In Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy - Explore & Book

"We spent ages looking for small, centrally located hotels in 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. Expect spacious and cleverly designed bedrooms and apartments, gleaming bathrooms with power showers, varnished floors, canopied beds, perhaps even a fresco on the ceiling. Best of all, some rooms have tall windows overlooking the buzzing piazza della Signoria, which is as good a location as you could hope for. No wonder it’s a favourite with the Florentine cognoscenti. Highs Unbeatable location just off Florence’s most central squareYou’ll feel at home within seconds of arrivalRooms and suites have use of a shared kitchen, while the apartments get their own kitchenettesClever 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 noneCompared to ordinary B&Bs, it’s expensiveSome guests may not enjoy the breakfasts at one tableIt’s often full, so book well in advance" - Michael Cullen