Hotel in Florence, five-star accommodation in medieval centre

The Westin Excelsior Hotel, Florence

This majestic, five-star Florence hotel sits just off the banks of the River Arno and commands breathtaking views across the water. Piazza Ognissanti, where the Westin Excelsior Hotel is situated, is in the heart of Florence's medieval cloth-making district, which once formed the basis of the city's economy. The main church in this quarter, the Ognissanti (All Saints), dates back to the 13th century and is worth visiting as it contains the habit worn by St Francis of Assisi, as well as frescoes by Ghirlandaio and Botticelli.

Further along the Arno is the Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge in Florence to have been spared by the retreating Nazis. Built in 1345, it was once lined with butchers and fishmongers. In 1593, Ferdinando I installed goldsmiths in their place as the smell was more preferable for the noble residents of the Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio, which stand either side of the bridge! It is still dominated by jewellery shops today. All the city's main attractions are within walking distance of the hotel, from the world-famous Uffizi Gallery to Brunelleschi's Duomo.

This hotel in Florence is decorated with frescoes, coffered ceilings and marble columns, creating a sense of grandeur, but at the same time, the use of colour and soft furnishings maintain a warm and inviting atmosphere. There is a fine restaurant, Il Cestello, where the award-winning chef prepares a varied menu of local and international cuisine, as well as Bar Donatello, with a terrace overlooking the Arno. The luxurious rooms feature high-speed internet access, en-suite bathroom, bathrobes, satellite TV and a selection of movies, along with all the basic comforts you would expect.

[ Map and more information... ]

Double room from €240