Four Seasons Firenze

100   Recommended

August 29, 2014 by EXPERT
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Four Seasons is the WOW of Florence hotels, about a 15 minute walk north of the Duomo. I made the walk myself just to get a sense of the actual distance; it would have taken a bit less than 15 minutes had I not kept stopping to consult my map. The hotel also provides a complimentary hourly shuttle service each way. As the city center is crowded with tourists, many guests will appreciate escaping to the secluded retreat provided by the Four Seasons after a busy day of sightseeing or shopping.

Layout

A small hotel with just 79 rooms in the Palazzo and 37 rooms in the Convento, Four Seasons is set within its magnificent private 11 acre garden. Literally an urban resort, guests can enjoy the large outdoor swimming pool (open in the summer), heated outdoor jacuzzi (open year round), spa, and fully equipped gym. The original palace and convent have been meticulously renovated over seven years. Frescoes and painted wooden ceilings have been restored, and the specialty suites feature these amazing decorations. The custom designed guestroom furnishings, including Morano glass chandeliers, help create a unique sense of place.

Room Types

I was able to see just a few rooms because of high occupancy, but even the lead-in Superior Room was extremely spacious. The bathrooms had beautiful marble with everything you'd expect in a FS bathroom — dual vanities, step-in shower, soaking tub, and separate WC. I was not able to see a Deluxe Room but was shown a Four Seasons Room, the highest guestroom category which was a larger room with garden views. A few specialty suites that I saw: The Duomo Duplex Suite, the only two-story suite in the hotel, features an upstairs loft with sofabed. The suite has two full bathrooms and would be a great accommodation for a family of 4 or 5. It's the only accommodation in the hotel with a view of the Duomo. The Royal Suite (in the Palazzo) has restored frescoes, the original ceramic tile floor in its entry hall, and is furnished with antiques. The Presidential Suite (in the Convento) likewise has original frescoes on the ceilings.

Location

A word about the two buildings. The Convento is a more intimate building with its own street entrance, reception desk, and concierge staff. The intent was to create a "villa within a hotel" boutique experience. It is less ornate (which makes sense, as religious living in a convent had a more humble lifestyle than noble families living in their palaces), the Convento offers a quieter and more homey feeling. It is closed during times of lower demand, although it can be opened for a group.

Tips

A word about driving in Florence. There is a restricted area in the center of Florence into which only specially licensed cars can enter. The entrance to the hotel's car park is located outside the restricted traffic area of the city so guests can access the hotel without incurring traffic fines. However, guests checking in are able drive to the main entrance; the doorman will park your car, and Four Seasons has arrangements to get the fine rescinded. If you want to rent a car while in Florence, Europcar will drop off and pick up your rental car via the hotel's car park.

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