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Ad Astra Hotel Via del Campuccio, 53 adastraflorence it

Set in the quiet tranquillity of the Oltrano artisan district, Ad Astra is a unique boutique hotel set within an ancestral palazzo It overlooks the manicured beauty of the Torrigiani Gardens, considered Europe’s largest private walled garden in a city centre The hotel possesses large terraces in which to enjoy the view from the common areas Offering 14 ensuite rooms, each room has been specially curated and decorated with individual themes, decorations, antiques, curios, and styles housed within the structure of the Ancestral Palazzo, replete with chandeliers and frescoed ceilings

The overall effect is personal and relaxed in its elegant setting Breakfast is included daily and there is an “honesty bar” during the evenings Rooms are wellappointed and most are equipped with a luxurious freestanding bath within, a kettle, an espresso machine, DVD player, HD TV, free Wifi Bigelow bath products and slippers are provided Bathrooms have large showers and are sleek and stylish All the beds are large comfortable king sized

Located in the Oltrano District, a 10-minute walk to The Florence Studio Rate for Doubles from €350 a night Parking is available if arranged in advance

The Portrait Hotel Lugarno degli Acciaiuoli, 4 lungarnocollection com/portrait-firenze

Steps from the world-famous Ponte Vecchio, this hotel is the Lungarno Collection’s premier space in Florence and owned by the Ferragamo Family This all-suite contemporary property has 37 rooms Its sophisticated style is fresh, chic and contemporary with its walls decorated with personal family photographs and the common spaces housing art and sculptures It aims for a very personalised service and offers all the plush details of a luxury hotel It boasts one of the top penthouse suites in Florence with terraces overlooking the famous medieval bridge and Arno River For the 7th year, The Portrait has been given the 5 Star Forbes Award There is 24-hour room service and is home to the Caffè dell ‘Oro Restaurant and Bar, considered one of the best ambiences in Florence in which to view the city’s beauty and its people

Located next to the Ponte Vecchio and is a 3-minute walk to The Florence Studio Leading Hotels of the World Rate for Double Room from €1105 per night Contact hotel for pre-arranged parking information

Hotel Lungarno

Via

del Giglio, 9 lungarnocollection com/hotel-lungarno/ *****

With its ideal setting on the Arno River, the Hotel Lungarno is part of the Ferragamo family hotel collection Opened in 1967 and just having undergone a complete renovation in 2017, Hotel Lungarno offers 65 sleek suites and plush rooms with its signature blue colours and luxury textiles weaving throughout the entire facility, as well as its famous art collection of 450 pieces that line its walls Many of the rooms have terraces overlooking the city or have views of the river Its penthouse suite includes an enormous roof-top terrace replete with a fire-pit and offers breath-taking views across the entire city The Hotel has a spacious lobby in which to congregate, an intimate bar area and a river terrace overlooking the Ponte Vecchio that serves signature cocktails, drinks or food throughout the day The hotel is also home to the 1 star Michelin restaurant Borgo San Jacopo

Five Star Rate for double room begins at €750 per night Located steps from the Ponte Vecchio in the Oltrano District south of the river Arno It is a 5-minute walk to The Florence Studio

Helvetia & Bristol

Via dei Pescioni, 2 collezione starhotels com/en/our-hotels/helvetiaand-bristol-florence/ *****

After its extensive renovations and expansion, Helvetia & Bristol reigns as one of the finest 5-star hotels in Florence and the jewel in the Star Hotels Collection With its prime location dead centre in the heart of Florence, this privately owned hotel combines the elegance of Old World charm with its newly created contemporary suites and rooms curated by top designer Anouska Hempel Employing some of Florence’s phenomenal artisan designers, the hotel exudes some of the finest craftmanship in Italy, with history restored to modern day standards of elegance and style Various sized rooms and suites are available For those who want to find an urban retreat, it also boasts the finest spa in Florence with its gym and underground pools, saunas, salt room, water therapy and treatment rooms set upon old Roman baths It hosts its own sophisticated restaurant and bar with both inside and outside seating The Florentine-famous Cibrèo Restaurant & Bar is also located within the hotel with is incredibly sexy and stylish restaurant and bar This is luxury and service at its highest level

