Palazzo Castri 1874 Spa & Garden

Folded into a 19th-century palazzo on Piazza Indipendenza, this four-star property sits in Florence's San Lorenzo quarter — roughly 800m north of the Duomo and a 12-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station, suited to travellers who want historic-centre access without the noisiest tourist corridors.

Two pools anchor the garden, unusually generous for a city property of this scale. The spa adds further separation from the street, making this a practical choice for couples combining sightseeing with rest days.

The palazzo dates to 1874, and the building's original facades and courtyard proportions remain largely intact. Private parking on-site removes the usual Florence car-storage headache; the restaurant and bar mean guests rarely need to leave the grounds after dark.