St. Regis Florence

The St. Regis (formerly the Grand Hotel) is one of the oldest and most glamorous of Florence’s historic hotels. The hotel has been updated with stylish, modern touches, but has managed to retain its old-world atmosphere with its frescoed ballroom and original antiques.

Renaissance-style rooms have hand-carved, canopied beds; around half have views over the Arno River (the rest have less spectacular city views). Specify when you book.

The hotel is a ten-minute walk west of the city centre facing the Arno river on one side and a pleasant piazza along another. It’s expensive but the service is top-notch and includes private butlers.