Florence, Italy is on everyone’s list of places to go in Italy. Its narrow, cobblestones Renaissance streets, towering Duomo, and exquisite food and wine top the list of reasons to go. But where do you stay in Florence, Italy? What are the best hotels? It ought not surprise you that there are some impeccable Virtuoso properties in the heart of the city, all within walking distance of the major attractions. Whether you want to stay at a boutique property with less than twenty rooms or the always five star Four Seasons, there is a place for you to stay in Florence! I recently had the chance to visit four of the properties, which is not all of them, to get a feel for the variety of options in luxury Florentine hotels.
a quick look at Florence, Italy
Florence is the capital of the Tuscan province, in the heart of Italy’s boot shape. It is famous for its Duomo, which is an architectural marvel, and it’s legendary artisans. After all, Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance. The David, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, is in the Galleria dell’Accademia while a replica stands outside Palazzo Vecchio. Tourist stands even sell aprons so you, too, can look like David! Florence’s artisan history lies mainly in leather working, bookbinding, fashion and textiles, and goldsmith workshops. Even today you will find remnants of these trades across the city. Fashion Week happens every January.
Florence, or Firenze, is divided by the Arno River. The historic centre, with the Duomo, campanile, Baptistry, Galleria dell’Accademia and Galleria degli Uffizi are on the north side of the river. The narrow streets of the other side are filled with tiny designer shops, trattorias and book binders. The Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens are also on this side, just a short walk from the end of the famous Ponte Vecchio.
Did you know that the original merchants on the bridge were butchers? Today the merchants on the bridge are goldsmiths. The Ponte Vecchio is a beautiful pedestrian bridge to walk over, but be sure to walk over one of its neighbour bridges to get a good view of the bridge!
where to stay in Florence, Italy
The Virtuoso properties in Florence include the Four Seasons, the Lungarno Collection, JK Place Firenze, the St Regis Florence, Westin Excelsior, and Hotel Savoy. There are also several properties in the surrounding area; you will need a car to get to these few. I had the chance to visit with both the Lungarno Collection and the J.K. Place Firenze.
As of January 2018, the Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is under renovation and I was unable to tour it. It is located in Piazza della Repubblica. The four Lungarno Collection hotels, of which three are Virtuoso, are located in a small area right along the Ponte Vecchio. JK Place, by contrast, is in Piazza Santa Maria Novella near the main train station. Unlike some of the other hotels in the area though, if you blink you will miss the entrance! Both the Westin and the St. Regis are along the Arno, two bridges west of the Lungarno hotels. The Four Seasons is on the northern side of the city, a few blocks from the Galleria dell’Accademia.
The Lungarno Collection
The four properties that compile the Florence portfolio of the Lungarno Collection are Hotel Lungarno, Continentale, Portrait Firenze, and the Gallery Hotel Art. The collection is owned by Salvatore Ferragamo, the fashion icon. Hotel Lungarno is the only one on the south side of the Arno; the other four make up what they call the Golden Triangle. Between these four hotels alone you’ll find the perfect place to stay in Florence, Italy.
I had the chance to visit the three Virtuoso properties – Hotel Lungarno, Continentale, and Portrait Firenze. They are vastly different to one another! The Continentale is modern and bright while the Hotel Lungarno reminds one of a yacht interior. Portrait Firenze, by contrast, is muted greys and blues, very elegant and smooth. All have spectacular views of the Ponte Vecchio and Arno River from the riverfront rooms. The rooftop at the Continentale has a gorgeous view back over the red-tiled rooftops to the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. Simply put, they are all in an enviable location.
As it is with hotels in renovated buildings, the rooms vary even between the hotels. There are 65 rooms and suites at Hotel Lungarno, 37 at the Portrait Firenze, and 43 at Continentale. All hotels offer exquisite suites with private terraces. However, it is rare to find that one room type has identical rooms. The architecture of old buildings simply doesn’t allow for it. It’s also well worth noting that hotels in Italy are ill-equipped to deal with handicapped or mobility limited travellers. Of course, there is always a way to make it work at these properties! (And this statement applies to all of the hotels in this post.)
Hotel Lungarno
The entrance to Hotel Lungarno is discreet; it’s a wide portico toward the river with two entrances to the right and left. To the right is the reception, with low tables where guests conduct their check in process. Off to the left is a living space with dark blue couches, the dining spaces and access to the rooms. Valets out along Borgo San Jacopo assist with transportation and parking.
