If travelling is the art of discovery, then the three star Hotel Piemontese will prove a revelation. Built at the end of the 1800s in Liberty style, this is surely one of the nicest hotels in Turin, Italy. Hotel Piemontese, Turin
Swimming pool
Situated in a square near the Duomo, surrounded by gardens and close to many of Florence's most famous museums and galleries, the Hotel Castri has 70 rooms with air-conditioning, colour TV, direct-dial telephone and internet access. There is also a solarium, bar, meeting room and garage parking. Hotel Castri, Florence
Swimming pool
This hotel in Rome is situated in front of the S. Maria Maggiore Basilica in the city centre. It is close to the Roman Forum, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Via del Corso and the Pantheon. Hotel Verona, Rome
The Hotel Fiamma, Rome lies on the Via Gaeta to the north of Termini railway station. This impressive four-storey edifice, in imposing classical style, offers reliable comfort (it's part of the Leonardi group with hotels around Rome) and a great strategic base for exploring the city. Hotel Fiamma, Rome
Set within the beautiful pine forests at the bottom of the Alps, this large three-star hotel is perfectly located for both scenic retreat and active adventure. Situated just outside the lovely mountain town of Aosta, it enjoys close proximity to the national park, ski resorts of Mont Blanc and the main motorways that run through mainland Europe. Hotel Saint Nicolas, Aosta
This hotel in Florence takes up the top three floors of a 14th century palazzo, and incorporates a roof garden with stunning views and a sitting room with traditional beamed ceilings. The 23 rooms are all air conditioned and each has an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, a television with Sky and a minibar. Hotel La Residenza, Florence
The 3-star Hotel Domus De Janas sits on the eastern coast of Sardinia, and enjoys terrific access to one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Torre di Bari sits just south of the town of Tortoli. The town of Bari Sardo sits just a little way inland and Tortoli is just up the coast. Hotel Domus De Janas, Nuoro
Swimming pool
This three-star hotel in an historical area of Turin is just 15 minutes by car from the international airport and well placed for easy access to the motorway/highway. The Hotel President has 72 double rooms, which are all well furnished with air conditioning, en-suite bathroom and TV and pay TV. Hotel President, Turin
