Hi,

Has anyone ever stayed either at the Helvetica& Bristol in Florence or the Hotel Lugarno in Florence? Or just visit or had a drink at the bar? I'm interested in their experience-good or bad.

Gratzie,

Luci

Hello Lucci:

We spend 5 days at the Hotel Lungarno in Florence 2 years ago. The experience was terrific in all respects: location, accomodations, service, restaurant. Can't miss on this one. Gradyghost

Hi Luci,

Both of these are very nice hotels and participate in Virtuoso. There are some pretty worthwhile amenities (at no added cost to you) if you book through a Virtuoso TA.

Helvetia & Bristol offers some excellent discounted rates along with the following amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary buffet breakfast daily or continental breakfast via room service
Complimentary Afternoon Tea for two, once during stay
If staying 4 nights, you also receive one dinner for two.

At Hotel Lungarno, Virtuoso guests receive:
Upgrade to the next room category on arrival, subject to availability.
Daily Continental breakfast.
Complimentary three-course dinner for two at Borgo San Jacopo with 4 night stay. (During August, when the restaurant is closed, a complimentary transfer from airport or train station).

We stayed at Helvetia & Bristol in fall, 2005. As travelhorizons mentioned, we booked through our Virtuoso T.A.,and had the complimentary breakfasts, afternoon tea and one dinner for two (excellent food, by the way). Our room was on the small side, but nicely furnished. We liked the location and the staff was terrific. I have read alot of good things about Hotel Lungarno.

Travelhorizons looks a bit commercial to me. Where is Fodors?