Words by Jonathan Chambers
The Hotel Savoy makes for a sophisticated holiday pad that holds its own amongst the dizzying array of luxury hotels crammed into this famous destination. A fleet of beautifully smart rooms in a stately period building give an unrivalled location, overlooking Florence’s central square. However, this particular Savoy is much more than just a pretty face: beneath the surface you’ll discover a creative and inspiring team that’s making its own mark on the artistic narrative of the city.
Hotel
Guests here won’t be beaten on location: At the heart of Florence, flanking the Piazza Della Repubblica; the hotel building is itself an icon of the ‘centro storico’ (historic centre). The interior can be described as having a grand but modern aesthetic, more contemporary (and Italian, of course) than its London namesake.
An immediately distinguishing trait is the extent of art and sculpture that surrounds you on every floor. Indeed, in recent times, the Savoy has fostered a reputation as a centre for artistic events and exhibitions. Barbara Lo Giudice, the charming and visionary director of art here, explained to us how they strive to contribute to the creative narrative of Florence.
Perfectly illustrating this during our visit, we witnessed the unveiling of a special festive collaboration with acclaimed pop-artist, Gianpiero D’Alessandro: An exclusive mini-series of graphics and seasonal decorations, the proceeds of which will be donated to locally-based children’s foundation, Instituto degli Innocenti. Certainly, these projects run against the grain of the tourism trade here, which greedily milks the city’s cultural treasures ceaselessly!
Room
You can expect all rooms to be terrifically debonair and integrated with up-to-date smart features, typical for the Rocco Forte brand. The Savoy aims to showcase the contemporary face of Tuscan design with its choice of furnishings. Deluxe rooms and suites take this up a notch with artwork and wallpaper that nod to Florentine traditions of high fashion and artisan crafts.
The theming for each room has been individually considered with the odd little surprise: I was delighted to discover a handmade mosaic above my bathtub. Rooms looking out onto the piazza have little balconies for a spot of people watching with a glass of wine, and a select few on the top floor even have views of the famous Duomo.
Food and drink
Michelin-starred chef, Fulvio Pierangelini was chosen to create the menu at the flagship Irene restaurant. He’s a figure who is well known for his celebration of fine Tuscan cuisine and this traditional influence is evident running through the menu. Plates are mostly simple by design but are meticulously crafted from superb local ingredients which vary with the seasons.
The restaurant spills out onto the square during finer weather for an immersive dining experience. The Irene kitchen is also open for absolutely superb breakfasts made to order (a perfect opportunity for an Eggs Florentine!) along with the usual, but very fine, complimentary breakfast buffet.
Wellness facilities
As you’d expect the hotel is equipped with a decent gym as well as a yoga and dance studio – Monday morning yoga classes are available for all hotel guests to help you look after body and soul during your stay. Additionally, the newly added spa is more noteworthy than most with treatments created in collaboration with Florence’s 800-year-old, pre-eminent perfumery: Officina di Santa Maria Novella.
To do
As most are well aware, there are innumerable masterpieces of art and architecture dotted throughout Florence. Piazza Della Repubblica is within a ten-minute walk from more or less every one of the major attractions. A notable spot in the immediate vicinity: Pop just across the street to the similarly iconic Caffè Gilli, dating back to the time of the Medicis (a better Tiramisu is hard to come by).
Florence is indeed breath-taking but its colossal tourist appeal inevitably detracts from the magic. If you have the flexibility, it’s an ideal destination for the colder months when you’ll enjoy a less claustrophobic snapshot of Florentine life. With a concierge team that’s a member of the prestigious Clefs D’Or (Golden Keys), the staff will be able to guide you and arrange any number of unique experiences to make your visit a truly memorable one.
In a nutshell
Standing proud as a picture of sophistication in the heart of Florence, the Hotel Savoy provides an ideal base to explore the treasures that lie within this famous city.
Factbox
Superior double rooms start from €550 per night in low season
Address: Piazza della Repubblica 7, Firenze, 50123 FI, Italy,
Phone: +39 05 527351
Email: reception.savoy@roccofortehotels.com
Website: roccofortehotels.com
Hotel photography courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy.
