Grand Hotel Minerva, Florence, Italy

You're within walking distance of most of Florence's key sights, as well as the central market and designer boutiques of Via Tornabuoni.

The hotel is located on pedestrianised Piazza Santa Maria Novella, as is the city's train station.

By plane: London to Florence takes over 2 hours, after which, it's a 20-minute drive to the hotel. Paid parking available nearby. Book flights to Florence.

The hotel's style varies between the 18th Century (with frescoes on the first floor) and the 1950s (when it was redesigned by renowned architect Carlo Scarpa). The open lobby area leads to the restaurant, bar, breakfast room, lounges and atrium garden.

Staff are passionate about the hotel and location and will ensure you make the most of your stay. Facilities include a rooftop pool with bar - offering 360-degree views - a small gym and caldarium with a warm pool.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms and suites have views of the inner courtyard, rooftops or piazza - they're spread over five floors. The décor is either neutral with retro accents or bold, using greens and reds. Some beds are four poster. The marble bathrooms are spacious.

Room types: Premium, Deluxe Double, Romantic Room, Frescoed Suite, Romantic Suite, Duplex Suite, Junior Suite, Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, minibar, safe, air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi

Breakfast is served in a separate dining room to La Buona Novella - an innovative menu of creative Florentine cuisine. The six course tasting menu with wine pairings is the best way to experience chef Calonaci's cuisine. For snacks and drinks, head to La Terrazza pool bar on the rooftop terrace.

La Buona Novella: Italian fine dining, open daily for lunch and dinner. Tasting menu from €80.

La Terrazza: pool bar, grill restaurant and light bites. Open seasonally, 11am-midnight.