Hotel Orto De' Medici, Florence

Hotel Orto De' Medici offers a modern stay on one of Florence's oldest streets. In a city as historic as Florence, everyone's got a story, but Hotel Orto De' Medici has one that no one else does: its garden was once part of Lorenzo Medici's art school, where a teenage Michelangelo learned to sculpt marble. You can admire Michelangelo's work with a 5-minute walk to the Accademia Gallery, home to the David statue, or explore other parts of Florence's history and culture with visits to the Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, all under 20 minutes away on foot.

The hotel's rooms are modern with minimalist design, bright natural light, and basic furniture. Some might find the decor and textiles to be a little outdated, but it's all to evoke a bygone era. Garden views facing the inner courtyard offer a pleasant touch to rooms, or you can book an option with a balcony to take in Florence from the comfort of your own space. Triple and Quadruple Rooms offer multiple beds and are ideal for families or larger parties. Marble bathrooms add an extra bit of personality and include rainfall showers.

The hotel's standout feature is its peaceful courtyard and garden, where you can enjoy fresh-squeezed orange juice and imagine young Michelangelo learning to paint and sculpt in this very spot. The 19th-century dining room, with its frescoes, is a memorable place to have a tasty breakfast, while the terrace overlooking the garden is a relaxing place filled with fragrant herbs and smells.