Grand Hotel Minerva

This conveniently located 4-star hotel offers smart, comfortable modern rooms (many of which have views over historic piazza Santa Maria Novella and its eponymous church), good service and – the USP – a rooftop pool and bar which is an unbeatable spot for sunset cocktails.

Once a pilgrims’ hospice, it was overhauled in the 1950s by famous Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa, and the interiors are inspired by that era.

The hotel is a good all-rounder, popular with tourists and business folk and welcomes families.

The hotel is located a few minutes’ walk from Santa Maria Novella train station and the tram stop for the airport; the mian sights are all within a 10-15 minute walk.