Where would you folks stay in Florence? We are planning a trip to Paris, Rome, and Florence in January for our 30th wedding anniversary. We have accomodations in Paris and Rome, using hotel points, but we are without a reservation in Florence, at this point in time. We would like to splurge. I recognize that one person's ideal/luxury accomodation isn't someone else's. Any ideas from y'all are very much appreciated and enjoyed. (Wouldn't you know, the first post I read on this site was Barb's trip report with the Divas? Enough said.... I have been lurking ever since.

Thank you in advance, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Bonniejean

I've never been to Florence so I'll take notes. Many posters here love Florence.

Apologies: this isn't a real answer... since I don't know the very high end properties of Tuscany...

...but if money were truly no object, I would stay at Villa Feltrinelli, and have my jet helicopter ferry me (and my security staff, which I would need, if money were no object, in my lifestyle)... to Florence, or to visit George Clooney at his villa, or wherever...

Best wishes,

Rex

Rex, what an incredible choice!! Unfortunately, it does not seem to be open in January...guess I might have to wait until my 50th anniversary for this spot.

I know you are a knowledgeable poster, any other thoughts? We would prefer to stay close to Florence proper to ease sightseeing.

Again, folks if you have not taken the "tour" of Rex's recommendation, Villa Feltrenelli, do so, it is magnificent.

Maybe JK Place or Westin Excelsior. I am inclined to trust tripadvisor.com

Hi

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Ciao

Very nice. Rub it in - - all these places I have never been... and will never get to, 95% of them.

But I see that JK Place does make their list.

Btw, the Villa Feltrinelli is featured in the Dec. issue of House Beautiful. I think we all would like to stay there.

I think the Hotel Regency sounds like a place I would enjoy visiting, but I do like Rex's idea of popping in on Mr Clooney in Lake Como..or forget about George, just go to Lake Como!

My choice would be Hotel Lungarno's best room overlooking the Arno. Check out the hotel at www.lungarnohotels.com.

If I was to return to Florence, I would not stay at Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni, despite the rave reviews on TripAdvisor.

Anna

I agree with Betsy, a river view room at the Hotel Lungarno. Luxurious in a modern, comfortable way and ideally located.

Another vote for Hotel Lungarno. We stayed there years ago and it was wonderful. On a more recent trip we stopped in for cocktails and it is absolutely beautiful. Make sure you have a balcony overlooking the Arno.

I would stay at either Savoy or Helvetia e Bristol.

Another vote for Helvetia & Bristol (though it was nearly 10 yrs ago that we were there). I remember our room, hung in green silk, very romantic...

The Savoy is nice, but I might opt to stay "up the road" in Fiesole at Villa San Michele. (I have it on good authority that although Rex did not stay there, he did dine there!)

BC

Yes, we did go there as our one and only "splurge" meal on the Fodorites 2001 Italy trip. I would bet that it is a fantastic place to stay... though perhaps best with a Bentley and driver.

No doubt about it--the Lungarno. We've stayed at the Villa San Michele but I definitely prefer the Lungarno for in-town convenience. (The Arno balcony is essential.)

Only one place for a special occasion - and if money really is no object!
Villa San Michele in Fiesole above Florence but almost certain to have transport in - otherwise, in Florence itself, another nice one and central without being noisy, is the Brunelleschi
Good planning! ABK

Personally, if money were no object, I would love to stay in the Grand Hotel.
See photos: http://www.florenceby.com/florencegr...es/gallery.htm