Hotel Regency Florence

The art of hospitality is a timeless one, and the classics are every bit as satisfying as the hot new thing — maybe even more satisfying, depending on your taste. Florence is a city with great respect for tradition, and a stay in a hotel like the Hotel Regency might be just what you need to turn a visit to the Tuscan capital into a trip back in time.

Here you’ll find very little that would have looked out of place in the 19th century, aside from such unavoidable details as electric light and flat-screen televisions. It’s proof that classic décor doesn’t have to look out of date — saturated colors and high contrast impart a liveliness to the look, however traditional it may be. And in terms of luxuries, the standard starts out high and quickly goes to eleven; rooms are spacious, and, crucially, there are just 32 of them, allowing for impressively personal service.

The location is central enough but doesn’t feel busy; it’s a short walk from the Regency to the Duomo and the city center proper. Retire to the Relais Le Jardin restaurant for upscale Florentine fare at the end of a long day soaking up the atmosphere of this inimitable city.