kingster

Love the idea of the Four Seasons or even the Savoy, but the dollar is crampin my style. I don't want to pay $1000 per night, but I like a first clas hotel w/ amenities and a nice room that does not smell like grandma's closet. Who found the best spot this summer? I am traveling in two weeks and adding Florence to a business trip

travelhorizons

The Four Seasons Florence has been compared to the George V - pretty high praise. You can at least soften the bite a bit by booking it through a FS Preferred Partner which, for the same room rate, gets you the following amenities:

One-category upgrade based on availability at time of check-in
Welcome note at check-in acknowledging travel agency/agent and amenities being extended
Daily full American Breakfast for two through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
US$100 Spa credit once during stay (not applicable to products)

More bang for the luxury buck? You might consider the Helvetia & Bristol, very well located in the center of Florence. Again, you can get more value for your dollar by booking through a Virtuoso travel consultant and receiving the following amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily buffet breakfast or Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests, via room service
Complimentary Afternoon Tea for two with home-made cakes and pastries (once during the stay)
Fresh Fruit plate in room on arrival

Clients staying 4 or more nights also receive:
One dinner for two (excluding beverages)

kingster

Thanks for your reply. Forgive me, but what is a FS Preferred Partner or Virtuoso? Is that something my travel agent has access to through their system? Regards,King

travelhorizons

You'd need a TA who is a member of a Virtuoso agency or an agency that is a FS Preferred Partner. Another alternative, if you have an American Express Platinum card, is to book through their Fine Hotels and Resorts program and get similar amenities.

kingster

Thanks, Travelhorizons. I booked the H&B through my agent who has a great relationship with their Leading Hotels rep. He got us VIP status at that hotel and the Baglioni in Venice. Looking forward to the stay at both locations. I appreciate your suggestion.

nina

All I can say is, book a hotel with a POOL.

It is hot in August in Florence.

Check out the Grand Hotel Minerva, it's not the 4S but it's nice, in a great central location and it has a pool!

Delaine

I loved my stay at the Westin Excelsior. It is located on Piazza d'Ognissanti on the Arno. Its sister hotel, the Grand, is across the Piazza. The Excelsior is beautiful, the rooms are spacious, and there is a wonderful breakfast buffet. It was named, according to their website, best hotel in Florence in 2009 by Conde Nast Traveler. Apparently, they are also having an August sale.

bisou

you mentioned the Savoy and if you can splurge for even a standard room, go for it, it's fantastic and cooly luxe - not stuffy at all. i always found the breakfast-included to be a bit wasteful, i find standing at the bar with the locals at a café having a cappucino and cornetto to be much more fun...

kingster

So,better late than never in follow up to my post. We stayed at the Helvetia & Bristol. Great location, but the hotel and especially the service was not worth the price. We could have done better. I'm thinking we should have stayed at the Savoy. Next time.

Nepenthe

Thanks for the update, King. Much appreciated.