Antica Torre Tornabuoni 1, Florence, Italy

A stone's throw from the river and Ponte Santa Trinita, on fashionable Via de' Tornabuoni, the hotel has one of the city's prime addresses. Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signora are less than a five-minute walk. As the hotel is on the upper floors, people and traffic noise is reduced, and rooms benefit from city and river views. The main railway station is 15 minutes' walk away. Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signora (with the Uffizi gallery) and Palazzo Vecchio (town hall) are less than five minutes while Via de' Turnobuoni's high-fashion shops are within stepping distance.

By plane: there are direct flights to Florence Airport from London (2 hours 5 minutes), Manchester (4 hours 25 minutes), Edinburgh (4 hours 55 minutes). The hotel is a 25-minute drive from the airport. Book flights to Florence.

Occupying the upper floors of two adjoining stone-built palazzi - 13th century and 17th century - the hotel has an old-fashioned elegance with its ironwork balustraded stone staircase, marble-topped console tables, parquet floors and hand-painted walls. The furniture is classy but uncluttered and large potted ferns add an intimate homely touch.

Apart from the kind and helpful staff - who can arrange walking tours and after-hours museum visits - the treats of this hotel are the two rooftop terraces; one looking to the Duomo, the other overlooking the river. With loungers, tables and chairs, and an awning for cooler days, you can dine, drink or relax up here. A lounge and bar are also available if the weather is chilly.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Lounge
• Two roof terraces
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Spread across the upper floors (lift available) of the two palazzi, the 24 rooms and suites are generous in size and all have views either over the river or the Florentine skyline, including the Duomo. Elegant with parquet floors, oriental rugs, hand-painted walls and a scattering of antiques, they feel light and uncluttered. Bathrooms are grandly traditional in marble.

Room types: Classic, Deluxe, Grand Deluxe, Suites, Apartment

Key amenities: double bed, marble ensuite bathroom, free Wi-Fi

A short-choice, daily changing dinner of seasonal classics, such as spaghetti carbonara and steak tagliata, is available plus freshly made light snacks (mixed crostini, salads, tramezzini) are served throughout the day. Breakfast is a spectacular spread of fruit salads, yoghurts, cheeses, cured meats, focaccia bread, bruschetta and cakes.

Restaurant The Tower: locally-sourced produce, formal fine dining.

Panoramic Bar: romantic, stunning views of the cityscape.