Hotel Hermitage

The Hotel Hermitage is a small, characteristic hotel housed in a 13th-century palazzo with breathtaking views over the city’s most famous monuments. The location could not be more central—on a small street between the Uffizzi Gallery and the River Arno. The fifth-floor reception area looking out to the Ponte Vecchio bridge has a cozy living-room feeling with selected antique pieces, Oriental rugs, and corner fireplace. Across the hall is the veranda-like breakfast room dotted with crisp yellow tablecloths and topped with fresh flowers where privileged guests view the tower of Palazzo Signoria. Color-coordinated, air-conditioned rooms, some quite small, others with hydro-jet baths, have scattered antiques, framed etchings of the city, and more views. However, the highlight of a stay at the Hermitage is spending time dreaming on the intimate rooftop terrace. The view embraces not only the previously mentioned marvels of Florence, but also the famous dome of the Duomo cathedral and Giotto’s tower. Guests are served a basic continental breakfast under the ivy-covered pergola and among the many flower-laden vases lining its borders. Reserve well in advance.