Chiara wasn’t there when I arrived – I was early – so I graciously accepted an espresso (but, of course, it’s Italy) and waited. Breakfast was going on in the far room, but it was quiet, just the tinkling of silverware and the low hum of quiet conversation.
I had the chance to view three different room styles with Chiara, including the penthouse. This two bedroom suite has a separate television room, three bathrooms, and a large living room, dining room, and kitchen. A private chef is available, should you not wish to cook your own meals! With light wood and bright furnishings accented with dark blues and greys, the entire hotel feels like a luxury yacht. This hotel is great for families with plenty of connecting options!
Continentale
The Continentale Hotel has an entirely different feel to it. It’s interiors are stark white, with pop culture photographs, artist biography books, and modern furnishings. It’s very 1950s luxury. However, there’s a nod to Florence’s leather history in the desk settings, and once you step out on to the rooftop terrace, you remember you are in Florence. I did not get the chance to visit the Consorti suite, which is a two-level suite in the top of the medieval tower, although furnishing in all the rooms are similar. This hotel is perfect for couples and romantic getaways; there are few adjacent/connecting options.
Portrait Firenze
Walking into the Portrait Firenze was like stepping into a quiet oasis in the heart of the city. The entry is dark and elegant, with a few various seating configurations for a coffee or wine. Portrait Firenze’s main colour scheme is grey – an elegant light grey accented with dark wood and blues. All of the rooms have cleverly hidden kitchenettes, ideal for a private aperitivo or a light meal. With plenty of adjacent rooms and large suites, Portrait Firenze is perfect for families.
JK Place Firenze
I almost walked right past this hotel, or house as they call it. It lies at the far end of Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Entry is through a wide-set door; access is by ringing the bell! You’re greeted by the staff, warmly welcoming you to your house.
lunch at JK Place Firenze
Marina, the reservations coordinator, escorted me into a small anteroom off the large, airy atrium in the rear. We chatted briefly before she showed me into the lounge, where I enjoyed a delicious Tuscan lunch. While they have a menu, I opted to let Andrea, the manager, select a few things and what I ended up with was a four course tasting. Everything I ate was traditional Tuscan food. Andrea left me a basket of freshly baked breads – a variety of rustic ones – and poured me a glass of wine. It was something from the Maremma region of Tuscany, which is on the southern coast of the province. While similar to a Sauvignon Blanc (in my mind, anyway), it had a unique quality all its own.
the hotel
After I finished two hours later – Andrea insisted I must have the tiramisu – Marina showed me several rooms. We began at the top floor, in the two level suite. The only room on this level, with its own private terrace, it is perfect for a couple. I also viewed two other types of room, both doubles, with family options.
There are nine types of rooms at this 20 room property. As a result, this hotel feels much more like a house than anything else. It is filled to the brim with antiques, books, and art, bookshelves teeming with collectables, and soft cashmere throws perfect for pulling over your shoulders as you stand at the window and look across the rooftops of Florence…
Four Seasons Florence
While I did not have the time to visit the Four Seasons Florence, I wanted to highlight it as it is unique in the city. The Four Seasons is one of the few properties in Florence to have an on-site spa (Continentale does too) as well as a private park. And it’s not outside of the city; it lies a short distance from the Galleria dell’Accademia! While the brand is luxurious though and through, the FS Firenze is housed in a former convent and Renaissance palazzo. The walled park is completely private and includes a pool as well as dining options. With 116 rooms and suites, as always, the Four Seasons is great for families.
St. Regis Florence
I also did not get to the St. Regis but once again want to mention it. The St. Regis Florence is located in the former Grand Hotel, the pinnacle of luxury in Florence. The building itself was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect of the Duomo, in 1432; it is one of the most important architectural buildings in the city. There are 100 rooms and suites at this riverside grand hotel.
Westin Excelsior
And, finally, I also did not visit the Westin but here we are. Another grand hotel, it is actually just across the piazza from the St. Regis! The hotel opened in 1927 with the merger of two neighbouring hotels, but the building itself is a 13th century Renaissance palazzo. There are 168 rooms and suites here, making it one of the larger Virtuoso portfolio properties in the city.
Hotel Savoy
As mentioned at the beginning of the post, the Hotel Savoy is currently closed for renovations. It will reopen in April 2018 with fewer rooms and suites, updated furnishings, and a brand new lobby.
And there you have it – the major Virtuoso properties in Florence, Italy! All of these would be great places to stay in Florence, Italy. As always, it depends on the reason for being in Florence, your budget, and hotel preferences!
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