Florence. Where to live
Portrait Firenze 5*
A hotel, recently opened in the old Ferragamo Palazzo Spini Feroni was built in the Renaissance. In the 30s of the last century Ferragamo bought the Palazzo and now there is a museum, the flagship store and headquarters of Salvatore Ferragamo all within. The rooms are decorated with black and white photos of parades and gala dinners, which were staged in Florence between 1950-1970-s. Portrait Firenze interiors created by the famous Italian architect and designer Michele Ben with dark wooden floors, lots of black lacquer, gilding and copper.
Villa San Michele 5*
Villa San Michele is one of the most prestigious and reputable hotels in Europe. It is located on a hilltop not far from Florence, on the land of the former convent of the Franciscan Abbey. The hotel was built in the 15th century with the direct participation of the great Michelangelo Buonarroti. At the beginning of the 19th century it was the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte. The pride of the hotel is 17th century frescoes. The interior is dominated by antique furniture, crystal chandeliers, bronze sculptures, classical paintings, rich fabrics and Persian carpets.
www.belmond.com
Grand Hotel Villa Medici 5*
Grand Hotel Villa Medici is a respectable modern hotel located in the centre of Florence in a building of the Classical period. The hotel was built in the XVIII century and belonged to the famous aristocratic family of the Medici. During restoration the hotel’s interior was preserved with heraldic symbols, colours and decorative elements of the Medici. Grand Hotel Villa Medici is a favourite vacation spot for stars such as David Bowie, Versace, Valentino, Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Luciano Pavarotti, Eros Ramazzotti and many others.
The Westin Excelsior 5*
The Westin Excelsior is located on the Arno embankment in the centre of Florence near the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi and other famous places of the city. This hotel in 2009 was awarded the title “Best Hotel of Florence” and Condé Nast Traveler magazine honoured it in the “Gold List.” The building retains the charm of an ancient palace, enhancing all elements of modernity, necessary for comfort and one’s productive work.