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January 4, 2007updated Nov 17, 2022

The 9 Best Hotels in Florence

By Zahra Al-Kateb

Whether a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare, choose from our stunning selection

LUXURY IN THE HEART OF FLORENCE

HOTEL SAVOY

The Hotel Savoy, one of the gems of the Rocco Forte Hotels, has a great history and a unique location in Piazza della Repubblica.

The hotel is welcoming and elegant, built on the site where once the Mercato Vecchio and the Church of San Tommaso were located. It was opened in 1893 and hailed in chronicles as one of the most modern and luxurious hotels of the period. Now, as in the past, the Savoy is the most renowned luxury hotel in the city center. A feeling of discreet luxury pervades the decor of the 102 luxury rooms and 14 glorious suites. It is designed in an elegant contemporary style which combines Italian touches with artworks inspired by local fashion houses. The hotel style is complemented by state-of-the-art technology and services.

Rooms and suites offer charming views over Piazza della Repubblica, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Cathedral Dome by Brunelleschi.

The signature suites: Repubblica, Brunelleschi and Signoria are the ideal accommodation to indulge and spoil yourself during your stay. The Brunelleschi and Signoria Suites offer a private Turkish bath with chromotherapy and aromatherapy treatments for a memorable and relaxing experience in the heart of Florence.

A small but unique gym with panoramic views of the Duomo is available to all in-house guests.

The fashionable L’Incontro Bar and Restaurant with its menus created by the famous Chef Fulvio Pierangelini offers Tuscan and international delicacies. Guests can have the added pleasure of lunching or dining outdoors during the summer season in the pleasantly cosmopolitan atmosphere of Florence.

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Within walking distance, you will find elegant shopping streets, grand monuments, the River Arno, Ponte Vecchio and all the places that make Florence one of the most beautiful and celebrated cities in the world.

Mr Edward Leenders

+39 055 273 5801

Piazza della Repubblica, 7, 50123

www.hotelsavoy.it; www.roccofortehotels.com

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE

m Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

  Located in two beautifully restored palaces, the 15th century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the 16th century Conventino, the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers guests the unique opportunity to live among Renaissance artwork in its original context.

Intricate frescoes, bas-reliefs, stuccoes and silk wallpapers are ubiquitous. For greater privacy, take a suite in the Conventino, which is located at the far end of an 11-acre private garden. An intimate abode with 37 suites and a separate entrance from Via Gino Capponi, the Conventino was once the home to an order of nuns. There are a number of meeting spaces in both palaces including an elaborately decorated former church. The room amenities have been created by award-winning Italian perfumer Lorenzo Villoresi.

TOP SUITE ROYAL SUITE DELLA GHERARDESCA

  • Square footage: 2,518
  • Nightly rate: $23,000

Why we love it: The artistic and architectural detail in the Royal Suite della Gheradesca is truly breathtaking. The exquisite ceiling fresco and original 18th-century Capodimonte ceramic floor are illuminated by five large windows that overlook a private garden. Once the office of Ferrate Meridionali, the president of Italy’s first railway company, the marble bathroom is adorned with mechanical-themed bas reliefs dating from the early 1900s. There is a dining room with seating for ten, plus an office and separate guest bedroom. For more space, the Royal Suite della Gheradesca can be combined with both the Renaissance and Gallery Suites.

Patrizio Cipollini, General Manager

+39 055 262 6200

Borgo Pinti, 99, 50121

www.fourseasons.com/florence

RIVA LOFTS FLORENCE

 Riva Lofts Florence offers Wallpaper award-winning studios, designed by world-renowned architect Claudio Nardi with a skillful combination of modern lines on historical walls, and the use of elegant and warm materials with contemporary details.

The property is fitted out with his impressive and eclectic collection of midcentury furniture and antiques. Best known for his luxury fashion boutiques such as Dolce & Gabbana in New York and Milan, Claudio Nardi has here combined old and contemporary elements seamlessly and poetically.

Guests are welcomed by the architect’s daughter, Alice Nardi, who will introduce them to the city’s local secrets with friendly insider tips.

Each of the nine unique studios (from 320 to 1,100 square feet in size) is custom designed and offers a separate entrance, minibar with free soft drinks, remote-controlled AC and heating, TV with DVD / CD player, a telephone and free Wi-Fi. Some also feature a Jacuzzi and a private terrace with views of the garden.

All guests can enjoy the living room 24 hours a day, with its cozy fireplace, library, tea and coffee facilities, DVD and CD collection, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi access and honesty bar.

In the summer, guests can relax in the beautiful garden with its white sandstone pool and soothing hammocks – perfect after a long day’s sightseeing.

