The J & J Hotel ★★★★

Leonardo Da Vinci, perhaps Florence's most famous son, once wrote that “a day well spent brings happy sleep”. After my stay in the J & J Hotel, I can scarcely imagine a more perfect city for a day well spent, or a more charming hotel for a happy sleep. Florence is a town steeped in history, culture and romance, all of which float around the halls of this 16th century convent. As soon as I stepped over the threshold, I gazed in awe at the old hotel lobby, with light streaming in through the huge windows and illuminating its character and ancient charm. This spectacular room gave way to the atmospheric bar and, beyond that, the beautiful interior courtyard. Having been greeted by a delightfully friendly member of staff and had my bags carried upstairs for me, I was shown into my stylish and elegant room, which successfully combined a traditional feel with simple, contemporary décor (as Da Vinci himself said, “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”).

Attractive as it was to spend the day relaxing in my room or acquainting myself with the bar and serene courtyard, they would have to wait for the moment – the hotel had already awakened my thirst for Florence's cultural delights. Fortunately, I did not have far to go to satisfy this desire. It was merely a question of a short ten minute stroll down the Via dell’Oriuolo, and I found myself immersed in the historic city centre, marvelling at the awe-inspiring dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral. A further five minutes’ walk and I found myself enjoying a refreshing gelato on the banks of the river Arno, admiring the emblematic Ponte Vecchio. It was immediately apparent that Florence was a maze of artistic and architectural gems, and that it would be impossible to discover them all in one day. Lucky then that my wife and I would be spending four nights at the J & J Hotel, surrounded by the romance of the Tuscan capital and accompanied by the famous cuisine, wine and Italian sunshine.

With the Battistero di San Giovanni, the Galleria degli Uffizi, the Bargello, the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Santa Maria Novella church, the Santa Croce church, the Palazzo Pitti and the Palazzo Vecchio among many others yet to be crossed off our list, it was clear that we would have to be committed explorers in order to do justice to the vast array of sights on offer in the city. So, what a delight it was to be able to retire to the J & J Hotel, which remains a haven of peace despite its central location. We really treasured the opportunity to sip on a drink in the comfortable hotel bar after a busy day, while watching darkness begin to descend on the enchanting courtyard. What could be more relaxing? Once suitably refreshed, the gastronomic delights of Tuscany await, with many excellent restaurants in the area around the hotel.

Speaking of gastronomic delights, I must mention one of the more unforgettable elements of the hotel – enjoying a leisurely, delicious breakfast in the sun-drenched courtyard. There is a classic and sumptuous continental selection on offer, as well as the option of a cooked breakfast, all accompanied by a legendary Italian coffee; and as for the surroundings, they are nothing short of perfection! Surely there is no better way of setting yourself up for a busy day exploring the hundreds of secrets hidden amongst the city's narrow streets.

The J&J Hotel itself should certainly be counted among these secrets. Located on a quiet street hidden right in the centre, it provides calm and comfort in an otherwise vibrant and lively city. The convent is filled with mystery, intrigue and history, and is certain to leave you with an eternal smile on your face, akin to that of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. I can only hope to return; so here's to experiencing many more days well spent, and many more happy sleeps, someday very soon in Florence's hidden gem!