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  • SUMMER 2021

The finest of Florence 5 five-star hotels

We take a look at the city’s finest five-star hotels ahead of the top-tier DUCO Italy tourism event held in Florence from July 19 to 23.

FOUR SEASONS FLORENCE
Four Seasons Florence is home to the largest private garden in the city. Lined with charming statues, fountains and even a small Ionic temple, the Della Gherardesca gardens were planted in the fifteenth century, though a contemporary swimming pool has been added for all-day relaxation. Guests retire to suites, such as the Della Gherardesca with a Capodimonte-style ceramic floor and the Pool Garden Suite boasting its own private pool, where frescoes line the walls amid original architectural features. The locally inspired spa provides the perfect opportunity to unwind with signature treatment from top beauty brands and Florence’s renowned Santa Maria Novella pharmacy founded in 1221. There’s an array of dining options including the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant, Il Palagio, Asian specialties and signature cocktails at Magnolia, and the popular Al Fresco and Pool Tree Bar with its slow-rising pizza and house-made ice cream. In line with the Four Seasons’ brand, the hotel’s amenities are unparalleled. From wedding planning to business services, 24-hour in-room dining and travel arrangements, every base is covered to perfection.

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ST. REGIS FLORENCE
Situated in piazza Ognissanti beside the Arno River, the scenic St. Regis Florence has been the preferred residence of seasoned travelers since the eighteenth century. Steps away from iconic landmarks, the historic hotel is furnished with Florentine aesthetics that stand out alongside modern amenities and services, including a well-appointed business centre. Affixed with rich colors, restored frescoes and sparkling crystal chandeliers, the antique décor pays homage to the city’s artistic heritage. The 80 spacious guest rooms and 19 distinctive suites, such as the Bottega Veneta Suite designed by Tomas Maier and the 200 square metre Presidential Da Vinci Suite, provide discreet opulence and refined elegance. Guests staying in Premium Deluxe Arno River View Rooms and all suites enjoy impeccable St. Regis Butler Service any time, day or night. The Winter Garden Restaurant with its Liberty-style glass ceiling takes diners on a journey through the excellence of Italian cuisine with the creations of executive chef Gentian Shehi. Make time for the Signature Afternoon Tea with house-baked pastries and savory bites served with beverages selected and explained by the tea sommelier.

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HELVETIA & BRISTOL FIRENZE – STARHOTELS COLLEZIONE
The first luxury hotel in the heart of Florence since 1885, Helvetia & Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione stands a few steps from Palazzo Strozzi contemporary arts center and top-end shopping avenue via Tornabuoni. The historic hotel recently reopened after a restoration of the historic wing and a recent expansion that marks its rebirth. Guests can enjoy 25 charming new rooms and suites styled by the renowned interior designer Anouska Hempel together with exclusive inner courtyards and private terraces. Top Florentine master craftspeople have enriched the hotel with original touches such as fine fabrics, antiques and precious Italian furnishings. It’s a refined setting that has been chosen over the centuries by illustrious figures such as Enrico Fermi, Eugenio Montale, Gabriele D’Annunzio, Luigi Pirandello and Eleonora Duse. Dining options include the Bristol Winter Garden covered by a Liberty-style glass ceiling, which serves Italian gourmet dishes, and the recently added Cibrèo Caffè for coffee, lunch, aperitif and special dinners.

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VILLA LA MASSA
Located south of Florence and famous for being the venue of David Bowie and Imam’s wedding reception, Villa La Massa is a verdant five-star getaway for travellers. Now vaunting a stylish new pool that embraces the Tuscan countryside, this splendid thirteenth-century property features 51 luxury rooms, all individually furnished, divided into five classical Tuscan buildings: the Noble Villa, the Villino, The Mill, Casa Colonica and La Limonaia, which opened in 2019. Expect a Renaissance atmosphere with elegant fabrics and frescoed ceilings accompanied by sublime amenities and the very best service from the same owners as the extraordinary Villa D’Este grand hotel on Lake Como. The riverside Il Verrocchio restaurant serves refined Italian dining in a uniquely scenic location on the bend of the Arno River. New for 2021 is the L’Oliveto Summer Lounge for relaxed poolside lunches and gourmet pizza nights. Villa La Massa also provides state-of-the-art technology in meeting rooms bedecked in natural light.

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THE WESTIN EXCLESIOR
On the other side of piazza Ognissanti, The Westin Excelsior has been welcoming guests to Florence for centuries. With piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi a short distance away, guests relive history in the 171 recently renovated elegant guest rooms and suites, including the Belvedere Suite complete with a whirlpool and the Presidential Suite, whose terrace is perfect for candlelit dinner parties. Take in the vibrant flavors and sweeping views at SE·STO on Arno, the hotel’s unique rooftop bar and restaurant with breathtaking 360-degree vistas, exquisite cuisine with a Mediterranean tradition and a well-stocked wine cellar. There’s a focus on fitness with the in-house gym and specially designed beds to help guests adjust to a new time zone, as well as the option of sleep-enhancing superfoods and the Sleep Well balm to ease tension. Business travellers benefit from the in-house concierge services, plus meetings and conventions are a breeze to organize in The Westin Excelsior’s spacious halls equipped with up-to-the-minute technology.

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