There is no shortage of places to stay in what Lonely Planet calls "the jewel of Renaissance Italy", but prices in Florence can be sky-high, even for B&Bs. Not so at the 4-star Boscolo Hotel Astoria, where rooms are now available for £69 (85€) per night until 5 March, 2013.

Saving nearly 50% on regular prices, this offer includes a guaranteed upgrade to a Superior Room on booking (pictured above, worth £14) and continental breakfast for two (worth £10 per person).

Plus, guests will get 20% off in the restaurant and one child aged up to 12 can stay free when sharing the room with parents.

The hotel overlooks the Duomo, Florence's main cathedral, and is housed in two historic buildings -- the Palazzo Andrighetti and Palazzo Gaddi, where John Milton is said to have written Paradise Lost. It is within walking distance of Florence's historic centre and the ideal base for exploring its main attractions such as the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. Just an hour's drive south of the city is the Chianti region and some of Tuscany's best vineyards.  

Not available on 29-31 December; 7-10, 17, 22-25 January. Book by 26 December.

Update (14 December, 5pm): Rooms have now sold out on 18 January.