Ultimate luxury at the Four Seasons in Florence

I was so impressed with the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze in Florence that I just had to write about it and share our experience with you.

We arrived on a Thursday night for a long weekend to celebrate my birthday and when we stepped out of the taxi, the entrance to the hotel was rather unassuming. However that all changed the moment we stepped through the door. I’ve seen some impressive hotel lobbies in my time but this was spectacular and so…Italian!

The hotel is made up of two historic buildings – the 15th century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the Conventino, which was a 16th century convent. The Palazzo was home to one of Italy’s oldest, wealthiest and most famous families and you’ll hear their name all throughout the city, particularly in relation to art – Medici. The Palazzo della Gherardesca was home to Cardinal Alessandro de’ Medici, who became Pope Leo XI in 1605. To stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is, in a way, like staying in a museum.

The decadent and luxurious reception area at the Four Seasons.

A beautiful and decorative area of the lobby.

As if the hotel lobby and reception area weren’t a feast for the eyes, our bedroom was stunning. It’s also one of the biggest rooms we’ve ever stayed in – it was like an apartment (minus a kitchen). We had a garden-facing room however the weather was pretty miserable the whole time we were there that we didn’t admire the view that much. Plus, when you have a fabulous bath like this to soak yourself in after a rainy afternoon… who wants to spend time looking out a window?

You have to admire a bathroom that has a chandelier…

After dinner on our first night we ended the evening with a cocktail in the hotel’s Atrium bar. The bar is open until 1am and during the day you can enjoy a light meal or indulge in afternoon tea. At night there is a piano player to add to the ambience.

I can’t remember what cocktails we ordered (no I hadn’t had too much to drink, I just don’t drink cocktails that often!) but they were delicious. If I remember correctly mine had gin, prosecco and elderflower. The berries were a delight!

The hotel has a one Michelin star restaurant, il Palagio. We didn’t go for dinner but we did have breakfast there every morning where there was a wonderful, varied buffet as well as a number of hot options such as eggs Benedict and pancakes.

In the warmer months, they open the French doors so that you can dine on the terrace and enjoy the garden views.

The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool however it was being renovated when we stayed. I imagine it’s wonderful during the Summer months and would be a welcome relief from the Italian heat. The garden is well worth a stroll – with 4.5 hectares, it’s one of the biggest private gardens in Florence. There’s fountains, statues, art, a small temple and a pavilion.

We’ve been lucky enough to stay in some truly beautiful hotels, such as the Mount Nelson in Cape Town, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro and Sandy Lane in Barbados but I must say that the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is definitely on my must-stay list! I can’t wait to return the next time we’re in Florence.

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