Portrait Firenze

Just steps from the Uffizzi, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signora overlooking the River Arno, the 37-suite Portrait Firenze is a larger and sleeker version of the debut Portrait in Rome.

• Views of the Arno from over half the rooms
• Sexy interior décor by Florentine designer Michele Bönan
• Terrace Suites on the 5^th and 6^th floors

Florence has had its fair share of impressive hotel openings over the last several years, including the palatial Four Seasons in 2008 and lavish Il Salviatino in 2010. In early 2014, a new star has been born along the river Arno, belonging to none other than Florentine style mavens, the Ferragamos. Just steps from the Uffizzi and Piazza della Signora, Lungarno Suites has been remodeled into “Portrait Firenze,” a larger and sleeker version of the debut Portrait in Rome.

Upon entering Portrait Firenze, guests are immediately transported to their own pied à terre in the heart of the city. Michele Bönan – the mastermind behind Portrait Roma, JK Firenze and Palazzo Vecchietti – expertly crafted each of the hotel’s thirty-seven suites into chic mini apartments. Designed in gray neutral tones with pops of metallic, turquoise and black, suites feel comfortable and lived-in despite being brand new. Books sit on the shelves, framed photographs adorn the walls and cashmere throws are strategically placed, tempting guests. The real game changer, however, are the views, which from over half the rooms overlook the Ponte Vecchio, Arno and city beyond.

Bönan has brought Portrait to life, offering guests a throwback to Italy’s past and leap into the future. Throughout the hotel, vintage photographs portray the heyday of Italian fashion in the fifties and sixties. Spotlights on Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco, Maria Callas and Salvatore Ferragamo illuminate the rooms and public spaces. As a contrast, modern technology – iPad check-ins, ultra-flat screen TVs, and in-room Bluetooth – catapults guests back into the 21^st century. The juxtaposition of old and new blend harmoniously to create one sexy hotel.

What the hotel lacks in amenities it makes up for in design. Gym fanatics may obtain passes to a local facility and spa-goers can book a treatment in their room or head to sister property Continentale next door. The ground-floor restaurant, Caffe dell’Oro features an excellent breakfast spread and all-day dining, but with Florence’s top restaurants just steps away, guests typically dine off property.

Couples, groups or families with older children that value a private residential ambiance, chic design scheme, incomparable views, and a central location over resort amenities and coddling service.