In Piazza della Signoria

Smartly intimate B&B in the heart of Florence, run by friendly young Italian couple

We spent ages looking for small, young, reasonably-priced hotels in central Florence before realising that the best of them aren’t classified as hotels at all, but as B&Bs. Forget any preconceptions you may have of fusty spare rooms and greasy English breakfasts – this is B&B Italian-style! Instead of grumpy Mrs Grimblebottom, you get a go-ahead young couple called Alessandro and Sonia, who interrupt their French lesson to welcome you home with a broad ‘ciao’, a kiss and a glass of red wine. And you start the day with fresh fruit, delicious prosciutto and cheese, herbal teas or Italian-strength coffee, plus a chat and a little map to help you plan your day.

Spacious and cleverly designed bedrooms, gleaming bathrooms with power showers, varnished floors, mosaics on the walls, frescoes on the ceiling, tall windows overlooking the buzzing piazza della Signoria… no wonder it’s a favourite with the fashion crowd and the Florentine cognoscenti.

Highs

• Unbeatable location just off Florence’s most central square
• You’ll feel at home within seconds of arrival
• Choice of apartments with kitchenettes as well as 7 rooms and 1 suite
• Clever layouts, meticulous cleanliness and super bathrooms
• Unsigned entrance with personal swipe-key to make you feel extra privileged

Lows

• It hasn’t got all the facilities of a hotel - but the service is second to none
• Compared to ordinary B&Bs, it’s expensive
• Some guests may not enjoy the breakfasts at one table
• It’s often full so book well in advance