Hotel Monna Lisa by Jamie Dunford Wood

In a less touristy but lively part of Florence's medieval inner city, the small Hotel Monna Lisa is an off the beaten track conversion of a 15th century Florentine Palazzo once belonging to the Neri family (St Filippo Neri was born in room 19 in 1515), which has real character. Original paintings, antiques and wall hangings are scattered throughout the hotel, with works by the neo-classical sculptor Giovanni Dupre, whose family owned the building in the 19th century, mixed with the odd Versace print and reproduction chandelier. Walls are stuccoed and the circular sweeping staircase is classic Florentine in grey stone.

The rooms
Each of the 30 rooms is different, and they come in a variety of décor styles with patterned wall papers, dark antique wood furniture and heavy velvet sofas and chairs, which makes choosing difficult, but this is a hotel for regular guests who fall in love with the place. Many rooms have original high coffered ceilings and Florentine mirrors, and most are spacious. Superior rooms are the ones to choose - they cost little extra. The ground floor is split into a number of delightful reception rooms and areas leading off from one another, each providing quiet reading or writing spaces and stuffed with hidden treasures. At the back they lead to a courtyard Italianate garden, jasmine scented. Geraniums in pots overspill into the building.