Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni

Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni is housed in a pair of historic buildings: The main structure is a restored 13-century fortified tower -- a remnant of the tower houses of medieval Florence -- while many rooms are also housed in the neighboring 19th-century Palazzo Gianfigliazzi. The buildings retain many of their original architectural elements, such as the brown stone facade, turrets, arched windows, and shutters. The hotel is on the upper portion of both the tower and palace, and shares the buildings with offices and private homes. Guests can sip a cocktail and take in superb sunsets and views of the surrounding hills, Arno River, and terra-cotta roofs of the city from the two rooftop terraces. Similar views are on offer through the large windows of the honor bar. Interiors are sophisticated and bright. The elegant breakfast room showcases parquet floors, marble-topped tables, red curtains, and classical art. Palazzo Gianfigliazzi features a living room with Persian rug, mustard-yellow sofa, potted plants, and long wood table topped by flowers. The romantic vibe and stunning views draw plenty of couples, though families and friends pass through as well.

Situated on Via dei Tornabuoni in a pedestrian-only area surrounded by luxury fashion boutiques like Dior, Gucci, Prada, and Cartier, this hotel is the definition of central. The Ponte Santa Trinita bridge and Arno River are a half-block away, and it's a three-minute walk along the river to the famous Ponte Vecchio. Pitti Palace is a five-minute walk across the Arno, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella are also within a five-minute stroll. Featuring Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," the Uffizi Gallery is a six-minute walk from the hotel, while Piazza della Repubblica is five minutes away on foot. The iconic Duomo is a seven-minute walk, and it takes 12 minutes to walk to Santa Maria Novella train station -- an eight-minute cab ride for those with luggage. Home of Michelangelo's "David," the Galleria dell'Accademia is a 15-minute walk or bus ride from the hotel. Florence Airport is 20 minutes away by car.

Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni has 27 upscale rooms divided between the 13th-century tower building and the Gianfigliazzi Palace annex building. Rooms come in come in a variety of configurations that range from classic and compact to more tricked-out units, with hammam steam rooms or wide terraces. There's also a full apartment. Rooms and suites range from 161 to 538 square feet (15 to 50 square meters). The tastefully decorated rooms have a contemporary feel with classical Florentine touches and feature high ceilings, hardwood floors, draperies, and white-linened beds, and original touches like wood-beam ceilings and stone archways. Decor varies and can include antique wardrobes, hand-painted headboards and walls, frescoes, damask patterns, and canopy beds. Dashes of rich colors like orange, gold, turquoise, mint, and azure liven up the rooms and keep them bright, a feat helped by the large windows that let in plenty of natural light and open to fresh air. Many rooms have views of the Arno River or the Duomo. All rooms come with air-conditioning, safes, minibars, slippers, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. Some rooms do not have desks, and there are no coffeemakers (but coffee and tea are available in the hotel's honor bar). Higher category rooms feature perks like sofa beds and libraries. The Hammam Suite features a separate wellness area with jetted tub and steam room for two. The multi-bedroom Apartment has a kitchen and living room. Many of the bathrooms are clad in marble, and all are clean and well lighted. All feature makeup mirrors and bidets. Some bathrooms are small, though, with limited counter space around the sink -- several do not have tubs.

As a small and historic city hotel, Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni has few facilities, even when compared with other hotel's in its category. The highlight of the hotel are the rooftop terraces, featuring sweeping views of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio from one terrace and the city, Duomo, and surrounding hills from the other. The terrace is open 24 hours and it also features an honor bar for guests to pour themselves coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails. During the summer a bartender is present, and the bar serves a salad and sandwich menu. Each morning the hotel offers a generous breakfast buffet that's free of charge for all rooms except the Apartment. The spread features scrambled locals produce, eggs, varied meats, breads, pastries and cereal, fresh fruit, specialty coffees, and juices. The hotel also hosts weddings, catered dinners, and receptions. The 24-hour front desk staff can arrange restaurant reservations and tours and give sightseeing advice. The hotel also has a lobby computer, though Wi-Fi is free throughout. Parking is available nearby, but the rates are expensive.