Mr & Mrs Smith

I had high expectations of JK Place Firenze, and I was not disappointed. I had an early flight, arriving in Florence mid-morning, and as I was meeting my daughter – who is studying in Siena – I went straight the hotel. In spite of my early arrival, I was given the warmest of welcomes and invited in to the exquisitely decorated lounge for the most delicious complementary coffee and biscuits. When my daughter arrived, less than half an hour later, she was also treated to a hot drink and we were then shown to our beautiful room ahead of check in time, given a complementary upgrade and – as clients of Mr and Mrs Smith – were offered fruit and a bottle of prosecco. We were made to feel like treasured house guests and spent two nights in the hotel. The bed linen was beautifully laundered and I had two of the best nights' sleep I have had in a very long time, in the perfect beds! There is a long dining table for breakfast, which adds to the feeling of being a house guest, but if you prefer some privacy there is a room adjacent to the breakfast room where you can have your own table. My one and only gripe was that I was only offered fresh fruit and coffee by the waiter, and did not realise that there were eggs cooked to order until I saw other guests being served with them. Needless to say I ordered them on the second morning and they were delicious. There are snacks left out all day for you to help yourself to and on our second afternoon, when it was rainy and miserable outside, my daughter and I sat in the lounge chattering all afternoon, before a light but mouthwatering supper. We didn't want to leave – the hotel is sumptuous but cosy at the same time, and having experienced its delights I would not stay anywhere else in Florence now.

4 night stay at JK Place was perfect. Staff made us feel very special, and exceptional level of service and attention at all times. The hotel has been beautifully restored. Our top tip for Florence was the new 50 Euro Firenze card. This gets you in to all the main attractions, museums, galleries, sadly not The Duomo, and you go straight to the front of the queue. It is valid for 72 hours from activation and also includes all public transport, including the airport shuttle. We easily got our money's worth and avoided any queuing. Top restaurant tip: ZEB, funky minimalist stylish restaurant. Fantastic, affordable, classic Italian cuisine.

There is a fantastic ice-cream shop close by, just across the bridge and on the corner. Patrick the concierge recommended it to us. You'll have to join the queue of Florentines getting their fix, especially after dinner, but it will be worth it.