Florence really doesn’t need any introductions. The city was made famous by the Italian Renaissance, and is constantly drawing in tourists for its architectural beauty, artisanal products like leather and woodwork, and of course, its dizzying array of artwork.
Rocco Forte, the brand synonymous for Italian style and luxury, really got it right with their Florence hotel, Hotel Savoy.
With 88 generously sized rooms and 14 spectacular suites, the Hotel Savoy’s enviable location has you nestled in the heart of the city, with all of Florence’s beauty just a stone’s throw away.
Location
Hotel locations don’t get much better than this. Located in the heart of Florence, overlooking the gorgeous Piazza della Reppublica, the Hotel Savoy is just 200 meters from Florence’s famous Duomo, a 5-minute walk to the Ponte Vecchio and 11 minutes to Palazzo Pitti, on the other side of the famous Arno river.
The hotel is about 5 minutes’ drive (or 10-minute walk) from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station, the city’s main railway station, and a 25-minute drive from Florence’s airport.
Style & Ambiance
It’s difficult to describe the feeling you get when you walk in to the Hotel Savoy. Like all the other Rocco Forte properties, it is a perfect mix of style, sleekness and also comfort. Unlike many other luxury hotels, you can feel completely relaxed and at home at the Savoy. The lobby itself is a feast for the eyes, with gorgeous designer furniture, stunning floral arrangements, which change every day, and a lovely, welcoming team at the reception desk ready to help you with anything you need.
Be sure not to miss the fascinating selection of statues’ heads in the lobby by famous Italian artist Luca Pignatelli. The hotel also features works by well-known artists highlighting shoes and hats in celebration of Florence’s long history of fashion and artisan industry.
The overall vibe of the hotel is decadent, yet relaxed, and I knew from the minute I walked through the main entrance that I was in for a treat.
Arrival & Check-in
Before checking in, the hotel staff reached out to me to see if I had any specific requests which was a lovely touch. On my arrival, I was welcomed by the Hotel Savoy Director, who spoke to me of his passion for Florence and the Rocco Forte brand.
My check-in was quick and easy, and I was accompanied to my room to be shown around (side note, my luggage had already magically appeared in the enormous and amenity filled walk-in closet!).
The Suite
I stayed in the Executive Suite on the first floor, an amazing space that overlooked the Piazza della Reppublica. Similar to the lobby, the room is modern chic, with a touch of stylish Tuscan design. Shiny wooden floors, topped with fluffy designer rugs and furnished with modern, comfort furniture and chic artwork, the rooms at the Savoy really are an escape from the tourist-filled scenes I observed from my window.
Bathroom
Anything you could ever want from a 5-star bathroom, with the Made in Italy emphasis certainly continuing from the décor through to the amenities and cosmetics. With a floor-to-ceiling fit-out of white Italian marble, the bathroom has that touch of traditional Tuscan styling, modern too. The toiletries provided are by Lorenzo Villoresi Firenze, famed Florentine perfumer, and with his middle eastern and oriental blends, the scents coming out of the bathroom were mesmerising.
My favourite part? When I got back to my room early evening, turndown service had transformed the suite, and the bathroom, into an evening oasis – slippers by the bedside, fresh towels in the bathroom, mood lighting and of course, a little chocolate on the pillows!
Dining
The hotel’s restaurant – Irene – an ode to Sir Rocco Forte’s mother Irene, offers a delicious array of Tuscan dishes with a contemporary wash. With a chic and modern interior, Irene includes an outdoor dining area that faces onto the Piazza, giving hotel guests the feeling of ‘dining out’, as opposed to dining in the average hotel restaurant.
Breakfast
From pastries to fresh fruit, charcuterie and your classic international (eggs, bacon and the rest), breakfast at Irene makes getting up early a treat.
Lunch and Dinner
Head chef Giovanni Cosmai brings a touch of international experience and his proud Puglian heritage to give diners a modern take on Tuscan cuisine. With dishes like the classics bistecca alla fiorentina (a 1.5kg Chianina steak), and ravioli con pappa al pomodoro (inspired by the Tuscan rustic tomato and bread dish), you will be spoilt for choice by the delicious menu.
Cocktails
Be sure to drop in to Irene for a cocktail (with some of the best mixologists in Florence) at some stage during your stay. If sitting outdoors watching the world go by sipping on a delicious cocktail is not entertaining enough, the staff will be only too happy to show off the restaurant’s extensive collection of vintage glasses and hand painted ceramics and plates.
Rest of hotel
Concierge
Excellent concierge services are synonymous with the Rocco Forte brand. Whatever your needs at Hotel Savoy, no request is too big or small, and I found the concierge staff to be extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Florentine history, food and culture. An extra little touch – booking a suite will get you personalized concierge service throughout your stay.
Gym
If working out while on holidays is your thing, Hotel Savoy has you covered with its round-the-clock gym, boasting glimpses of the Duomo. The gym is fully equipped and personal training is also available on request.
Meetings & Events
Hotel Savoy provides a business centre and intimate meeting rooms that can accommodate events for up to 50 guests.
Finances & Details
A classic room starts from 440 GB pounds / 570 Euro including breakfast and views on the Piazza della Repubblica or the Duomo of Florence.
The Executive Suite featured here is from 1,150 GB pounds / 1,500 Euro including breakfast and all the perks of a suite, such as separate living room, Piazza views and personalised Concierge before and during your stay.
Address: Hotel Savoy, Piazza della Repubblica 7, Florence, 50123
Tel: +39 055 27 35 1
Web: www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-savoy/
Author: Maria Pasquale
Born to Italian parents, Maria always knew Rome was her destiny, although she was raised in Melbourne. With a formal background in political science, policy and history, she is now a food and travel writer and contributes regularly to USA Today and Fodors. She has worked with other major brands including Dubai One TV, Rocco Forte Hotel Group, Paris Tourism Board and many others.
Her popular lifestyle blog, HeartRome is read in over 120 countries and has been featured in BBC and Vogue Travel among others. In Rome you’ll find her walking the streets of Trastevere, checking out the latest bar for an aperitivo or dining with friends.
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