Fodor's Expert Review Golden Tower Hotel & Spa
Piazza Strozzi 11/r, Florence, Tuscany 50123, Italy See on Map
As one of the rare hotels with a full-service spa in Florence, Golden Tower Hotel & Spa is a unique high-end boutique that happens to be carved out of a 13th Century building. The complex was originally a palace that belonged to the famed Strozzi Florentine family until they moved to the Palazzo Strozzi just up the street. The hotel prides itself on running the operation like a family, and the warm and helpful staff are always available to help make suggestions for the best things to do in the city.
room
The hotel is tucked away in a quiet alley and as a result, there aren’t great views from any of the rooms. That aside, there are 11 different room categories and you’ll typically find parquet floors, large flat screen TVs, and classic and tasteful design. All rooms come equipped with Handy devices (helpful gadgets that give you free Wi-Fi throughout the city), kettles for tea or coffee, and a free mini bar (in deluxe categories and up).
bathroom
Bathrooms are decked out with marble floors and have either shower/tub combos or standalone showers. Some rooms come with double sinks and all have bidets. Etro bath products are standard.
lobby
The beautiful lobby has white leather couches, marble floors, high arched ceilings and original frescoes. It’s an ideal spot to lounge away the day, especially since the hotel gives you access to a newspaper app where you can download your favorite daily paper for free.
spa
The crown jewel of the hotel, the stunning spa has three treatment rooms, aromatic showers, a Turkish bath, and a sauna. It’s free for guests and is open from noon to 8pm every day. The spa also has beauty treatments that includes manicures, pedicures, facials, and more.
dining
Breakfast is always included and can be taken in the room for only 10 Euros. The main restaurant is open for dinner and offers up delectable selections of Florentine favorites.
drinking
At the restaurant, the bar offers a nice special for guests from 6:30-8pm whereby they get one free drink and finger food.
LOCATION
Getting Around
The hotel has a very central location in the heart of the city center. If you walk one block west, you’ll find a street with every high-end fashion designer in the world. Walking a block south and you’re at the river. A little east, you’ll find every major attraction. Everything is close by.
Restaurants
One of the best traditional Florentine spots you should try is Buca Mario (4-minute walk). If you love paninis, make it a point of hitting up Vinaino (6-minute walk).
WHY WE LIKE IT
There aren’t a ton of hotels in Florence with full service spas, and there are even less that are housed in a 13th Century palace. Priding itself on a familial level of service, the staff here are always eager to recommend restaurants, excursions (which they can arrange), and help with tickets for sites, or anything else. The hotel is centrally located and it’s on a quiet street that isn’t mobbed with tourists. Lapped in luxury without any hints of snobbery, this boutique will make any vacation incredibly relaxing.
QUICK FACTS
HOTEL INFO
Fodor’s Awards
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