Hotel Brunelleschi occupies two ancient Florentine structures - the Byzantine Pagliazza tower and the Medieval church of San Michele in Palchetto. Interiors are one-of-a-kind, all exposed stone and arched doorways played off against luxury retro decor. Just a stroll from the Duomo, the location can't be beaten either.

The facilities

Santa Elisabetta restaurant is sectioned up the Byzantine tower - meals from the regional menu can be taken in the tower lounge, liberty lounge or in the roof garden. Head to the American Bar for a cocktail afterwards. Elsewhere, business types are well catered for with private meeting rooms, and everyone can make use of the exercise equipment in the compact gym.

Those impressed by Brunelleschi's architecture can check out the private museum, also in the tower. On display are artefacts found during the site's restoration, including remains from a Roman bathhouse.

The rooms

Of the 96 rooms, grab one overlooking the Duomo for that proper Florentine wake-up view. Two Executive Suites have Jacuzzis, and a selection of rooms have access to high speed internet connections (please request on reservation).