Hotel AbacoEditor's Pick

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Bruno, the one-star Hotel Abaco's big, boisterous owner, may look like a rugby forward, but he's got a tender spot for 17th-century Florentine baroque style and a gorgeous eye for detail. Occupying a 15th-century palazzo on a quiet street, just off the heavily-trafficked Piazza Santa Maria Novella, the Abaco has seven rooms, all named for the great artists of Florence.

Take the “Botticelli” room. The birth of Venus crowns a plush corona-style bed, dripping with red velvet and outfitted with polished dark wood, gilding and parquet floors. “Giotto,” “Fiorentino,” “Leonardo,” “Caravaggio” and “Rafael” follow suit, in shades of deep red or blue, parquet or marble floors, gold-painted cherubs, ornate nightstands and plush brocades. “Michelangelo” even sports a miniature version of David, who Bruno jokingly warns, watches what his patrons do at night. (Wink.) Whichever classic artist you get, he’s updated with modern comforts like air conditioning, television and free Wi-Fi Bathrooms are small and basic.

Enjoy breakfast (included in the room rate) or lounge about in the dimly-lit hall—also ravishing—with wood-beamed ceilings and red carpet.

The one-star rating of this small, central gem is a serious understatement.

» Annie Shapero

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.