Hotels in Florence, Italy

Hotels in Florence, Italy

Welcome to Akhtar Khan's Travel Recommendations! Akhtar Khan is a renowned expert in luxury high-end travel with a great reputation in the travel and tourism industry. With over 80 countries and counting under his belt, he has stayed in some of the most prestigious hotels in the world and was even the face of travel on BBC World TV for 7 years. If you're planning a trip to Florence, Italy and want to experience the best that this beautiful city has to offer, Akhtar has put together his top recommendations for 5-star and upwards hotels and resorts. Florence is known for its stunning Renaissance art and architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, and staying in one of these properties will ensure that you have a truly luxurious experience. Whether you're looking for a historic palace converted into a hotel, a modern hilltop resort with world-class amenities, or a boutique hotel with personalized service, Akhtar's recommendations have got you covered. He has personally vetted each property to ensure that they meet his high standards of luxury, comfort, and service. In addition to his travel expertise, Akhtar is also about to launch his own food and beverage series. This series will showcase Akhtar's love of food and his experiences dining at some of the best restaurants around the world. As a foodie himself, he understands the importance of good food and will bring his expertise to the table in this exciting new venture. So, if you're looking for the ultimate luxury travel experience in Florence, look no further than Akhtar Khan's Travel Recommendations. With his expertise and experience, you can be sure that your trip will be unforgettable. And don't forget to tune in to Akhtar's food and beverage series for some mouth-watering culinary adventures!
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Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort
@akhtarkhan
Hey there, I recently stayed at a stunning hotel in Florence that I just have to recommend to you. The Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort is a luxurious property surrounded by a 20-hectare garden, including vineyards and olive groves. One of the highlights for me was the outdoor pool, where I spent a lot of my time relaxing. The hotel is located just 4 km away from Florence's historic centre and the Boboli Gardens, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. And the best part is, free WiFi and parking are included! The rooms are elegant and spacious, and many of them offer stunning views of the gardens. I was impressed by the frescoed ceilings, classic furnishings and comfortable seating area. The air conditioning made the room nice and cool, which was perfect during the hot summer days. The à la carte restaurant was a culinary highlight for me. They serve a combination of traditional Tuscan dishes and fine cuisine, and I loved trying the local wines. In the morning, a delicious continental breakfast buffet was served, which set me up perfectly for the day ahead. During my stay, I also made use of the gym and panoramic terrace. The hotel is just a 15-minute drive from the Uffizi Gallery and the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. And if you're travelling by train, the Santa Maria Novella Train Station is just 4.5 km away. Overall, I highly recommend the Villa Tolomei Hotel & Resort for a luxurious and relaxing stay in Florence. I hope you get a chance to experience it for yourself!
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Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
@akhtarkhan
Hey, have you heard of the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze in Florence? It's an amazing luxury hotel that I highly recommend you check out. Located right next to the Giardino della Gherardesca botanical gardens, the hotel offers a 2-floor spa and Michelin-star restaurant. The rooms are spacious and bright, with a combination of Renaissance décor and modern amenities. You'll have an LCD TV, DVD player, bathrobes and slippers to make your stay even more comfortable. The Four Seasons is actually made up of two buildings, the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the ex 16th-century convent, La Villa. And in between these two buildings are 4.5 hectares of beautiful gardens that you can explore. The spa is incredible, with 9 beauty treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, and gym. It opens out onto the upper terrace with a pool and hot tub. One of the highlights of the hotel is the main restaurant, Il Palagio, which uses local produce to create the finest Tuscan dishes. And if you're in the mood for something more casual, there's also a seasonal restaurant, Al Fresco pizzeria. The hotel's central location makes it the perfect base for exploring Florence. You're just a 15-minute walk from Florence Cathedral and the famous art galleries, the Uffizi and Accademia. Trust me, you won't be disappointed if you choose to stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze.
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Golden Tower Hotel & Spa
@akhtarkhan
Hey, have you decided where you're going to stay during your trip to Florence? I highly recommend the Golden Tower Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel located in the city's most exclusive area, right next to Palazzo Strozzi. The rooms are ultra-modern and stylish, with white walls and bed linen, and dark-wood furniture. You'll have access to a minibar, free WiFi, and a flat-screen TV with Sky channels. Plus, if you're interested in a bit of pampering, the hotel offers a spa with a hot tub, Turkish bath, sauna, sensory showers, and even a cervical waterfall. Massages and beauty treatments are also available at an additional cost. In the mornings, you can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast featuring Italian cappuccino, fresh fruit, and pastries. The hotel's 15th-century lobby boasts original frescoes, and there's even a library and fireplace. The staff here is fantastic - they provide a personalized service and are very knowledgeable about the local area. Plus, the hotel is within walking distance to some of Florence's most popular attractions, like Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery, both just 5 minutes away on foot. I guarantee you'll love your stay at the Golden Tower Hotel.
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IL Tornabuoni Hotel - In the Unbound Collection by Hyatt
@akhtarkhan
Hey there! I just visited IL Tornabuoni The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Hotel in Florence and it was amazing. I highly recommend it to you. The location is perfect - it's right in the fashion district in the heart of the city centre, and just a short walk away from famous attractions like the Uffizi Gallery and Florence Cathedral. The rooms here are simply stunning, with artisanal furniture and beautiful decor. I stayed in a room that had original frescoes and it was so unique and special. The room also had a minibar with free soft drinks, a TV with satellite channels, and a kettle with tea, herbal tea, and coffee ingredients. Plus, the free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel was very convenient. One of the highlights of my stay was the rooftop terrace with a Champagne bar and panoramic views of Florence. It was so beautiful, especially at sunset. The breakfast buffet was also great, with freshly baked croissants, home-made cakes, fresh fruit, and delicious Italian coffee. If you're a wine lover, don't miss out on The Cellar, which has a rich selection of famous Italian and French wines available for tasting. Overall, I had an incredible experience at IL Tornabuoni The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Hotel. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the hotel has a unique Renaissance building that adds to the charm of the stay.