Riva Lofts Florence is located just in front of the main city park, just across the River Arno, near the Uccello and Sansovino stop of the new tram connecting to Santa Maria Novella Railway Station. Vintage bicycles are provided for free.

Reception is open from 8am to 8pm, so when the sun goes down guests get a real feeling of being in a ‘home away from home’.

Alice Nardi

+39 055 713 0272

Via Baccio Bandinelli 98, 50142

www.rivalofts.com

JK PLACE

Lounge , JK Place

A boutique hotel with only 20 rooms, JK Place has a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

Relax, book in hand, in the stylish JK Lounge and enjoy cappuccinos, fine Chiantis and delicious snacks from the hotel’s kitchen. JK Place has the ambiance of a refined private Florentine house with a strong emphasis on providing guests with a truly personal service. Rather than the typical front desk, the hotel reception is located in the library and breakfast is served on a communal table, adorned with freshly cut flowers. Before embarking on a night of fine dining in the city, enjoy an aperitif on the hotel’s roof terrace, while admiring the magnificent views of Florence. JK Place does not have its own spa but will arrange appointments at the outstanding Gabrio Staff spa on Via Tornabuoni where hotel guests are offered a free session in the exclusive Olimpo SPA Steam Bath. JK Place offers an exclusive cooking experience with an expert chef in the hotel’s professional kitchens.

TOP SUITE MASTER ROOM

  • Square footage: 500
  • Nightly rate: $1,400

Why we love it: After a romantic evening in Florence, retire to the sensuous Master Room suite. The four-poster bed draped in cream fabrics, luxurious wall-to-wall carpets and the crystal chandelier ooze elegance. The plush living area has a white king-size sofa bed, walkin closet, decorative fireplace and a satellite LCD TV. The Wi-Fi and minibar are complimentary.

Claudio Meli, General Manager

+39 055 264 5181

Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 7

www.jkplace.com

IL SALVIATINO

Il Salviatino

Winner of the Andrew Harper Grand Award 2011, Il Salviatino is located in a restored 15th-century villa.

Situated in the hill-top village of Fiesole, four miles north of Florence, Il Salviatino has the atmosphere of a private aristocratic home. On arrival, guests are appointed a Service Ambassador, similar to a personal butler. Service Ambassadors will organize tailor-made suit and shoe fittings, helicopter transfers to the slopes and Vespa rides with picnics. The wood-panelled library is replete with fine liqueurs and even a secret door. Suites are individually designed to preserve original features including marble fireplaces and ancient mosaics. From its hillside position amid wild parkland, Il Salviatino boasts astonishing views of Florence’s city skyline. The hotel’s Deverana Spa offers sumptuous beauty therapies. The Signature Florentine Romance treatment includes a lavish bath in milk and roses followed by a rose petal scrub. To book an appointment, contact spa director Pierangela Flori on +39 055 904 1111.

TOP SUITE MARCELLO SUITE

  • Square footage: 968
  • Nightly rate: $6,416

Why we love it: At the top of the villa’s tower, the Marcello Suite spans three floors and features dramatic 360-degree views. Original characteristics, such as the parquet floors, were preserved during the villa’s renovation. The suite includes a bedroom, bathroom, private dining room and library.

Simone Giorgi, General Manager

+39 055 904 1111

Via del Salviatino, 21, 50137

www.salviatino.com

PALAZZO MAGNANI FERONI

An intimate hotel, the Palazzo Magnani Feroni consists of 12 luxury suites.

Each suite is composed of a large and luxurious living room, a spacious master bedroom, and a lush private marble bathroom where guests will find a selection of the best beauty products made by Bulgari. The billiard room has an antique baked clay floor and an ornate wrought iron chandelier, while antiques collected by the owner’s great grandfather embellish each room. Breakfast is served in a charming hall under a striking Murano crystal chandelier. There is no restaurant but private dinners can be organized on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Florentine skyline. The Fresco Meeting Hall can be hired for private events. Located on the first floor of the Palazzo Magnani Feroni the hall has a private entrance and a superb frescoed ballroom.

TOP SUITE FERONI DELUXE SUITE

  • Square footage: 1,180
  • Nightly rate: $1,060

Why we love it: Situated on the second floor of the Palace, the Feroni Deluxe Suite ceiling is adorned with a refined fresco. The double bedroom has gilded mirrors, sweeping fabrics, satellite LCD TV and an en-suite spacious marble bathroom with Bulgari beauty products. Keep fit in the privacy of your own suite on the Vibro Power Plate machine which offers 52 fitness and beauty programs. A laptop is provided and Wi-Fi is complimentary. Make use of the in-suite massage, hairdressing and manicure services.

