St. Regis Florence

Sitting alongside the Arno with vistas over the river and the happening Oltrarno neighborhood, this 19^th-century grand dame has been reinvented as a luxury showcase by the St. Regis group.

• The lobby/library that’s one of the most pleasant public areas in the city
• The views of the Arno from the huge windows
• The small spa

Once a stopping point on the Grand Tour, and originally designed by Renaissance architect master Filippo Brunelleschi, this hotel on the Arno has always had one of the most iconic positions in all of Florence. Now, the interiors are on par with the spectacular setting after a multi-million dollar renovation in 2011. Of the 100 rooms, 19 are suites. The design mixes old world touches—think heavy velvet curtains, frescos and ornate wallpaper—with lighter contemporary furniture and huge windows that provide the perfect view onto the river and the landmarks that line it.

The service is also one of the main draws here: from the cheery doormen who greet new arrivals and patiently help with map reading, to the family-friendly waiters who seem genuinely happy to be working in a town that can feel tourist-weary.

Don’t miss a meal at the nearby Enoteca Pinchiorri (book an outdoor table in balmier months) and an Aperol Spritz at the street side bar, which also draws well-heeled locals. The Clarins spa with treatment suites for two boasts a Jacuzzi, butler service and Bentley transfers for those not staying on property.

St. Regis is perfect for honeymooners looking for the “Room with a View” experience and business travelers who want the kind of service that can be hard to find in Florence.