Hot spots: Portrait Firenze

Portrait Firenze is in the historic Italian city of Florence, literally a hop, skip and a jump away from the Ponte Vecchio bridge and overlooking the romantic Arno River. Modelled on its sister property in Rome, the three-month old, all-suite five-star hotel is designed to feel more like a private residence (guests are assigned a private butler from the time of booking). It's the latest jewel in the crown of luxe hotel group Lungarno Collection, which happens to be owned by Florence's first fashion family, the Ferragamos.

Absolutely not. The hotel's public spaces and rooms are stocked with a library's worth of fashion books, so you can do a bit of cramming while in residence if you feel the need. There are plenty of intimate photos from the Ferragamo archives on the walls, featuring a rather dashing Salvatore and friends such as Christian Dior, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

If you want to take advantage of tax-free shopping, the hotel can arrange a series of personalised tours offering special privileges at Ferragamo boutiques and complimentary access to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, which currently features the exhibition "Equilibrium", showcasing archive pieces alongside artworks by the likes of Degas, Rodin, Matisse and Picasso.

Unlike those in most hotels in Florence, which are designed in the city's opulent Renaissance style, Portrait's 34 suites are refreshingly modern and airy. Inspired by Italian couture and designed by Florentine architect Michele Bonan, the accommodation's hues of grey, black and white bring to mind the Hamptons rather than Tuscany. The rooms are on the large side - the smallest measures 430 square feet - but still feel intimate, thanks to cosy throws, roomy wardrobes, custom-sized beds and marble bathrooms equipped with essentials such as Ferragamo toiletries and hair straighteners (for those fashion moments!).

It's actually an in-room iPad loaded with everything from a music and movie library to ab workouts and restaurant recommendations, each one "personally tested" by the hotel team. The Bluetooth and speaker system (apparently a personal request from the group's chief executive) connects wirelessly with any device. You can even stream movies from your laptop to the 40-inch flat-screen television. If you prefer human interaction, there's a lifestyle team at your disposal. They can arrange anything from private meals at Michelangelo's famed David sculpture and a private class with a Florentine painter to in-room massages.

As the property is small, there's only one restaurant, all-day dining spot and bar Caffè dell'Oro, which serves light bites and local favourites with a modern twist. Guests also get priority booking at the Lungarno Collection's other properties in the city, including the award-winning Borgo San Jacopo, a restaurant known for its Tuscan cuisine and view over the Arno.