J.K. Place, Florence

This 20-room townhouse hotel overlooking the precision Renaissance façade of Santa Maria Novella offers attentive, personal service in intimate, contemporary surroundings. And with a staff to guest ratio of 1:2, it puts a premium on service. The guest rooms, designed by Ferragamo hotel architect Michele Bonan, have an updated Neoclassical vibe, featuring pleated white lampshades, creamy marble fireplaces, and crispy ivory linens with cushions in elegant gray. Breakfast (including homemade cakes) is served at a communal table in the glass-covered courtyard. The only real downside? The piazza onto which the hotel faces is the site of ongoing renovation work.

Room to Book: The Deluxe Double (350-400 sf) with a bathtub you can really sink into is worth the $250 upgrade.

Doubles From $523, including breakfast.