Hotel Alessandra

The cozy, two-star Hotel Alessandra has got hospitality down to an art. The 27-room property on the edge of the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood is minutes from the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio, but judging from the open wine bottle and glasses we saw in the parlor, guests have as much to enjoy inside as they do out.

Guestrooms are homey and furnished with a blend of period and newer furnishings. Color schemes vary from golds to blues to floral prints. Rooms come with standard amenities such as air conditioning, satellite television, a safe box, telephone, minibar and free Wi-Fi. Ask ahead if you want a balcony. Some rooms have private bathrooms, and shared facilities for other rooms are available down the hall. Both bathroom types are clean and well equipped.

The hotel feels tastefully homey, with a smattering of antique furniture and accessories. Plop down on the ‘70s leather couch in the lounge and check out the gilded turn-of-the-century gramophone and a ‘20s-era Invicta typewriter, both placed on hand-made doilies. You get the scene.

A buffet breakfast is included in the room rate.