The Lungarno Hotel, Florence, Italy

It's hard to get a more coveted position: right on the river, metres from the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Cross the Arno and you reach the flagship Ferragamo store and museum in under five minutes. The neighbourhood of Oltrarno stretches south from the hotel and is a warren of artisan workshops, independent boutiques and lively bars. Florence's upmarket shopping area is just across the river, as is the Uffizi gallery and Palazzo Vecchio.

By plane: direct flights to Florence from London, Manchester and Bristol take around 2 hours 30 mins. The hotel is a 1 hour 10-minute drive from the airport. Private parking costs €35 per day. Book flights to Florence.

The hotel is so close to the riverside that you feel as though you're on a cruise ship. This nautical suggestion is picked up in the interiors with sailing prints in the reception and blue piping on the cream upholstered sofas. Large windows in the clubby bar frame the view.

Service is attentive, although can be a little stretched at busy times such as check-in and breakfast. A complimentary drink was swiftly offered while we waited for our room to be ready. Facilities are limited but a doorman will help you with hailing a cab and carrying your luggage.

• Restaurants
• Bar
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Nearly two-thirds of the rooms and suites have river views, which is really the main reason for choosing this hotel. Rooms are nautically styled in blue and white and come with coffee machines and (unusually for Italy) kettles.

Room types: Lungarno Double, Studio, Family, Torre Studio Suite, Prestige Double, Deluxe Double rooms; Studio, Executive Double Terrace, Cocteau, Bueno, Picasso, Rooftop Terrace, Designer, Executive Floor suites

Key amenities: marble ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

The Michelin-starred Borgo San Jacopo restaurant serves Italian fine dining. Some dishes are playful and inventive, such as lamb loin and leg with eggnog and liquorice, while others are classic flavour combinations, such as cod with anchovies and garlic. Riverside Picteau Bistrot Bar serves bistro-style food all day.

Borgo San Jacopo: Michelin-starred Italian cuisine, fine wines. Open Weds-Sun for dinner. Mains from €38.

Picteau Bistrot & Bar: all-day bistro menu. Open daily from 7am-midnight. Mains from €20.