"Ad Astra feels like a little-known Florentine secret: a gorgeous private apartment on the first floor of an aristocratic urban villa just 10 minutes from the Ponte Vecchio. Expect lavish flourishes and 21st-century design. Individually decorated rooms feature classic elements with contemporary touches: original molding with rich accent colors, Italian furniture (midcentury to the '70s), artisanal lighting and woodwork, and framed art hand picked by the owners (from Pucci scarves to original prints). A breakfast buffet includes local products; enjoy it in the luminous salon or out on the terrace, which offers views of the delightful Torrigiani gardens. The lounge has complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day; there's also an honesty bar with wines and spirits. This oasis in the middle of Florence is a worthy stay, especially in the hotter months when hordes of tourists clutter the streets." - Nicky Swallow, Erica Firpo
