Florence has been known for beautiful design since the program to beautify the city began the 14th century, and lately, hotel designers in the city seem to be vying for the most elegant modern design with touches alluding to the city’s history.
As you’ll see from my sampling below, this city of world-class art also boasts world-class artfully designed hotels.
Helvetia Bristol
photos courtesy of Helvetia Bristol
An exceedingly handsome hotel, rich in art and history and impeccably refurbished. Located in the city’s most elegant area, the hotel goes all the way back to the 1800s when it welcomed Grand Tour travelers.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of all the gorgeous spaces in this hotel.
The Helvetia wing features vibrant colors, Murano glass, and antique furniture, while those in the new Bristol wing are more contemporary with large mirrors, wrought iron bed frames, and muted colors. Much of the décor was commissioned by Italian artisans.
The “Winter Garden” with a belle-époque glass ceiling and delightful bird and plant motifs is a magical place for breakfast.
The hotel has partnered with Cibreo (A foodie icon in Florence since the original Cibreo restaurants in the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood shot to fame in the ’80s and ’90s.) From the hotel’s lobby, or from the street, you access the blue-walled Cibreo caffe—an inviting place for coffee or lunch. For a sophisticated meal, the elegant Cibreo restaurant (also accessed through the hotel or from the street) is striking with red velvet seats and gold-toned marble.
The hotel’s spa is the largest in the city’s center and is located where the Romans in the first century AD had their thermal baths.
Hotel La Gemma
photos courtesy of la Gemma
The hippest new designer place in town: La Gemma is the glamorous project of the Cecchi family—an influential local Florentine family. Excellently located in the heart of the historic center, tucked into a quiet street, this elegant boutique hotel is the city’s most talked about opening of 2023.
It has 23 rooms, 16 suites, a panoramic rooftop, a spa, a gourmet restaurant led by a Michelin-starred chef, and lounge/cocktail bar offering vintage jazz and mixology classes.
The decor references Art Deco—a period appreciated by the Cecchi family—and is inspired by the colors of the cathedral with its green, pink, and white marble.
The concierge team is exceptional and can arrange a wide variety of VIP experiences.
Palazzo Vecchietti
photos courtesy of Palazzo Vecchietti
A gorgeous boutique hotel in a prestigious residence in the heart of the city center. The 14 bedrooms and two apartments are designed by the same designer who did the Ferragamo hotels.
The breakfast is fantastic, with cook-to-order options. Prosecco is offered at the day’s end.
Rooms are a mix of bright carpets, marble statues, and life drawing art work.
The truly excellent staff does their utmost to make you feel special, and the result is a personalized curated retreat from which you won’t want to leave.
Hotel Lungarno
photos courtesy of Hotel Lungarno
This Ferragamo hotel on Oltrarno side of the river is full of understated elegance and details of Tuscan artisanship. It also has an extraordinary art collection.
The glamorous rooms have a nautical design and 40 of them have terraces over the river. If you’re traveling with a family, there two executive floors sleeping 9 and 15 people. The rooftop terrace suite has two king-sized bedrooms and fantastic views.
The hotel’s restaurant, Borgo San Jacopo, is Michelin-starred. The Picteau Bistrot & Bar with a small terrace hanging over the river, has original work by Picasso and Cocteau—the bar takes its name from these two artists.
Portrait Firenze
photos courtesy of Portrait Firenze and one of mine.
Another luxurious Ferragamo hotel. This one is an exclusive all-suite hotel with a mid-century modern style. Located next to the river on the main side.
There’s a spectacular rooftop suite and an executive floor with space for 15 adults. The suites have walk-in closets, river views, neutral understated tones, framed photos of 1950s icons and of course, marble bathrooms. Guests get a free entrance to the Ferragamo Museum nearby.
The hotel’s Café dell’Oro occupies a privileged position on the pedestrian Lungarno with front-row views of the Ponte Vecchio. A place where fashionistas want to be seen with a cappuccino or a spritz on a sunny day.
Hotel Il Tornabuoni
photos courtesy of Il Tornabuoni
This was once the much-loved Tornabuoni-Beacci, where I booked many of my wedding clients back when I had a business organizing weddings in Italy. After a major overhaul, it is now part of the Hyatt Unbound portfolio.
The old world style of the hotel has been replaced with bold opulence: striking colors, velvet and brass, bespoke furniture.
Colors of gold, hot pink, and peacock blue create a glowing jewel box and result in a big WOW.
Located in the center on the city’s most elegant street, Il Tornabuoni boasts five restaurants including the Butterfly Terrace (my favorite space in the hotel) with fabulous views and an intimate vibe—perfect for sunset aperitivo.
The above locations are a small sampling of the many classy hotels in this classy city. Let me know which one you would choose! If you found this useful or have feedback about these hotels or others, please comment below.
A great high-end dive into Italy’s most elegant city. I can only dream of staying in places like these. But if you don’t dream you die. Right?
Hey John,
Me too. I haven’t yet had the pleasure of staying in these places but I’m able to get a certain intimacy with them by writing about them!