All:

I've searched all previous posts as well as various sites and articles regarding the abovementioned hotels in Florence; however, I'm interseted in first hand experiences that provide a flavor for the differences that each hotel provides to its guests. I'll be visting Florence in November with my wife for our anniversary and am deciding between these hotels. In particular, I'm looking for the most romantic of the two with an emphasis on great service as well as well appointed bathrooms (everybody has their preferences). Any help is greatly appreciated.

Virtually identical...grand is a little smaller. Neither, IMO, is particularly romantic. But then again, I don't find 5 star hotels very sexy. Too anonymous and corporate.

I've only stayed on points. If i were paying, I'd stay either at the Lungarno (river view w/terrace) or Savoy (better location).

Coachboy

CoachBoy:

We're staying at the de Ruisse in Rome prior to our stay in Florence; however, as you may have assumed from my post, I'll be using points for the room so that I'm limited (though staying at either hotel is no burden) to starwood properties. Both hotels have good reputations and I'm not looking for a "best" since both have their qualties. Nevertheless, I've always found it helpful to get first hand accounts from people who have stayed/visited at both properties.

I stayed in the Excelsior two year ago, and we were upgraded to a suite on the 5th floor; it was fabulous; huge room with beautiful bathroom, but best of all, a large terrace overlooking the river, where we had breakfast outside every morning. We had just booked a regular room through Starwood, but not on points. Now if I go again, I think I can't bear not having that room again.

We stayed at the Grand. Really, it all depends on what you like. We were there in July and they were undergoing renovations which took away from the ambience - so you might want to call them. The rooms were so-so. They were very big in size, but were lacking decor - very blah. We walked over to the Excelsior and it was much more luxurious. We didn't see a room, so I am not sure how they are. The people at the front desk at the Excelsior were much nicer also. We stayed at the Excelsior in Rome and loved it. It was the best hotel on our trip.

Donnabee

I've heard that the Grand was renovating their lobby (scheduled for completion in September '03) but did the renovations extend to other parts of the hotel (i.e., rooms)? When you say it depends on what you like, what does the Grand have to offer in comparison to the Excelsior besides being slightly smaller?

The renovations extended into the lobby and their main dinning room. For dinner, they used the bar area. Just by looking at the Excelsior - it was just plusher (which is what I like). The rooms at the Grand were decorated like any American hotel. I prefer the hotels in Italy to be more renissance, so I feel like I am away from home. The other thing at the Grand that is not my taste is - they had hardwood floors throughout the hotel. Other than that, there really is no difference. They are both located facing each other, so location is the same.

You should check www.flyertalk.com and search the Starwood forum under the FlyertalkMiles heading. There is a lot of discussion about Grand vs. Excelsior there.

Milan - I went to the flyertalk website, but I can't find the discussion comparing the 2 hotels. What section is it under? I check luxary hotels and Europe, but don't see anything. Thanks!

Milan:

I've reviewed the various posts regarding the two hotels and they do not provide much insight to the differences between the two. After reading the Trvael and Leisure article on Florence hotels, I had the sense that the Grand is a bit stuffier and aims for an older crowd while the Excelsior is, as donabee indicates, more grandiose/plusher. Since my wife and I are in our 30s, I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on how that tips the balance. Also, would the changes occuring the lobby of the Grand make a difference? Lastly, any comments on the bathrooms in the Deluxe rooms at either hotel (i.e., deep tub, etc.) The advice so far has been helpful and I appreciate any additional insights to be offered.

I am sitting here trying to remember the bathrooms at the Grand - and can't! My short-term memory really is bad. All I remember is that ALL the bathrooms at all the Starwoods in Italy that we stayed in were huge and great. The all had a separate shower and bath tub. One thing you might want to know - if you are renting a car - if you park that car at the Grand (not sure about Excelsior - but is probably the same), you will be charged a daily rate of 25 eruos, PLUS 12 euros for valet (SO, do not tip the driver who brings your car!). Choose the Excelsior - I think your wife would enjoy it more. I did not care for the people at the front desk in the Grand - they were very snooty. Also, also - there are NO irons at Starwood hotels in Italy!! So if you don't want wrinkled clothes, bring a travel iron.

