The Best Hotels in Italy: 26. Hotel Helvetia & Bristol, Florence Set in a historic palazzo mere steps from the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Via Tornabuoni, the Helvetia might just be the best-placed hotel in all of Florence. In addition to magnificent city views, all 67 of its rooms are lavishly adorned with silk brocade fabrics, handpicked antique furniture, 17th-century Florentine paintings, and crystal chandeliers.