Hotel Review: Hotel La Gemma, Florence

Right in the heart of the Centro Storico, you are just a short stroll from the Piazza Della Republicca in one direction and the Ponte Vecchio in the other. And yet despite its salubrious situation, the entrance is tucked away down a side street and so it feels like slipping into a private member's club.

By plane: flights from London to Florence take over 2 hours. The hotel is a 25-minute drive from the airport. Parking costs €60 per day. Book flights to Florence.

There is something glorious about the design here. With Art Deco exuberance, they have taken the colours of the cathedral marble (white, green and pink) and created lush interiors that feel grown up and elegant. Chequerboard marble tiles are offset by the bronze front of the lobby bar. Plants and art books make it feel like a stylish family home.

You will be hard pushed to find a more welcoming and generous manager than Gianluca Toscano, who welcomes guests here with gusto and warmth and makes you feel part of the family for the duration of your stay. Whether you are in the bar, restaurant or lobby, staff are willing to go the extra mile to make your stay a memorable one.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms continue the dark green and coral colour scheme and feel sophisticated and relaxing. Everything is well-appointed and stylish, with brass light fittings, marble desktops, Marshall bluetooth speakers and Faber espresso machines.

Room types: Signature, Superior, Deluxe, Junior Suite, Loft Suite, Prestige Suite, Two-bedroom Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, desk, living room, mini-bar with free soft drinks, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

Expect sublime modern Tuscan food either served in the bijou internal courtyard or in Luca's restaurant created by Michelin multi-starred chef Paulo Airaudo. At lunch you can order simple salads and burgers, while at night the place transforms into fine dining, with exquisite tasting menus and wine pairings.

Luca's: gourmet restaurant and courtyard, Tuscan cuisine. All-day dining, open daily.