Just got back from my honeymoon at The Grand. I did not feel that the room was "too American", although it was not as opulent as the room at the Rome Excelsior. We had a great rapport with the front desk staff and b/c it was our honeymoon, they upgraded us to a room on the top floor, with a balcony overlooking the Arno (there are only about 5 rooms in the entire hotel with balconies overlooking the river) and sent is a bottle of champagne. FYI - The bathroom in our room at the Grand (and the Regina Europa in Venice) did not have separate tubs and shower stalls. TBathrooms are very important to me as well, and none of the Starwood bathrooms disappointed me. The Excelsior is right across the street so i'd stay at whichever one you're getting the better deal at b/c you can take advantage of both hotels' bar, restaurants, etc... I would tell them its a special anniversary b/c based on my experience, the hotels love to make you feel special. Happy anniversary.

Funny how people have such different views of things. Guess not all their rooms are the same. Next time I'll have to say we are on our honeymoon! LOL

On www.flyertalk.com, you can use the search function to look for hotels in Florence under the "Starwood (Sheratin, Westin, Four Points, W, etc.)" forum.

Here are a couple of links that I found:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/006807.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/007395.html

I have never stayed at either hotel, but I chose to stay at the Excelsior this October for my honeymoon. My husband and I are 30, and we are looking for a posh but slightly more modern hotel. If we were paying, I would have spent my money to stay at the Gallery Hotel Art (a Lungarno Hotel) which seems very chic. But since we are using points, I chose the Excelsior over the Grand because of its less stuffy decor and the Heavenly Bed (romance, right?). However, I would choose whichever hotel could guarantee you a room with the better view and, if possible, a balcony. Both seem to have excellent service.

All:

Thanks you so much for all the advice. As your various comments indicate, both hotels have their qualities and you cannot go wrong with either hotel. In the end, I chose the Excelsior since I was able to get a Penthouse room with a balcony while the Grand only had a deluxe room to offer. Since I'm visiting in November, I'll probably need an umbrella to enjoy the view but what's a little rain when your with the one you love.

Enjoy your trip! The penthouse rooms are wonderful. And if its romantic you want; try having dinner at Villa San Michele as well (although this is even better if you can eat outside).

I think your wife will be very happy with your choice. Do you plan on going anyplace else besides Florence? They have a lot of jewerly stores in Florence - all gold is 18K - maybe you could by her a nice new diamond anniversary ring?? : ) One thing I loved about Italy hotels was their room service. They really do a nice presentation job. Just becareful of those orange juices! I had order 6 orange juices and they cost us 54 euros!

CharlesH - sounds wonderful - have a great trip. Anf fyi - if your wife likes handbags, there is a great store on the first street back from the Arno (basically the other street that the Grand and Excelsior is on, can't remember the name) - walk towards the grand and keep going, it's on the right hand side about 2 blocks down. All the bags are made in italy by hand (All suede and leather) and are not your typical gucci/prada/etc... look-alikes. Handmade and gorgeous - i have yet to see bags like them here in NYC. And they're reasonable!

Donnabee - after our honeymoon experiences - i plan on saying "we're on our honeymoon" during every trip we take for the next 5 years! LOL

If you and your wife are into shoes, there is a great clothes store,that has shoes, about 2 or 3 blocks from the hotel. Of course I can't remember the name, but it's the only place in Italy (that I found) that sold shoes for about 50 euros. Some were less, some were more. It's on the street that runs along the water, and the store is on your left hand side (of course!). They have clothes and shoes in the window with prices on them.

Donnabee:

We're staying in Rome before (Hotel de Ruisse) and Venice after (Europa and Regina). Thanks to you and jodalahh for the shopping tips. I expect that we'll bring an extra bag for the shopping.