Antonella Fabiano, Guestcare Service

+39 055 239 9544

Borgo San Frediano, 5, 50124

www.palazzomagnaniferoni.com

HELVETIA AND BRISTOL

panora mic suite , HELVETIA AND BRISTOL

The Renaissance paintings and carefully chosen antiques in the Helvetia and Bristol drawing room evoke images of the young 17thcentury aristocrats who stayed here while exploring Florence’s rich artistic culture on their Grand Tours.

The 67 rooms and suites are individually decorated with authentic artworks, silks and brocade. Centrally located, the Helvetia and Bristol is a short walk from the Duomo and a stone’s throw from the fashionable boutiques of Via Tornabuoni. After an afternoon’s shopping, relax with an expertly mixed cocktail at the hotel’s Hostaria Bibendum Bar and Restaurant. Michelin-star chef Enzo Pettè creates exquisite seasonal Mediterranean cuisine and offers exclusive VIP cooking lessons in the hotel’s kitchen. The alfresco terrace is the perfect location for afternoon teas and romantic candlelit dinners.

TOP SUITE PANORAMIC SUITE

  • Square footage: 645
  • Nightly rate: $3,300

Why we love it: The Panoramic Suite’s expansive plate glass windows frame exceptional views of the Giotto Bell Tower, Florentine hills and the Pitti Palace. High ceilings and a fifth-floor location give the suite the ambiance of a cozy loft apartment with the deep red and burnt umber fabrics creating a warm vibe. There is an over-sized bed, autographed paintings and a Carrara marble bathroom.

Stefano Venturi, General Manager

+39 055 266 51

Via dei Pescioni, 2, 50123

helvetiabristol.warwickhotels.com

VILLA SAN MICHELE

Loggia Terrace Restaurant , Villa San Michele

Once a 15th century Franciscan monastery, the Villa San Michele is located just below the village of Fiesole amid blossoming flora and fauna.

The ornate reception area occupies the former chapel and it is believed that Michelangelo designed the monastery’s striking façade. One of the hotel’s many highlights is its dedicated cookery school, located in the kitchen gardens. Executive chef Attilio Di Fabrizio teaches a number of classes for a range of abilities. Book a private lesson followed by lunch with the chef himself. The Logia Terrace Restaurant with magnificent views of Florence is a wonderful location for a romantic summer evening meal. The Loggia bar hosts live music and serves drinks until midnight.

TOP SUITE THE LIMONAIA GARDEN HOUSE

  • Square footage: 2,700
  • Nightly rate: $5,027

Why we love it: Comprising of three suites linked by a staircase and private garden, the Limonaia Garden House is effectively a private villa within the Villa San Michele, and was once the monastery’s orangery. The three double bedrooms and living rooms are stylishly decorated in Tuscan Renaissance style and boast awe-inspiring views over the city. The private garden has its own heated plunge pool.

Marco Novella, General Manager

+39 055 567 8200

Via Doccia 4, 50014, Fiesole

www.villasanmichele.com

PALAZZO TORNABUONI

The Galileo Residence Terrace , Palazzo Tornabuoni

If the astonishing architecture and artistic culture of Florence truly capture your imagination then why not invest in the exclusive Palazzo Tornabuoni Private Residence Club managed by the Four Seasons.

Located at the crossroads of Via Strozzi and the chic Via Tornabuoni, the Residence Club occupies a 15th century palace that was once home to Pope Leo XI. The Palazzo Tornabuoni has 36 residences with eight memberships per residence. To ensure flexibility members can stay in any residence in their membership category: studio, one-bed, two-bed or three-bed.

The Palazzo Tornabuoni is beautified with vibrantly detailed frescoes and terrace views of the Duomo. There is a private club room with 30-foot ceilings and wooden beams, a library and cigar room with state-of-the-art ventilation and a spa and fitness center. Members have access to the outstanding Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, located nearby. Each resident is appointed an Attaché who will organize anything from private tasting rooms at select wineries to exclusive outings at private hunting lodges and resorts, or small dinner parties at your residence catered by a Michelin-starred chef. The club hosts regular talks by local and visiting experts on diverse topics from economics to modern Italian design. Clothes and personal belongings can be kept in secure climate-controlled storage, and laid out in your residence in time for your arrival. Personal wine collections may be stored in the club’s cellar and the concierge will deliver vintages to your residence on request.

Mrs Antje d’Almeida, VIP Membership Advisor

+39 055 268 966

Via Tornabuoni, 16, 50123

www.palazzotornabuoni.com

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