renovations that converted it into a luxurious boutique hotel. The original details here are remarkable (including frescoed ceilings, ornate moldings, terrazzo marble floors, and carved fireplaces), and rooms are dotted with family heirlooms and antique furnishings. Look out for the many artworks that portray the dynasty over the centuries, including a 15th-century portrait of Cardinal Agnolo Niccolini, the right-hand man to the powerful Cosimo de' Medici.

Location

The former nobleman's palace overlooks the Via Del Moro, just around the corner from the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and a 10-minute walk from the city's main train station. It's an ideal location for sightseeing: far enough from the center to avoid the crowds, but within an easy 10-minute stroll of Florence landmarks like the Uffizi, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio. The right bank of the Arno is a 4-minute walk south, where the Ponte Santa Trinita leads to the bars and restaurants of hip Oltrarno. The airport is a quick 20-minute drive or taxi ride away, and paid private parking is available on-site or in nearby lots.

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are just 13 air-conditioned bedrooms within the renovated palazzo, all with unique layouts and dazzling original details. Deluxe rooms blend modern touches with historic features; if you want the ultimate Renaissance experience, book one of the Prestige or Suite options, which feel the grandest with ornate carved molding, hand-painted frescoes, and vaulted ceilings. All rooms include king beds (with high-quality linens and feather duvets) and spacious marble bathrooms (with deep soaking tubs or hydrotherapy baths). Larger groups or those staying for an extended period can book one of two apartments on the second floor, each complete with a kitchenette.

Amenities

You won't find standard amenities like a gym or pool at this historic, boutique hotel, but the secluded "hanging garden" is a standout feature, with shaded seating, lanterns, and an evening aperitivi hour (where guests can sip a glass of Prosecco from the  Niccolini family's country estate). Breakfast is also served here in warm weather, with an a la carte menu of eggs, homemade cakes and pastries, and fresh fruit. There are several other inviting living areas and common spaces open to guests, as well as a buffet room, where complimentary juices, fruit, herbal teas, and homemade cakes are available throughout the day.

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome at Palazzo di Camugliano. The apartments are the best fit for families, sleeping up to four, and suites offer adjoining options for larger groups. Extra beds can be added to some rooms at an additional cost, and baby cots are free of charge.