Mr & Mrs Smith

Just celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary at Continentale. What a fantastic location. You should take up the hotel offer of breakfast - it is far better than anything in the locality. we found restaurants to be pretty much the same wherever we went, good food and wine but didnt find anything out of the ordinary. Two musts are Michelangelo's David (the real one in galleria dell'Accademia) - absolutely stunning, and the Piazzale Michelangelo for fantastic views over the City. Only downside was the lack of tea/coffee in our room but that didnt spoil a fantastic memorable break!

The location of the hotel is excellent and in the evening there is a fantastic bar with beautiful vaulted ceilings less than 200 yards away, which does well-priced and tasty food and turns into a jazz club after nine pm.

We recently stayed at the Continentale and loved it; amazing roof terrace bar for romantic cocktails at night. I would say that its definitely worth checking out the Salvatore Ferragamo shoe museum (+39 055 336 0456), a five-minute walk from the hotel at Via de' Tornabuoni; well worth five euros!

Go across the Ponte Vecchio from the Continentale and turn right to get to the Hotel Lungarno for a fabulous restaurant and really comfortable bar/lounge. Some small tables were on a terrace outside (overlooking and overhanging the Arno) and probably need to be booked in advance. The hotel is part of the same group as the Continentale, so they were even able to add our dinner bill to our room!

My wife and I stayed at the Hotel Continentale on our honeymoon. I have to say it's an exceptional hotel, the interior design is inspiring, and the hotel staff relentless in ensuring you have the best stay.

I strongly recommend the Golden View Open Bar with unique views overlooking the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno. We were so stunned by the meal on the first night, we instantly booked a table on a balcony the second night, and in a room where there was a jazz band playing on the third night. The restaurant has a contemporary feel, with interesting artwork and a vibrant atmosphere helped along by the cosmopolitan crowd who dine there, and the friendly staff who often recognise you and always try and get you a good table, though I recommend you book a day or two beforehand to get a prime spot.

BEING DEALT WITH Dear Mr and Mrs Smith,

We have just returned from a lovely few days spent in Dorset where we had a very relaxing stay at the Bull Hotel in Bridport (we did try to book it through you, however your website stated there was no availability).

Our stay was really enhanced by your Dorset guide which had some great recommendations in it. Our personal favourites were the Hive Beach Cafe, where we had the most delicious crab sandwich, and The Fox Inn which was just charming, and reasonably priced for the food on offer in such pretty surroundings.

We thought we'd let you know how useful we found the guide and also to let you know that one or two things have changed since you put the guide together. The Hive Cafe no longer takes reservations at lunchtime and the Electric Palace Brasserie (+44 (0)1308 428354) only serves lunch.

Thanks for the guide and we look forward to using your guide to Florence during our stay there in September!

Kind Regards

Hannah

The nearby Cap de Formentor is a definite must see. It is approximately a 45 minute drive from the hotel and visitors will be able to take in the spectacular craggy coastline as they wind their way up the mountain to the northwestern tip of Mallorca. The Cap is dominated by a lighthouse and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Menorca!