This typical Florentine pensione immediately transports you back to the age of the gentleman and lady traveler. Decor has grown organically since the place opened as a hotel in 1950—Alessandra is a place for evolution, not revolution. A pleasing mix of styles is the end result: some rooms with hefty armoires, terracotta tiling, carved headboards, gilt frames, and gold damask around the place, others with herringbone parquet and eclectic postwar furniture, like something from a period movie set. A couple have views beyond a medieval bell tower to the Arno . . . but then again, Borgo SS. Apostoli, on the front side, is one of the center’s most atmospheric streets. There's a small river-view terrace for everyone to share; grab a glass of wine from the honesty bar and kick back. Added in 2018 in a building across the street, two split-level rooms with mezzanines have contemporary décor.