FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE, a stately-style urban resort, located just a few steps from the cultural center of the city, is considered a living and modern museum with magnificent works of art and unique design, as well as high-quality service and incredible amenities that elevate luxury living to a new level in the capital of the Renaissance.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE consists of two buildings, “Palazzo Della Gherardesca” of the 15th century and “La Villa”, a former monastery of the 16th century, both located in the largest private park in Florence, the gardens of Giardino della Gherardesca.
RENAISSANCE SPIRIT
Since 1473, the buildings of the current hotel belonged to many famous people of that time, and only in 2001 they passed into the possession of the Four Seasons Hotels.
The restoration took place under the strict control of the manager of the artistic and historical heritage and the Ministry of Fine Arts and Culture. After a multi-million dollar restoration, FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE was opened in June 2008.
The Four Seasons preserved the an incredibly beautiful 11-acre botanical garden in its romantic 19th-century style, an artistic weave of paths, lawns and groves punctuated by hillocks and ponds.
Statues, a fountain, a small Ionic temple and a coffee shop that can be found in the garden are all remaining aspects of the original charming design. There are plenty of opportunities to stroll through the park or sit in the shade of ancient trees while smelling scents of lemon, mandarin and roses.
The hotel’s large art collection testifies to the many revolutions in artistic taste throughout its long history. The lobby of the FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE, with its intricate bas-reliefs and stucco work, illustrates the Renaissance trend towards the public display of wealth.
The bas-reliefs of the courtyard, the most valuable work of art, consist of 12 symmetrical sections depicting a cycle of classical and mythological events. The courtyard is surrounded by porticos and barrel vaults, adorned with a decorative coffered ceiling made up of a thousand painted recessed panels.
The paintings were made by famous Italian masters and Flemish mannerist artists. From the rococo style of decoration favored by the nobility of the time (the famous works of Il Volterrano) to the late baroque (frescoes by Vincenzo Meucci and Giovanni Domenico Ferretti) decorate the rooms of the hotel, reminiscent of its glorious past.
Florence is one of the most historically significant cities in Italy, home to almost half of the country’s artistic heritage, where thousands of tourists come to enjoy the magnificent historical atmosphere.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE is a 15-minute walk from the city’s most famous sights: Piazza Duomo, Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery, Uffizi Gallery and the cultural center of the city, Piazza della Signoria. Hotel is perfectly positioned for strolling, sightseeing and fine dining in Florence.
In the Photo: General Manager Max Musto
“Our hotel attracts tourists from all over the world not only with high service, convenient location, but above all with its historical past, which has remained virtually unchanged, — says General Manager Max Musto. — We treat this with special trepidation and are proud that our hotel bears the title of one of the most beautiful hotels of the Four Seasons brand. All members of our team try to make the stay of each guest in these historical walls unforgettable and comfortable, so that each guest feels at home. Well-trained and highly qualified staff are at your disposal, who will fulfill all the wishes of the guests with warm care. We also have a dedicated butler service that works with precision and professionalism so that guests can enjoy a personalized service and environment. And our wonderful concierge team can help organize any event of interest — from a boat trip on the Arno River and museum visits to an exclusive romantic dinner at Ponte Vecchio.”
ROMANTIC CHAMBERS
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE offers 116 individually designed rooms and suites that range from large and comfortable to huge and luxurious, done in light green and yellow tones, with antique silk, velvet and brocade furniture, thick carpets, paintings and rare works of art.
Huge enveloping beds with thin white linens, duvets and the softest pillows have a peaceful rest and healthy sleep.
The rooms have all the amenities for a comfortable stay — a dressing room, a seating area, a work area, a TV, air conditioning, a mini-bar with a large collection of wines and drinks, a tea and coffee station.
Bright marble bathrooms have all the necessary bath accessories and products of the Florentine perfumer Lorenzo Villoresi.
ARISTOCRATIC DINING
The gastronomic side of FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE is represented by the magnificent Michelin-starred IL PALAGIO restaurant, the Al Fresco waterfront restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and the Gatsby-style ATRIUM bar, located in the heart of the hotel.
IL PALAGIO
IL PALAGIO restaurant is a favorite among restaurants in Florence for traditional regional dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant has gained great popularity and love, both among city guests and local residents.
Chef Paolo Lavezzini and his team have earned international acclaim for their thoughtful preparation of dishes made from the freshest local produce, to be enjoyed along with an outstanding wine list of nearly 1,000 titles, including 50 served by the glass.
Inventive and authentic, stylish yet casual, IL PALAGIO has been named one of the Daily Meal’s “World’s 101 Best Hotel Restaurants” and offers one of the most memorable dining experiences in sophisticated surroundings.
The restaurant is located on the first floor of the Palazzo Della Gherardesca in what used to be a stable, which retains its original ancient vaulted ceiling and numerous columns, creating an impressive dining area adorned with pale silver and jade flowers. Large French doors open along two walls to the west side of the garden, where you can dine al fresco on the terrace in fine weather.
