The keys to the "City of Stone"...

Florence is a city that takes some deciphering. Perhaps because of its strong medieval character, it can be hard for travellers to get under the city's skin. Tellingly, the American writer Mary McCarthy called it the "City of Stone". The city's neighbourhoods do not have official names. Locals refer to them by the name of the local church. Residential and business addresses use different numbering systems. The city centre is dense, the streets are narrow. At the same time, the city was the source of inspiration to dozens of history's most important artists. No wonder then that the Latin name given to the city by the Romans, Florentina, means "let them flourish". So how can you get behind the city's stony exterior and tap into the city's energy?

The Best Western Premier Hotel Laurus is the place to start. Easy walking distance from Florence's central train station, it was built in the late 19th century on the site of a convent, facing the Santa Maria Maggiore, the city's first cathedral dating from the 10th century. The hotel probably takes its name from the grove of Laurus trees that used to grow near the convent. All the monuments of the centre of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are within a stone's throw of the hotel's prime location.

From the café on the mezzanine, you are treated to a wonderful view of the cathedral's façade as it changes colour throughout the day with the movement of the Tuscan sun. Enjoy a cappuccino and a scrumptious pastry while planning your day.

Renovated in 2004, the hotel features a modern comfortable environment and warm hospitality. The hotel staff can help you discover the best that Florence has to offer - and avoid the throngs of tourists. They can recommend small family-run restaurants where the locals go for authentic Florentine cooking, such as Pappa al Pomodoro, Ribollita and Pecorino di Pienza cheese. They are also there to help you discover the fine shopping on the Via dei Calzaiuoli and Via De' Tornabuoni, not to mention the city's many historical gems and artistic treasures.

As a matter of fact, art is never far away from the Best Western Premier Hotel Laurus. The hotel's owner is a local patron of the arts (since Laurent de Medici, the tradition of art patroning has brought very rich contributions from Florence). In 2006 he transformed the cinema next to the hotel into an auditorium that regularly hosts master classes and concerts by young musicians. It also regularly welcomes art exhibits.

The generous, uncluttered rooms are decorated in modern Italian style, with rich hardwood floors and light colour schemes. Ask for a room on one of the upper floors for a stunning view overlooking the rooftops of the Centro Storico and the rolling hills in the distance beyond.

The jewel in the hotel's crown, however, is the rooftop terrace. In the morning, enjoy a copious breakfast buffet while taking in the breathtaking view of the Duomo. In the evening, before heading out to dinner at one of the excellent restaurants nearby, unwind over a glass of wine and traditional Florentine appetizers while marvelling at the city's roofline at sunset. It is a once in a lifetime view only available to hotel guests. The lantern of the Duomo is one of the last and one of the first parts of the city to be touched by sun rays. In 1475, though he was 78 years old, Toscanelli climbed the 463 steps of the Duomo straircase so as to install at its top a bronze plaque pierced with little holes and thus created the biggest and most precise sundial of the time. Officially, he wanted to reach a more accurate date for Easter but he will as well change all the knowledge about equinoxes and solstices and doing so will bring extraordinary progresses into astronomical navigation without which Christopher Colombus might not have succeeded.

In a city as steeped in history and art, teeming with visitors, the key to a relaxing, inspiring stay is a hotel unlocking the true nature of the destination, while protecting you. Welcome to the Best Western Premier Hotel Laurus.

Best Western Premier Hotel Laurus

Via De' Cerretani 54/R, Firenze, Florence, Italy - I-50123

Phone: +39 (0)55 2381752 Fax: +39 (0)55 268308