"Perched at Piazza della Repubblica, I felt the hotel's long artistic legacy as a pied-à-terre for visiting artists and literati that stretches back to the 1880s; its original Italianate splendor—jacquard-covered walls, crystal chandeliers, parquet floors and wrought-iron canopy beds—has been meticulously refurbished (with help from Florence’s Antico Setificio) while a newer Bristol Wing added in 2019 offers more contemporary rooms. A small spa built atop the discovered remains of Roman baths provides a quietly restorative retreat in the low season, and a ground-floor branch of Cibrèo serves some of the most delectable food in town. Room rates can be as low as €360 in quieter months (winter rates may drop by over €600) but can soar past €1,000 at peak times." - Laura Rysman