Paolo Lavezzini has honed his culinary skills at prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, including Alain Ducasse at Plaza Athénée in Paris and Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence. The restaurant of the Fasano Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, where Paolo worked, was voted “the best Italian restaurant” in Brazil.
In the Photo: Grilled Lobster — fish and crustaceans mayonnaise, apple and fermented blueberries
His culinary philosophy was influenced by his origins in Emilia-Romagna and the period spent in Brazil, where he was introduced to “Brazilian fire”, a variety of ingredients and flavors, combining Brazilian traditions with Italian ingredients.
In the Photo: Linguine Morelli — with blonde shrimps, citrus and nutmeg
Paolo considers it very important to choose organic producers, respect seasonality and integrate sustainable development principles into his cuisine and restaurant.
In the Photo: Beef Fillet in Crust
IL PALAGIO offers for the guests both Tasting and À la Carte menus.
One of the most impressive and popular main courses of À la Carte menu os Beef Fillet in Crust — Served for two with farmyard livers, Tuscan cured ham, black truffle and Vin Santo sauce.
BREAKFAST
IL PALAGIO is also the main venue for breakfast buffet. It serves freshly baked Italian bread, croissants, a variety of cakes, cheeses, smoked fish, cold cuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, berries, dried fruits, nuts.
From the À la carte menu you can order various cold and hot dishes, like Poached egg with pappa al pomodoro and arugula sauce, Egg white frittata with asparagus, ricotta cheese and avocado crouton, Bircher muesli with sliced banana and Sicilian pistachio, French Toasts with maple syrup and berries and more.
Great choice of Extracted Juices and Hot Beverages is available.
For younger guests of the hotel there is a separate station with sweet treats presented in a playful way.
ATRIUM BAR & LOUNGE
Throughout the day and all evening, the ATRIUM Bar & Lounge, located in one of the most beautiful sun-drenched rooms of the FOUR SEASONS FIRENZE, is an exquisite meeting point where you can enjoy Tuscan cuisine accompanied by a glass of wine or Prosecco, or a delicious afternoon tea.
In the evening, sitting back in luxurious armchairs or plunging into deep sofas, you can relax and try signature cocktails offered by talented mixologist Edoardo Sandri, bar manager Tommaso Ondegia and their team of cocktail experts.
The cocktail menu delights with its original design, which changes every year, currently created in the form of an old gramophone record. Some cocktails are served in rather unusual “glasses”.
Also in the evenings, the bar offers live music program performed by the hotel’s pianist or guest artists.
Signature Cocktails:
Legacy — Patron Silver Tequila, Martini Ambrato, Clementine Oleo Saccarum, Butterfly Pea Tea, Sour Mix
Reporter — Matusalem Insolito Wine Cask, St Germain, Pineapple, Lemon
Mitutoyo — Nikka from the Barrel, Aperol, Citrus Mix, Sugar Mix, Matcha Foam
The Gorilla — Casamigos Mezcal, Michter’s Bourbon, Bitter Fusetti, Pineapple, Lapsang Souchong, Co2
WELLNESS ON COURSE
A peaceful and relaxing oasis of well-being awaits guests at the SPA FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE. This two-story building with a beautiful 800 square meter colonnaded façade is immersed in the gardens of Della Gherardesca. The interior of the spa was designed by renowned French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, who has designed luxury hotels and restaurants around the world.
The SPA Lobby has an elegant creamy black design with a focus on classic art, statues and decorative pillars. The philosophy of the spa promotes exclusively Italian brands that embody history and tradition, skin care products and technological innovations, as well as organic facial and body treatments and massages. Here you will find all-natural products from Officina Profumo-Pharmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, extraordinary dermocosmetics from the Rephase pharmaceutical line and the organic brand Sodashi.
SPA FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE has partnered with global skincare phenomenon Black Pearl to offer guests the gold standard in anti-aging with Lux Perfection Treatment, 24k gold skincare. The Florentine Spa is the first in Italy to offer the exclusive use of the extraordinary and innovative Black Pearl product line. The SPA offers 10 treatment rooms, including a Spa Suite, an outdoor pool with a heated Jacuzzi, a well-equipped gym, yoga classes, a sauna and a steam bath.
General Manager Max Musto: “All the amenities and services provided to our guests are provided for the best and most relaxing holiday. Our hotel is an ideal place for holding the most solemn events. During the warmer months, you can enjoy a picnic on the lawn while admiring the sunset and the enchanting view of the one and only Duomo. We will not leave our little guests without attention either, specially trained staff will entertain children while adults enjoy a well-deserved rest. We also focus on sustainability and zero waste, using natural products and continuing to implement our advanced Lead With Care health and safety program based on healthcare experience, which provides guests with additional comfort and care, as well as a carefree journey.”
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Address: BORGO PINTI 99, 50121 FIRENZE, ITALY
Contacts: Tel: +39 055 2626 1; Fax: +39 055 2626 500
Instagram: @fsflorence
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
