WHERE TO STAY - Florence and Tuscany - page 245

CITY CENTRE WEST Grand Hotel

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Piazza Ognissanti 1, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 107 Map 5 A2
Crowned heads and other VIPs favour this classic hotel that lives up to its name. The rooms, furnished in Renaissance
or Empire style, afford views either of the Arno or of a delightful courtyard filled with potted orange trees. This hotel
is also home to a good restaurant. Sister to the Excelsior across the piazza. www.starwood.com/grandflorence
CITY CENTRE WEST Grand Hotel Minerva

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Piazza Santa Maria Novella 16, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 102 Map 1 B5
With its rooftop swimming pool, the Grand Minerva does full justice to the romance of Florence. Watching the
sunset from here or from the adjacent bar is a memorable experience. Recently refurbished, this hotel has welcomed
many famous guests, including Henry James. Family suites have two bathrooms. www.grandhotelminerva.com
CITY CENTRE WEST Grand Hotel Villa Medici

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Via Il Prato 42, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 100 Map 1 A4
This 18th-century villa conversion is the only hotel within the city limits to have an open-air pool in its own gardens.
Located by Porta al Prato, it is within walking distance of the centre of town. The plush rooms are furnished with
antiques. The fitness centre features a sauna and Turkish bath. www.villamedicihotel.com
CITY CENTRE WEST Helvetia & Bristol

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Via dei Pescioni 2, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 67 Map 5 C2
With five-star traditions but a more boutique feel, this hotel is full of pieces from the owner's art collection - you
might find a 17th- or 18th-century painting above your bed. The rooms are ornate and decently sized and the location
is great. Everyone from Stravinsky to Gorbachev has stayed here, and for good reason. www.royaldemeure.com
CITY CENTRE WEST Hotel Aprile

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Via della Scala 6, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 28 Map 1 B5
Once owned by the Medici, this palazzo features frescoed ceilings, period paintings and spacious rooms. Traces of
The Triumph of David can be seen on the interesting façade. Ask for a room overlooking the courtyard since the
streets can be quite noisy. Breakfast is served in the colourful courtyard garden in summer. www.hotelaprile.it
CITY CENTRE WEST Hotel Golden Tower

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Piazza Strozzi 11r, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 27 Map 5 C3
An elegant boutique hotel occupying the medieval tower where Filippo Strozzi (see p105) lived while his palace was
being built next door. Rooms are thoughtfully furnished, with en-suite marble bathrooms. Two rooms have Jacuzzis.
The tower rooms are the most atmospheric and have original features. www.goldentowerhotel.it
CITY CENTRE WEST Hotel Roma

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Piazza Santa Maria Novella 8, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 57 Map 1 B5
This large hotel flaunts many elegant touches such as marble floors, wood panelling and intriguing stained-glass
works by Galileo and Tito Chini. Rooms facing the piazza are larger although they can be noisy. For a quieter stay,
ask to be accommodated in a different part of the hotel. www.hotelromaflorence.com
CITY CENTRE WEST Hotel Savoy

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Piazza della Repubblica 7, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 102 Map 6 D3
Architecturally magnificent with lavish interiors, the stylishly appointed rooms here are sleek and spacious. The sixth-
floor gym affords spectacular views of the Duomo and Giotto's Campanile. L'Incontro bar on the piazza is a favourite
rendezvous point for Florentines. Breakfast is not included in the price. www.hotelsavoy.it
CITY CENTRE WEST JK Place

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Piazza Santa Maria Novella 7, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 20 Map 5 B2
A hip town house hotel with contemporary lines and a high design ethos. There is a stunning rooftop terrace - its
Lounge is Florence's coolest bar. The bedrooms feature muted colours and top quality furnishings. The atmosphere is
unstuffy but attentive, with check-in done over drinks around an 18th-century walnut table. www.jkplace.com
CITY CENTRE WEST Montebello Splendid

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Via Garibaldi 14, 50123 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 60 Map 1 A5
This 19th-century villa with its own giardino all'Italiana (Italian-style garden) was totally refurbished in 2004. Rooms
are airy and bathrooms have marble fittings. There is no charge for children under six sharing a room with their
parents. www.montebellosplendid.com
CITY CENTRE WEST Palazzo Vecchietti

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Via degli Strozzi 4, 50123 Tel [phone] Rooms 14 Map 5 C3
This 15th-century palace is a chic home-from-home. All suites feature full kitchens, marble bathrooms, walk-in ward-
robes and butler service. The breakfast room is the only public room. The contemporary decor is finished to a high
quality, with classic elegant furnishings and period details. www.palazzovecchietti.com
CITY CENTRE WEST Santa Maria Novella

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Piazza Santa Maria Novella 1, 50124 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Rooms 38 Map 5 B2
Furnished in Empire style, this superb hotel couples grandeur with tranquility. Standard doubles overlook Via delle
Belle Donne, while the superiors face Santa Maria Novella and the Piazza. One junior suite has a roof terrace. The
service is of a consistently high quality. The bar serves snacks and light meals. www.hotelsantamarianovella.it