Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1

"Set the scene for us—what's this place like? Tornabuoni is a medieval tower in the very heart of Florence, within five minutes' walking distance of the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. Nice. Who are you likely to see staying here? Savvy travel couples, and girlfriend getaways. How's the arrival process? Check-in is easy and personal, and the tech features are great. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. Renovated rooms give classical Tuscan design an update without abandoning tradition. You'll find hand-painted walls, restored parquet floors, rich pops of color, lovely brocades, modern four-poster beds, and, perhaps best of all, great views. Keep going—what else stands out among the amenities? The Wi-Fi is free; amenities include organic beauty products by Osme. Another fun perk: Rooms have DVD players; you can borrow DVDs from the reception desk. That's fun! How about the food—any good options on site? Buffet breakfast is served on the sixth-floor terrace, which has a gorgeous view, and includes the usual—cereal, yogurt, fruit, pastries—plus grilled vegetables, quiches, eggs, and bruschetta. The Tower, the hotel's restaurant, is a popular spot for destination weddings. What else stands out about the hotel? This hotel offers incredible views over one of Italy's most picturesque cities. Bottom line: Why would you recommend this hotel? The view alone is worth it, but the top-quality service and style are an added bonus." - Erica Firpo