J K Place Firenze

Rooms

The 20 rooms are spread over the 3 upper floors, reached by a well-concealed elevator or a broad, winding stairwell. They vary in size and layout, but all share the same soothing, neutral décor: thick cream curtains, grey carpets, soft abstracts on the walls, chrome lamps and glass table tops. In case that makes it sound dull, I should add that the effect is very stylish.

They also share the same basic equipment: flat-screen satellite TVs, DVD / CD players, WiFi, minibars with complimentary soft drinks. And, in the bathrooms, large shower heads, heated towel rails, shaving mirrors, fluffy towels, robes and slippers. All in all, it’s a cosseting experience - just what you need after a hard day’s sightseeing or shopping.

We were lucky enough to stay in one of the top-of-the-pile Master Rooms, a magnificent space (50 sq.m) immediately above the entrance, with 3 tall windows and a small balcony over the piazza. At one end sat a four-poster bed, at the other a sofa, armchairs and coffee table, while a crystal chandelier overhead set off the modern table lamps.

The duplex Penthouse Suite is on the top (fourth) floor, with a spacious and panoramic bathroom and private terrace upstairs, and a darker (but more private) bedroom downstairs. It overlooks the rooftop bar, which may cause some noise, but the views over Florence’s rooftops to the Duomo are superb. Also split-level is the Duplex Junior Suite, which has a small sitting area and toilet downstairs, and a double bedroom and main bathroom upstairs - perfect for a couple with a child. Most of the other suites look onto the inner courtyard, but are equally spacious.

Of the Deluxe Rooms, #21 is large enough for 3 people and overlooks the piazza, while #20 has a large bathroom with a tub. The remainder are smaller (35 sq.m) with views onto the inner courtyard. The Superior and Classic Rooms are smaller still (25-30 sq.m), with limited views and/or access via the gallery-landing. Some are what you would call cosy (Superior #18, Classic #19), and some are just the wrong side of cosy (Superior #16). But all are fully equipped for a pampering shower and a good night’s sleep, which is what matters.