photo cover: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze ph. Ottavia Poli
The most beautiful and romantic hotels in Florence for a stay to remember
The best places to spend an unforgettable weekend of elegance and timeless charm
The beauty of the David, the masonry dome that enchants Piazza del Duomo, a living historical centre full of timeless beauty. Florence is a small treasure chest of wonder in which we can also find a beautiful concentration of palaces, once the residences of the city's most important families, and today partly become elegant hotels in which to stay for a fabulous weekend in the city. To choose the best, we recommend you follow our itinerary to discover temples of hospitality.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE
Borgo Pinti, 99
ph. +39 055 26261
We begin our tour of the city's most beautiful hotels in Borgo Pinti, where we find the iconic Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, flagship of one of the most prestigious companies in the world of hospitality. It is a symbolic place in the city, a true metropolitan oasis housed in the historic 15th-century Palazzo Della Gherardesca, built at the behest of Bartolomeo Scala in 1472, a friend of Lorenzo the Magnificent, and designed by Giuliano da Sangallo. It is surrounded by the Giardino della Gherardesca, one of the city's largest parks, which is reserved for guests although it opens to the outside public every year on Open Day in December. A treasure chest of tranquillity where you can stroll surrounded by the beauty of centuries-old trees, well-tended flowers, fountains and original statues. Also stop by the Spa to try out the new treatments and spend afternoons in relaxation and wellness. During warm weather, relax by the pool or opt for an informal al fresco dinner at Trattoria Al Fresco. Otherwise treat yourself to an aperitif at the Atrium bar followed by dinner in the beautiful rooms of Il Palagio, 1 Michelin star, for an unforgettable gastronomic experience with the dishes of Executive Chef Paolo Lavezzini (click here to listen to our latest video interview with the Chef).
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze ph. Ottavia PoliTHE ST. REGIS FLORENCE
Piazza Ognissanti, 1
ph. +39 055 27161
We arrive in the heart of Florence, more precisely in a historic palace overlooking the Arno River, to find The St. Regis Florence, the Florentine jewel of the Marriott group's haute-hospitality, designed by Brunelleschi and chosen since the 18th century by seasoned travellers for its location and elegance. Featuring rich colours, frescoes and sumptuous chandeliers, the period furnishings pay homage to the city's artistic traditions. Let yourself be pampered in the Iridium Suites by Clarins: true private suites where you can try specific treatments, then move on to the Winter Garden Restaurant, a temple of taste and excellence led by creative chef Gentian Shehi. The Ballroom at The St. Regis Florence is also the ideal venue for gala dinners and board meetings, while the Dante, Petrarca and Boccaccio rooms are ready to host even the smallest meetings and corporate conferences.
The St. Regis FlorenceTHE WESTIN EXCELSIOR
Piazza Ognissanti, 3
ph.+39 055 27151
We remain in Piazza Ognissanti, just a few steps away from Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi, to enter the exclusive 5-star hotel The Westin Excelsior, Florence, also belonging to the prestigious Marriott hotel group, known both for its high hospitality and haute cuisine, thanks to its Se-sto on Arno, the elegant restaurant on the 6th floor of the hotel, which allows one of the most romantic aperitifs in the city and to enjoy from its large windows a breathtaking view even in winter.
THE WESTIN EXCELSIOR FIRENZEHELVETIA & BRISTOL FIRENZE - STARHOTELS COLLEZIONE
Via dei Pescioni, 2
ph. +39 055 26651
Just a stone's throw from Palazzo Strozzi and Via de' Tornabuoni, the historic 5-star Helvetia & Bristol - Starhotels Collezione was born in 1885 and restored to its former glory with the precious contribution of the best Italian and Florentine master craftsmen. Since the 19th century it has been chosen by illustrious guests such as Enrico Fermi, Eugenio Montale, Gabriele D'Annunzio, Luigi Pirandello and Eleonora Duse. A cosy, surprising and intriguing hotel, to be experienced just like a second home. Here you can enjoy fascinating new rooms and suites designed by the famous interior designer Anouska Hempel together with exclusive interior courtyards and private terraces. A reminder of cosy atmospheres and the Great Beauty. Also not to be missed is the new LA SPA Helvetia & Bristol to immerse oneself in a world inspired by the ancient Roman Baths and find one's centre with treatments designed to free mind and body. On the catering side, every moment of the day is the right one to take a journey into taste. Iginio Massari's sweet breakfast consists of croissants and croissants filled on the spot with fresh creams, soft and aromatic plum cakes, biscuits and baked cakes, and the Maestro's famous leavened pastries, perfect for breakfast but also for snacks. Authentic Italian flavours can be sampled in the charming Bristol Winter Garden, while the more recently opened iconic Cibrèo Ristorante & Cocktail Bar offers a menu of highly selected Italian specialities. Among the dishes to try are the Crespelle di Ricotta with White Meat Ragout, the symbol of Cibrèo's cuisine, and the Filetto di Fassona Piemontese, the epitome of quality and excellence. Making the new Cibrèo opening even more special is the brand new Cocktail Bar, which dominates the main dining room of the restaurant with its yellow Siena marble bar and offers a wide choice of drinks for your aperitif. For those looking for a unique and more informal but still elegant and cosy place for a coffee, lunch, aperitif or dinner there is instead the Cibrèo Caffè.
