Hotel Savoy, Florence, Italy

The hotel could not be more central - it's on Florence's main square, Piazza della Repubblica.

It's halfway between the Uffizi Gallery and Florence Cathedral. Ponte Vecchio is also a short walk away.

By plane: flights from London to Florence take over 2 hours, after which, it's a 25-minute taxi to the hotel. Nearby parking costs €65 per day. Book flights to Florence.

The hotel was designed by celebrated interior designer (and Rocco Forte family member) Olga Polizzi and Laudemia Pucci (daughter of legendary designer Emilio Pucci). The lobby is jazzy with brightly-coloured furniture contrasting against the white walls. Guest rooms are more classic.

Facilities include restaurant Irene's, a spa treatment suite, a basement gym with Technogym equipment and a yoga/exercise space. The basement lounge is geared to families but there aren't too many other communal spaces to sit in. There's also a small perfumery. Service is efficient and there's a high level of attention to detail.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Gym
• Spa
• Free Wi-Fi

All 80 rooms and suites are elegant and traditional with top quality furniture and sumptuous fabrics. Contemporary touches include tasteful artworks. Most rooms boast views of Piazza della Repubblica. The marble bathrooms are spacious.

Room types: Superior, Premium, Deluxe Rooms; Junior, Deluxe, Family, Repubblica, Artist, Presidential Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, desk, air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi

Irene's bar and bistro restaurant is named after the Forte family patriarch's mother and daughter. Expect buffet and à la carte breakfast options in the morning, and Modern Tuscan specialities throughout the day; the Tuscan bean soup, sage ravioli and caramelised celery was tasty.

Irene: bistro restaurant, Tuscan cuisine. All-day dining, open daily.

Irene Bar: intimate bar with outdoor terrace, handcrafted cocktails and Champagne. Open Mon-Sat, 7am-10:30pm.