One of Rocco Forte's luxury five star hotels, and part of The Leading Hotels of the World group, the Hotel Savoy is certainly among the world's finest hotels.

Built in 1893 on the site of a former medieval church, the hotel is located on the Piazza Repubblica and within walking distance of Florence's Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the famous Ponte Vecchio and of course, the main Florence fashion houses.

Taken over in 2000 by Sir Rocco Forte, the hotel underwent a full make-over at the hand of his sister, Olga Polizzi.

The interior's contemporary style couldn't be more different to the classically designed exterior.  Inside, subdued soft greys complement white marble floors in the public areas, while in tribute to the fashion houses of Florence, quirky images of shoes can be found throughout the hotel.

Offering 102 stylishly designed rooms, of which 14 are suites, each is an attractive mixture of traditional and contemporary.  Italian style blends ceramics, artworks and fabrics with crisp linen, parquet flooring and large, comfortable beds.  Bathrooms are decorated with special mosaics, and feature marble fittings and Rocco Forte's exclusive range of luxury bathroom products.

All rooms are double glazed, and individually heated/cooled.   Many also feature small balconies.  Standard features include satellite TV, minibar, professional hairdryer, umbrellas and broadband internet connection.

A variety of room types are available. Studio Rooms, large bedrooms with a living area, offer one king or two twin beds and views over the Piazza della Repubblica.

Some of the deluxe doubles or twins have balconies, and some also feature separate showers and baths in the marble bathrooms. Slightly smaller are the Executive and Classic doubles or twins, some of which also have views over the square or the Duomo. A slightly smaller option for lone travellers are the Classic singles, which still feature a queen-size bed.