Grand Hotel Francia E Quirinale

Montecatini is Tuscany’s most famous spa town. With its thermal baths, vast green spaces and Liberty-style architecture, it’s an ideal base from which to explore rural Tuscany. Grand Hotel Francia e Quirinale is a lovely secluded hotel in the heart of the town and it’s packed with charm and character; think beautiful tapestries, ornate statues and pretty gardens, topped off with genuinely warm hospitality. The Giusfredi-Nencini family have owned and managed the hotel for four generations and they’re passionate about sharing their love and knowledge of the region with their guests.

The hotel aims for a ‘zero miles’ approach to create mouth-watering Tuscan dishes. To start the day right, a breakfast of fresh local produce is included each morning. Dining options include the more intimate Sala Ginori restaurant and a plush salon-style lounge bar named after its centrepiece: an 18th-Century Flemish tapestry called The Achilles’ Shield. The outside pool terrace is a highlight – after a day out sightseeing, it’s the perfect place to take a refreshing dip, grab a snack and curl up on a sun lounger.

Rooms range from compact and comfy Classic Rooms to spacious suites with balconies and panoramic views. For the most peaceful stay, bag one of the Prestige Suites, which are located on higher floors and have views over Montecatini to the Tuscan countryside.