HOTEL HERMITAGE, Florence

The hotel sits on a small square beside the Ponte Vecchio, putting the Uffizi, Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and the entire historic centre within easy walking distance. The area is lively but the hotel's setback location offers a relatively quiet base. Peretola Airport is a 20-minute taxi ride or 40 minutes by public transport. Dozens of restaurants, gelaterias and cafés are within 0.3km. If driving, note that the historic centre has limited traffic zones (ZTL); the hotel can arrange parking permits for a nearby garage.

Rooms measure approximately 16m2 and feature parquet floors, a safe, and daily complimentary water. Not all rooms have been renovated, and some bathrooms are compact with dated fittings. Rooms on the 4th floor (especially below the 5th-floor restaurant and kitchen) can experience noise from cooking and late-night activity until around 1am. Street-facing rooms may also pick up traffic and pedestrian noise. The shower in some units is small; a few rooms have mould on grout. Windows are single-glazed, and if opened can let in mosquitoes. A 24-hour bar service is available for drinks but no kettle or minibar is provided in the room.

Breakfast includes breads, pastries, cappuccino, fresh fruit and yoghurt, and is served in a charming room with panoramic city views; in warm weather the terrace is used. The rooftop restaurant, run by Osteria delle tre panche, is open for lunch, dinner, high tea and cocktail hour, specialising in Tuscan and truffle dishes. The fixed-price dinner menu is not cheap but the food and views are highly regarded. In-room breakfast and a bar service are also available.

The hotel's 5th-floor lounge is furnished with comfortable seating and coffee-table books, offering a quiet spot to read or enjoy the panorama. The rooftop terrace (shared with the restaurant) is accessible for drinks or simply taking in the view, though it is essentially part of the dining venue. Bike tours and walking tours can be arranged for an additional charge. Board games are available on request.

The 24-hour front desk can assist with tour bookings, taxi arrangements and concierge services. A safety deposit box, CCTV and 24-hour security are in place. Laundry, dry cleaning and ironing are available at an additional charge. The hotel offers a paid shuttle service. Parking is at a nearby garage (€40/day, reservation required); no EV charging is available. Cots can be provided free of charge. The lift serves all floors but is reached from street level via 15 steps - staff can help with luggage. Non-smoking throughout.