Helvetia & Bristol Firenze - Starhotels CollezioneHOTEL LUNGARNO
Borgo S. Jacopo, 14
ph. +39 055 27261
Crossing Ponte Vecchio and arriving just over the Arno, we arrive at the Hotel Lungarno, an iconic structure with timeless charm of the Lungarno Collection that was created in the heart of a 16th-century residence and is situated in one of the most spectacular locations in Florence with a magnificent view over the Arno and Ponte Vecchio. The atmosphere, of extraordinary balance, is that of an ancient and aristocratic Italian residence or the interior of an elegant boat. And as in any self-respecting elegant boat, the charm continues in the corridors, full of stories to tell with the numerous works of art that welcome guests and accompany them to the rooms, many of which are themed. A true 'living room on the water' with many corners and rooms available, with its Picteau Bistrot & Bar featuring beautiful outdoor seating with a frontline view of Ponte Vecchio and a menu offering tasty Mediterranean cuisine, and the nearby Borgo San Jacopo restaurant, 1 Michelin Star, where guests can experience haute cuisine with a menu curated by Chef Claudio Mengoni.
Hotel Lungarno FirenzePORTRAIT FIRENZE
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 4
ph. +39 055 2726 8000
Returning to Qua d'Arno, we stop at Portrait Firenze, which was born from the beauty, craft tradition and charm of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and Italian haute couture. It is another of the jewels in the crown of the Lungarno Collection group, owned by the Ferragamo family, who entrusted the Florentine hotels to architect Michele Bonan, one of the most important names in the world of hôtellierie. Exclusive hospitality overlooking the Arno and Ponte Vecchio, which can be completed with an aperitif or dinner at Caffè dell'Oro, a contemporary Italian café that offers an imaginative menu signed by Executive Chef Antonio Minichiello, also to be enjoyed in the outdoor dehors overlooking one of the most beautiful stretches of the Lungarno.
Portrait FirenzeHOTEL SAVOY
Piazza della Repubblica, 7
ph. +39 055 27351
In one of the city's most beautiful squares, Piazza della Repubblica, we find the Hotel Savoy, the Florentine pearl of Rocco Forte Hotels. Here, on the one hand you can breathe in the elegance of a historic hotel, and on the other hand it opens up to the contemporary with elements of great modernity. A place to be lived to the full, thanks also to its Irene Bistrò, which makes every appointment of the day magical: from the open-air aperitif, surrounded by Emilio Pucci's lively decorations and the buzz of the city streets, to the refined dinner created with the menu skilfully composed by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini. And when night falls, you can finally immerse yourself in the splendour of your room designed by Olga Polizzi. On the fifth floor of the hotel you can also indulge in moments of infinite relaxation in the Spa Suite, which has a beautiful view of the city.
Hotel Savoy FirenzeBRUNELLESCHI HOTEL
Piazza Sant'Elisabetta, 3
ph. +39 055 27370
In the heart of the historic centre, very close to Piazza Duomo, the Brunelleschi Hotel is in a strategic position to visit the shopping streets and main monuments on foot. It is located inside the city's oldest tower and medieval church, allowing you to immerse yourself in an enchanted and, at times, mysterious atmosphere. You can enjoy all the relaxation and beauty of such a fascinating place by booking the Pool suite with jacuzzi, or enjoy the spectacular view over the city from the Deluxe Executive Panorama. Make your stay even more special by stopping by the Osteria Pagliazza or the 2 Michelin-starred Restaurant Santa Elisabetta to accompany your stay with a romantic menu and a candlelit dinner.
