My picks in Travel

Cheat Sheet: Florence

Top picks for city & countryside hotels, restaurants & hidden gem museums

The capital of Tuscany and the cradle of the Renaissance ... Florence never fails to wow me with its glorious architecture and art, and food that is uncomplicated and pure. To make the most of your next visit, I've gathered my favorite hotels—some with views of the Duomo and some nestled in the hills—plus a list of not-to-be-missed tucked away museums and cozy restaurants and trattorias.

WHERE TO STAY IN FLORENCE

Gallery Hotel Art

Borgo Santi Apostoli
Gallery Hotel Art, A Hip and Sexy Boutique Hotel in Florence
You wouldn't think a shoemaker would make a great hotelier, but these are no ordinary heels ... or hotels! The iconic Salvatore Ferragamo brand launched its Lungarno Hotels collection in Florence in 1995, creating ... read more about Gallery Hotel Art
www.galleryhotelart.com | Phone: +39 055 272 63
Florence Italy

JK Place

Santa Maria Novella
The 20 rooms at JK Place are small but stylish; contemporary yet comfy, with all the gadgets you need to make your stay a delightful one.
The original JK is an intimate spot in the center of Florence. It feels like an elegant private mansion, featuring small, homey sitting rooms, splendid antiques, and a cozy library ... read more about JK Place
www.jkplace.com | Phone: +39 055 26 451 81
Piazza Santa Maria Novella 7 | Florence 50123 Italy

Villa La Massa

Candeli
Villa La Massa, An Historic Country Retreat near Florence
It can't be easy being the sister of Villa d'Este, one of the world's most famous hotels on the shores of Lake Como, but Villa La Massa more than holds its own in ... read more about Villa La Massa
www.villalamassa.com | Phone: +39 055 626 11
Via della Massa 24 | Candeli, Florence 50012 Italy

Continentale

Santa Maria Novella
The Continentale is the contemporary sister of the Lungarno Hotels. The 44 rooms are decked out in a '50s Italian style, with a very 'now' twist. Perfect for business or pleasure, they're outfitted with modern art and up-to-the-minute technology, including a home cinema, a fitness center and spa.
This is the contemporary sister of the Lungarno Hotels. The 44 rooms are decked out in a '50s Italian style, with a very 'now' twist. Perfect for business or pleasure, they're outfitted with ... read more about the Continentale
www.lungarnohotels.com | Phone: +1 800 426 5445
Vicolo Del'Oro 6r | Florence 50123 Italy

Casa Howard

Fortezze
Bookworms will enjoy the ‘Library' room at Casa Howard, while pets will lap up the doggy bed available in the ‘Terrace Room', a space intended for guests traveling with their furry companions
Eclectic, eccentric and excellent. An Italian fave of Petra & Mario Bedetti, this boutique offers 14 themed rooms filled with antiques, art and contemporary pieces, as well as TV, DVD, and WiFi. Bookworms will enjoy the ‘Library' room ... read more on Casa Howard
www.casahoward.com | Phone: +39 06 69 924555
Via della Scala 18 | Florence 50123 Italy

Villa La Vedetta

Villa La Vedetta, A Romantic Villa Hotel in Florence
In the classic, A Room with a View, when Helena Bonham Carter opens her hotel window and looks out at the Duomo in all its red-tiled glory, she could just as easily have been on the terrace of Villa La Vedetta, a gorgeously romantic ... read more on Villa la Vedetta
www.villalavedetta.com | Phone: +39 055 681631
Viale Michelangelo 78 | Florence Italy

Villa Mangiacane

San Casciano
Villa Mangiacane
Once the home of the Machiavelli family, the 16th-century Villa Mangiacane has seen a lot of history, and was a suitably grand setting for one of the most infamous Italian families. These days the current South African owners have made it ... read more about Villa Mangiacane
www.mangiacane.it | Phone: +39 055 8290123
Via Faltignano 4 | San Casciano, Florence 50026 Italy

Hotel Savoy

Piazza della Repubblica
The 88 rooms and 14 suites at Hotel Savoy were very tastefully designed by Olga Polizzi, sister of Sir Rocco Forte. Some of them are on the small side, but all have comfortable beds and rich fabrics in creams and muted tones of gold, blue and green.
The sister hotel of the De Russie in Rome, the Savoy is just as grand as its famous sibling—and both are part of the always stylish Rocco Forte Collection. This is one of my favorites ... read more on the Hotel Savoy
www.hotelsavoy.it | Phone: +39 055 27351
Piazza della Repubblica 7 | Florence Italy

WHERE TO EAT IN FLORENCE

Restaurant File: Florence's Classic and Modern Italian Flavors

Alla Vecchia Bettola
Alla Vecchia Bettola is Italian for "at the old dive," and accordingly, this ristorante just outside the ancient city wall resounds with unadulterated old world comfort. Wooden benches and stools surround marble-topped tables in the ... read more on Alla Vecchia Bettola and other top Florence Restaurants

WHAT TO SEE & DO IN FLORENCE

Hidden Gem Museums in Florence

Salvatore Ferragamo Shoe Museum
Once you've toured the magnificent Duomo and Pitti Palace, wander in some of Florence's lesser known streets to find fascinating hidden gem museums featuring exquisite shoes, natural history exhibitions, and some of the finest artworks in Italy ... read more on Salvatore Ferragamo's Shoe Museum and other top picks for Florence's hidden gem museums.

 

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Topics: Epicurean , Arts & Culture , Travel

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