Four 4-star hotels in Florence
Luxury near, or far from the shopping district and fine dining.
Jun 19, 2006
Florence is considered the art capital of Italy. Florence has more Renaissance art and architecture than anywhere else in Italy; for admirers, it is also considered the art capital of the world.
Shoppers who appreciate luxury items, fine dining, and high-end stores will certainly find their opulent desires sated in Firenze as well. Luxury chain stores abound here, as well as independent stores featuring hand-made Italian jewelry and leather goods. It comes as no surprise, then, that there is a healthy selection of luxury hotels available to cater to the interests of their elite travel clientele.
Four recommended four-star hotels in Florence, Italy:
- Hotel Rivoli. Hotel Rivoli is across the street from the train station, making it an easy destination for those who travel by rail. Also near the train station, and Hotel Rivoli, are the downtown shopping district and the Santa Maria Novella church. The Santa Maria Novella originated in medieval Florence, with a Renaissance-era facade added on in the mid- to late 1400's. There is a 10-minute stroll to the Uffizi and the Accademia, arguably the most importance museums in Firenze. Hotel Rivoli offers 21st-century services such as 24-hour room service, internet access and satellite television. Look closely, however, and you can still see stone pillars dating from the Renaissance time when the original architecture was a convent for Franciscan nuns.
- Hotel Brunelleschi. Hotel Brunelleschi is named, of course, for the Renaissance architect who designed the dome that tops Il Duomo. Ideally situated near The Duomo, Hotel Brunelleschi is also very convenient to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence's center. A lackluster breakfast is not an incredible concern, due to the convenient location near many fine dining establishments. As with Hotel Rivoli, there is a blend of luxury amenities and original architecture throughout this 4-star hotel. Originally a medieval church called San Michele, Hotel Brunelleschi houses medieval pottery found during its reconstruction. This can be seen in its private museum. Hotel Brunelleschi is truly in the middle of a hopping, fun, central part of Florence; some daytime street noise is inevitable here.
- Villa La Vedetta. Villa La Vedetta provides the antidote for those who wish to escape the hubbub of Florence. Its (truly, 5-star) luxury is comprehensive, from Villa La Vedetta's own private park to its separation from the center of Florence, while still in Florence itself. Up a hill, across the Arno River, this elite hotel caters to luxury travelers who will appreciate the excellent on-site restaurant, cushy pillows and bed, plasma television, and private pool. While there is a bit of a hike to return to the Villa La Vedetta from central Florence's luxury shopping and famous museums, car transport can be arranged. The Villa is, however, convenient to sites on its side of the Arno, including the Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Pitti, and the Piazza Michelangelo.
- Hotel de la Ville. Hotel de la Ville is also across the Arno River, but by no means remote. This 4-star hotel is located in the bustling center of Firenze's historic center, near the Via Tornabuoni and Palazzo Strozzi, both notable for their high-end luxury stores such as Gucci and Prada. Cross the nearby medieval bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, for a 5-minute walk to the Duomo and world-class museums. The Hotel de la Ville offers many luxury amenities such as in-room internet access, satellite television, and elegant bathrooms. Other services include babysitting, accomodations for pets (arrange for both ahead of time) and full use of the garage and conference room. There is a buffet-style breakfast, and the Lobby Bar provides snack and dishes made to order.
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Tips for Getting Around Florence
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