Athenaeum Personal Hotel - http://www.hotelathenaeumflorence.com
Via Cavour, 88 Firenze, Italy
This newish four star hotel (opened in 2003) has some extra special features which set it apart from other more run of the mill three and four star rivals. It must be one of the few city hotels in the world to have a golf practice area and also boasts some genuinely stylish lighting schemes in the restaurant and patio areas which give it a relaxed yet contemporary feel. Stay here if you want to practice your swing!

Hotel Pierre - http://www.hotelpierreflorence.com
Via De' Lamberti, 5 Firenze, Italy
Set in a former renaissance palace, this hotel occupies a prime location a few minutes walk from all the major sights. It also has a reputation for friendly, helpful staff which I found to be well justified on my last visit. It is advisable to book in advance if you want to secure a room here as it is very popular, particularly in peak season.

Hotel Lorenzo il Magnifico - http://www.hotellorenzoilmagnifico.com
Via Lorenzo Il Magnifico 25, Firenze, Italy
A good solid four star with car parking, handy if you are hiring a car to explore Tuscany. The hotel is located near the historic Fortezza da Basso which is now one of Florence’s main exhibition centres. Best to notify the hotel in advance if you need a car parking space.

Grand Hotel Minerva - http://www.grandhotelminerva.net
Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 16 Firenze, Italy
This excellent hotel is situated overlooking Piazza Santa Maria Novella and Alberti’s world famous church façade. The real highlight of the hotel is the rooftop swimming pool. Sipping a glass of Prosecco after a refreshing dip in the pool and enjoying spectacular views across to the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio is an experience not to be missed. There are also little details which make all the difference, such as a well above normal standard breakfast. Treat yourself to a luxury suite but be sure to book well in advance.

Hotel Londra Palace - http://www.hotellondraflorence.com
Via J. Diacceto, 18 Firenze, Italy
Many of the communal areas of this four star, 166 room hotel were refurbished to a high standard in 2005. It is very close to the main train station and well equipped with the latest facilities for both business traveler and tourist.

Villa Carlotta - http://www.villacarlottaflorence.com
Via Michele di Lando, 3 Firenze,Italy
Not far from Piazzale Michelangelo and its famous views over the city, yet within walking distance of all the central attractions, this is a quintessentially Florentine hotel (four star) set in its own private gardens. Private parking available.

Hotel Raffaello - http://www.hotel-florence-raffaello.com
The Raffaello is a high standard modern four star hotel with an excellent award winning restaurant serving local Tuscan specialties.

Hotel Meridiana - http://www.florence-hotel-meridiana.com/
Viale Don Minzoni, 25, Firenze, Italy
Hotel Meridiana is a excellent choice for the lower-budget 3 star end of the market. Centrally located and offering real value for money, the Meridiana is very popular with younger travellers and has a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. A decent size for a Florence 3 star hotel, with 67 rooms, this hotel also has a fully licenced bar and offers room service 7 am till 11 pm.

Jolly Carlton Hotel - http://www.jollyhotelflorence.com
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 4/a, 50123 Firenze, Italy
From €100 per night.
This 152 room four star hotel is centrally located only a short walk from Florence’s main attractions. It represents excellent value for the price and location. Particularly recommended for business travelers as the hotel has modern conference facilities including 11 break out rooms wi-fi internet access.

Executive Hotel - http://www.hotelexecutiveflorence.com
Via Curtatone, 5, 50123 Firenze, Italy
The four star Executive boasts a range of different rooms from the ‘Grand Ducal’ (complete with four poster bed) through a range of ‘suites’ to the more modest, yet very well presented, standard doubles, which are a steal at the price. The more luxurious rooms have recently been refurbished.

Anglo American Hotel - http://www.hotelangloamerican.com
Via Garibaldi, 9, 50123 Firenze, Italy
Off season bargains from €140 but often much higher in peak season
A particularly well appointed four star with an award winning restaurant, ‘Il Granducale’. The building dates from the 1790s and has many original liberty style features.

Hotel Strozzi Palace - http://www.strozzipalaceflorence.com
Via de' Vecchietti, 4, Firenze, Italy
An elegant 4 star hotel located downtown near the Uffizi Gallery, the 4 star Strozzi Palace is modest in size but is by no means a guest house. With a classy cocktail bar, several classifications of rooms and first class silver service, this quality hotel keeps up with its more expensive neighbours.

Hotel de Rose Palace Florence - http://www.hotelderosepalace.com
Via Solferino, 5 Firenze, Italy
Set inside a 19th century mansion, the Rose Palace is one of the smallest four stars in the city (18 rooms). The service is friendly yet professional. Stay here if you want to be slightly away from the noise of the city centre yet within easy walking distance of the main sights.

Roma Hotel Florence - http://www.romahotelflorence.com
Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 8 Firenze, Italy
A beautifully designed four star hotel which gets booked up very quickly at peak times so do plan ahead if you want the privilege of staying here. It is well worth making the effort as the hotel is as charming as any in Florence with a great location across the road from Alberti’s world famous façade of Santa Maria Novella church.