Relais Santa Croce, Florence
You’re in Italy. You’re going to want romance, staff that can charm birds from the trees and plenty of top-notch carbohydrates. Step forward, the Baglioni Hotels group. Its Relais Santa Croce outpost (far right) is slap bang in one of Florence’s most interesting and ‘real’ districts – a short walk from the madding crowds, but also an area where locals live, work and hang out. Inside is a whole other ball game, however: light-filled rooms with soaring ceilings, marbled bathrooms and views across the terracotta rooftops. Sink into a leather armchair in the palatial lounge with an Aperol spritz and feel (quite rightly) like you’re the queen of the world. From £250 per night, bed and breakfast; Baglionihotels.com