Located just off of Piazza Repubblica, it is 4-minute walk to The Florence Studio Rate for Double Deluxe Rooms from €900

Palazzo San Niccolò

Via di S Niccolò, 79 palazzosanniccolo it ***

Both a former 13th century convent and a 15th century palace in its long history, Palazzo San Niccolò is a family-owned hotel that has been thoughtfully restored and converted into its contemporary boutique setting It’s a stylish tribute to ‘50s interior design that flows chicly throughout the communal spaces, rooms, suites, apartments and studios With its delightful private garden in the back for guests to enjoy, the palace offers a quite oasis in the heart of the San Niccolò neighbourhood, one of Florence’s oldest zones south of the River Arno Breakfast, lunch and evening aperitivo are served daily There is a front-desk service until 7 pm and daily housekeeping service Complimentary water and tea are served throughout the day in the lounge It is steps away from some of the most beautiful vistas in Florence, including Forte Belvedere, The Bardini Gardens, Rose Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo and the newly restored Poggi fountain World UNESCO Heritage Site

Located in the San Niccolò neighbourhood and is a 13-minute walk to The Florence Studio Rates for a double begin at €220 per night Contact hotel for parking information

The Westin Excelsior Piazza Ognissanti, 3 thewestinexcelsiorhotel com-hotel

com ****

Part of the Marriot group, the Westin Excelsior is located over 5 floors and has a collection of 171 rooms, larger suites and penthouse suites Although the Excelsior dates back to land registry of the 13th century, it was in the 1830 that Caroline Bonaparte – sister to Napoleon – bought the property and gave it the current structure of today In the 1920s, it became the Excelsior Italie hotel Today, the property has been restored with care and attention to elegant details that enhances its grandeur Located on the north banks of the Arno River, many of its rooms have this southern river view, replete with terraces and balconies Bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, and turn-down service are complimentary It has a full concierge service as well as a 24 hour front-desk and room service It also houses a Westin WORKOUT Gym The Excelsior boasts the SE STO on Arno an iconic bar and restaurant located on the spectacular rooftop terrace with captivating views of the city The ORVM Bar on the lobby floor provides an elegant Old World ambience in which to enjoy a drink or a light meal

Located in the Santa Maria Novella neighbourhood and is a 7minute walk to The Florence Studio Marriot Luxury Collection Rates from €600 a night for a double room

Palazzo Gaddi, NH Hotel Collection

Via del Giglio, 9 nh-hotels com/hotel/nh-collection-firenzepalazzo-gaddi ****

Built in the 16th Century by the Gaddi family, this four-star hotel has undergone an extensive recent renovation to include all the amenities and style of today’s living while still highlighting the many frescos and fine architectural details of the palazzo For those clients who want more services in their stay, this 86-room hotel spread out over six floors has an open terraced roof-top fish restaurant & bar with spectacular views of Florence, a stylish bar in the lobby area, and steak themed restaurant with a courtyard on the main floor

4 Star Rate for double room from €320 per night

Located in the Mercato Centrale Neighbourhood A 7-minute walk to The Florence Studio Off-site parking in public garage

Casa Botticelli

Piazza San Felice, 8 casabotticelli com/en/

***

This gem of a boutique hotel is located in one of the best areas of Florence, is more a home and art gallery than your usual places to stay Located in a 16th century palazzo, this family owned hotel offers nine double bedrooms that are wellappointed, good sized and designed with a stylish eye in mind with their blend of contemporary furnishings and precious antiques creating an atmosphere of unapologetic beauty Daily breakfast is included The concierge desk is open from 9 to 5 pm

Located in Santo Spirito District, a 5 minute walk to The Florence Studio Member of Tablet Hotels

Rate for Doubles from €300 a night