Hotel Brunelleschi Firenze ph. Ottavia Poli25HOURS HOTEL FIRENZE
Piazza di S. Paolino, 1
ph. +39 055 2966911
In the district of Santa Maria Novella, just a stone's throw from the railway station, one of the newcomers to the city is the 25Hours Hotel Firenze. Eclectic and contemporary, the hotel is inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy with elements that recall the circles of hell or the heavens of Paradise. The San Paolino Restaurant - set in a luxuriant indoor garden - is the beating heart of the palace hotel, surrounded by other spaces that are a must-see, such as the Negroni Bar, the Bottega di Alimentari and the Forno for the purchase of local products, snacks or original aperitifs. Not missing either is Il Cinema Paradiso, a real old-fashioned parlour cinema, with regular cycles of screenings of cult movies perfect for fans (here our recent interview with the hotel's General Manager, Bart Spoorenberg).
25hours Piazza Paolino Firenze ph. Dario Garofalo VILLA CORA
Viale Machiavelli, 18
ph. +39 055 228790
On the hills on the outskirts of the city centre, within a centuries-old park overlooking the Boboli Gardens, is the magnificence of Villa Cora. An aristocratic residence built at the end of the 19th century by architect Pietro Comparini, reflecting the architectural styles of the time, and characterised by great decorative eclecticism. Since 2016 it has been a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the international collection of independent hospitality gems. The Le Bistrot Restaurant and the sumptuous Le Bar Long are available during your stay, while in fine weather you can sip Signature Cocktails at the Santa Garden Cocktail Club inspired by the Villa's Garden by the pool and on the Bellevue Roof Terrace. On the lower floor of Villino Eugenia, the elegant Spa where you can spend hours of pure relaxation and well-being. An all-round magical stay!
Villa Cora Firenze ph. Ottavia PoliIL SALVIATINO
Via del Salviatino, 21
ph. +39 + 39 055 9041111
A majestic 15th-century Renaissance villa on the slopes of Fiesole, with an enchanting garden and beautiful views of Florence and the Tuscan hills. The style of Il Salviatino echoes the classic Renaissance style but is made even more elegant and modern by contemporary design details. Inside the villa you can also find a historical library where the echo of the times when great masters such as Salvador Dalì and Gabriele D'Annunzio animated Il Salviatino with their literary salons is still alive. Long walks, bike tours or yoga classes can enrich your stay. Catering is entrusted to Giacomo, a well-known Milanese restaurant group, which offers a tasty, elegant, genuine menu ready to impress. The outdoor terrace with a view of the Duomo is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast or dinner by candlelight.
Salviatino ph. Giulio Ghirardi VILLA LA MASSA
Via della Massa, 24 (Candeli, FI)
ph. +39 055 62611
Built in the 13th century as the country residence of a noble Florentine family, Villa La Massa was owned by distinguished European aristocrats until 1948, when it was transformed into a beautiful hotel. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, it joined the Villa d'Este Group in 1998. It is located a quarter of an hour from the historical centre of Florence and offers a peaceful and carefree stay, immersed in no less than 10 hectares of parkland. Olive trees, vines and cypresses enliven the surrounding landscape with unmistakable colours and scents. The rooms are all different from each other, distributed in 5 buildings: the Villa Nobile, the Villino, the Mulino, the Casa Colonica and the Limonaia. Catering is entrusted to the Il Verrocchio restaurant, with a charming terrace overlooking the Arno River, and the L'Oliveto bistro, where guests can enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes with 0 km products. The Bar Mediceo, on the other hand, is ready to welcome you with an important selection of whiskies, grappas and cocktails of all kinds.
Villa La Massa Firenze VILLA SAN MICHELE, A BELMOND HOTEL
Via Doccia, 4 (Fiesole, Fi)
ph. +39 +39 055 5678200
Sculpted on top of the hills embracing Florence, Villa San Michele is a fabulous boutique hotel built where a former medieval monastery once stood. A paradise where a glorious past still echoes and shines. The façade dates back to the 15th century and is attributed to the work of the School of Michelangelo. We suggest you sip an aperitif in the fragrant gardens, surrounded by total relaxation and peace, and then move on to the La Loggia restaurant where chef Alessandro Cozzolino proposes the most authentic flavours of Tuscany, to be enjoyed, in fine weather, on the panoramic terrace. For a cocktail to perfection, to be enjoyed perhaps in the gardens or by the pool, there is always the Cloister Bar.
