Hotel Florence

The entire old city centre has been designated a world heritage site and the city is so steeped in the rich architecture, sights, and ambience of the Renaissance, it is impossible not to be charmed by its instant and universal appeal, which invariably extends to almost every hotel Florence has.

The city is located in the north of Italy and is the capital of the Tuscany region. A city of commercial importance since Roman times, much of the city planning and structures remain from this age, but it is under the influence of the Medici dynasty, and Lorenzo Medici in particular, that the city was placed on the world map. A noted patron of the arts, he commissioned work by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo and the Renaissance was under way.

The enduring legacy of the Medici's is found today in the most popular gallery in the city, the Uffizi, bequeathed by the last Medici. One of the greatest art galleries in the world, the Uffizi contains a great many artworks by the most famous names of the Renaissance and has itself formed the backdrop to the most notable historic episodes in the city's history.

The Basilica of San Lorenzo houses the Medici mausoleum and chapel and is an architectural masterpiece designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, whose other work in the city includes the major landmark of the Santa Maria del Fiore, most commonly known as the Duomo.

The Uffizi gallery is just one of many world-class museums and galleries in the city. Others include the Bargello National Museum (home to works by Donatello and Michelangelo) and the Galleria dell' Accademia, which houses perhaps the most famous sculpture in the city and indeed the world, Michelangelo's David.

The great thing about Florence is that you don't need to wait in the long queues to see the most famous Renaissance art, since it is all around making any walk in the city a joyous experience. Guests within any hotel Florence has will certainly be immersed in the heart of the city's effortless artistic ambience.

The old city streets certainly offer up their pleasures easily, and as you walk around and enjoy something from the charming bread shops and excellent restaurants or simply sit in one the squares and enjoy the views, the best of the city comes to you.

A popular walk takes you from the city centre across the River Arno on the city's most famous bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, containing shops on either side, some of which date from the 13th Century. On the other side of the bridge lie the stunning Palazzo Pitti, another grand Brunelleschi creation, and then the wonderful Boboli Gardens, offering some open air indulgence after all the indoor art exhibitions.

When it comes to accommodation in the city there are plenty of options. While there are certainly luxury hotels there are few of the grand luxury resorts within the city centre itself given the available space.

There are however many luxury resort hotels within the Tuscany region with easy access to Florence and many other delights of the area such as the famous wine regions. Luxury resorts in the Tuscan countryside will generally have a full complement of resort facilities such as spas, sports facilities and fitness centres.

In a city in which world-class architecture is so much in evidence, many of the hotels in Florence are located in wonderful buildings, some original and others are a neo-renaissance style. The boutique hotel concept is a fairly recent phenomenon, sometimes overused to distinguish a smaller and more intimate luxury accommodation experience from that found in the larger chain hotels.

Nowhere in the world is it a more appropriate a term than in Florence. Often used to describe wonderful classic settings, stylish interiors, and first-class service, the concept of boutique hotels is alive and well in Florence and finds a natural home in the city.

The boutique philosophy generally refers to a certain class of establishment, which offers exclusivity and luxury in equal measure. There are certainly many such places in the city and they offer a calm respite and retreat from some of the busier tourist trails.

Exquisite accommodation, often incorporating period furniture and elegant guest rooms and suites, they also pride themselves on a level of personal service which enhances any length of stay and which offers all the necessary information and services for guests to make the most of their time in the city. This could mean anything from gallery tickets to restaurant reservations.

There are of course a good selection of brand name hotels and lodges too, which offer a high and consistent level of standard accommodation. Whichever hotel you choose, any time spent in the city will undoubtedly be spent enjoying all the culture, history, sights and amenities that few cities in the world can match.