Hotel Hermitage

Hotel Hermitage is a small, characterful hotel of 26 rooms tucked away in a quiet lane of Florence's historic centre, right beside the Ponte Vecchio and the Vasari Corridor. The Uffizi Gallery is about 200 metres away, and Palazzo Pitti, Piazza della Signoria, the Boboli Gardens and the shopping streets of Via de' Tornabuoni and Via della Vigna Nuova are all an easy walk.

Born as a residence for British travellers, it keeps a home-from-home feel: a wood-panelled lounge with fireplace and art books, an honesty bar and an eclectic decor of antiques, palms, patterned wallpapers and exotic touches. The recently refurbished rooms have parquet floors, air conditioning, satellite TV, a safe and a private bathroom; some look straight out over the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio.

The highlight is the rooftop garden, with sweeping views of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and the Oltrarno hills: breakfast is served up here in the warmer months, and the Osteria delle Tre Panche restaurant offers lunch and dinner with a view. A 24-hour front desk, concierge, free Wi-Fi and help with guided tours and excursions round off the stay. Pets are welcome on request at no extra charge.