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Hotel Savoy
@akhtarkhan
Hey, have you heard of the Hotel Savoy in Florence? I highly recommend it if you're planning a trip to this beautiful city. It's situated in the heart of Florence, right in the middle of the Uffizi Gallery and Florence Cathedral, making it the perfect location for exploring the city. The rooms are elegantly designed with a contemporary style that combines Italian design with artwork inspired by local fashion houses. You'll find all the amenities you need, including air conditioning, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV with satellite and pay-per-view channels. Some rooms even offer views of the square, Brunelleschi's dome, or Giotto's Bell Tower. The hotel has a fantastic new restaurant called Irene bistro which serves Tuscan specialties with a modern twist, using local seasonal produce, created by chef Pierangelini. If you're looking to stay active during your trip, Hotel Savoy has an excellent fitness center equipped with Technogym® equipment, and it's all elegantly decorated to add a luxurious touch to your workout. Overall, I'd definitely recommend Hotel Savoy for anyone looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of Florence.
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The Westin Excelsior, Florence
@akhtarkhan
The Westin Excelsior, Florence is a luxurious 5-star hotel located on the banks of River Arno in the historic Piazza Ognissanti in Florence. It offers stylish and spacious rooms and suites, with many of them overlooking the river and the Oltrarno area. The famous Ponte Vecchio is just 900 meters away. All the air-conditioned rooms at the Excelsior are elegantly furnished with stylish furniture and equipped with Carrara-marble bathrooms. Each room features a Westin Heavenly Bed® for a comfortable sleep and a 32" plasma-screen TV with a multilingual programme selection and a digital jukebox. The hotel serves a varied buffet breakfast daily in the elegant Sala Caminetto hall. Guests can enjoy a drink on one of the hotel's terraces with stunning city views during the day, and for dinner, they can savor the Mediterranean cuisine of the executive chef and his staff. The hotel has a partner spa located opposite the property, where guests can book spa treatments and make use of the wellness centre. The Westin Excelsior is just 500 meters away from the Santa Maria Novella Train Station and a short walk from the historical centre. It is surrounded by some of the city's most popular restaurants and designer boutiques, making it a perfect choice for both leisure and business travelers.
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Il Salviatino
@akhtarkhan
Hey, if you're planning a trip to Florence and looking for a luxurious place to stay with stunning views, Il Salviatino might be just what you're looking for. It's nestled in the rolling Tuscan hills, only 3 km from Fiesole, and offers panoramic views of Florence's historic center. One of the best things about Il Salviatino is that it used to be a Renaissance villa of the 15th century, so you can expect a unique and elegant atmosphere. The rooms and suites are individually designed with original artwork and Tuscan linen, and some of them offer views of the garden or the Cathedral. Plus, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, parking, and a free shuttle into Florence. But that's not all - Il Salviatino has plenty of amenities to make your stay even more enjoyable. There's a spa featuring Acqua di Fiesole products, a gym with Technogym equipment, and an outdoor pool. And if you're a foodie, you'll love the restaurant that serves modern versions of traditional Tuscan recipes, using local ingredients. The dining room with terrace offers a unique panorama that you won't forget anytime soon. Oh, and there's also a buffet breakfast served daily. So, what do you think? Are you convinced that Il Salviatino is the perfect place to stay in Florence?
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Baglioni Relais Santa Croce
@akhtarkhan
As soon as I arrived, I was blown away by the frescoed ceilings and the elegant lounge area. The whole atmosphere is a perfect blend of classic and modern details. I also enjoyed spending time in the music room, where they host aperitifs and entertainment activities. The rooms are gorgeous, with antique furniture and fine fabrics that give them a luxurious feel. Some of the rooms have a plasma-screen TV, walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a rain shower, sauna, or Turkish bath. I loved all the high-quality comforts that the hotel provides. One of the best things about Relais Santa Croce is the free WiFi available throughout the hotel. The restaurant serves delicious dishes made from seasonal ingredients, and the Pinchiorri winery on site offers award-winning wine. They even buy fresh produce daily from the historic Sant'Ambrogio Market, which is just a short walk away. Finally, I have to mention the fantastic staff at Relais Santa Croce. They're always ready to help you with anything you need, from tour bookings to restaurant and museum reservations, and even theatre or concert tickets. I highly recommend this hotel if you're planning to visit Florence, it's an experience you don't want to miss.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akhtar Khan is a highly experienced news TV and radio journalist, news anchor, commentator with over 27 years in the media industry. He's more recognizable as the host of Fast Track, BBC World's travel show which he fronted for 7 years. A self-confessed travel junkie Akhtar has travelled to 80 countries and counting. In 2008 he launched his own production company and travel brand focusing on high-end, luxury 5-star travel. To that end he has worked with some of the biggest and well-known brands in luxury travel sector including Banyan Tree, Movenpick, Como, Six Senses and Hilton as well as promoting destinations such as the Maldives, Mauritius and Thailand. As a committed travel specialist, my area of expertise is luxury travel, with a primary concentration on Bali and the wider Asian region. Based in Bali, Indonesia, my base of operations enables me to fully experience the rich cultures and breathtaking scenery that characterise this region of the world. Using my wealth of experience and acute understanding of the luxury travel sector, I am able to create unique travel experiences, whether that involves booking opulent lodging, planning flawless travel schedules, or finding hidden treasures.
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DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
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