
Fodor's Expert Review Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Borgo Pinti 99, Florence, Tuscany 50121, Italy See on Map
People often say that you can simply stay in a Four Seasons in any city and it’s all the same. Well, this is NOT one of those Four Seasons. Without question, this one-of-a-kind hotel is the nicest, chicest, historic, and easily the best high-end hotel in Florence. The former 15th Century Medici palace has been converted into the lap of luxury (there was even a pope who lived here once – but died after 27 days on the job) and features the best spa in town, a sensational pool, endless gardens, priceless artwork, and unmatched service. If you’re a well-heeled traveler who only wants the best of the best, you will love this Four Seasons.
If there’s any downside to the hotel, it’s not that close to the middle of the city center. The good news, however, is they have a shuttle that can drive you or they have bikes you can rent.
room
There are actually two separate buildings that date back 500 years and house the opulent and spacious guest rooms. All come with complimentary water, fruit, juice, tea, and coffee and the tastefully decorated spaces are decked out with the finest linens and views of the lush gardens. The Villa, the separate building in the back gardens is more private with its own reception and butler service.
Every suite is unique here with original frescoes, private gardens, views of The Duomo, Jacuzzi tubs, and more.
bathroom
Bathrooms change depending on the level of room, but you can expect lush terrycloth robes, the finest of toiletries, marble everything, separate soaking tubs and rain showers, and plush slippers.
lobby
The heart of the hotel is also the oldest as the 15th Century lobby has the feel of an opulent living room filled with priceless art, comfy green couches, fresh flowers, and hidden nooks and unique finds all around. A small lounge off the lobby used to be a private chapel and still features all the original wood and art and can now be used for an intimate private dinner for two.
pool
The summer only pool is open 9am until sunset, though the outdoor Jacuzzi is available year-round. Drinks are served poolside. You can find the water near the spa by walking through the meticulous gardens or getting escorted via golf cart. The property is vast.
spa
The spa is housed in a separate building in the gardens. Inside this oasis are 10 treatment rooms with every type of treatment imaginable including, facials, body wraps, and massages. There are even special treatments for kids, teens, and brides-to-be.
gym
The fitness facilities are also excellent and quite large with TechnoGym equipment, free weights, and views of the gardens. The locker rooms have both steam and saunas and there is a body slimming machine that is ideal for any quick and not-so-easy weight loss.
The hotel offers a variety of classes like yoga, Pilates, and special excursions throughout the gardens or around the city. These all come with a fee, however.
dining
The food options are quite good at this hotel. At the top is Il Palagio, a one Michelin-star spot with seasonal treats and excellent wine. At La Villa is La Magnolia which is a delectable breakfast joint with every option imaginable. And by the pool and spa is Vito, which is open in the summer for lunch and dinner and provides traditional Tuscan classics with a twist.
One of the best reasons for staying at the Four Seasons is their access to one-of-a-kind options in the city. For instance, if you want to have a romantic dinner on the Ponte Vecchio, they will make that happen.
drinking
The Atrium Bar is a picturesque spot off the lobby that has a Colonial explorer feel with plush leather couches, wild prints, and loads of plants. The rich wood bar is known for its creative cocktails, a stellar afternoon tea, and live music every night.
gardens
Giardino della Gherardesca is the name of the 11-acred, walled in gardens that are the gem of the property. Throughout the well-manicured lawns, and hedges, are private gazebos, modern art sculptures, Renaissance fountains, and hidden pathways. There’s even an Ionic temple tucked away. Ask the front desk about picnics for lunch.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Although the hotel is on the Northeast side of the city center, most attractions are still walkable. In case you don’t want to hoof it, the hotel offers a courtesy shuttle and there are bikes you can rent as well. Renting a car can be expensive with parking, but if you plan on exploring the countryside, it’s not the worst idea for this part of town and the hotel provides permits for driving in the city center to help avoid fines (double check this).
Restaurants
La Giostra (7-minute walk) is a classic Florentine spot for Tuscan favorites and fine wines. If you want to explore a bit and sample different cuisines, head into Santa Croce and check out the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio (8-minute walk) which has a dozen food outlets.
WHY WE LIKE IT
The height of everything, this Four Seasons provides its guests with the best that Florence has to offer from the hospitality (Clef d’Or Concierges), the service, and the food, to the pampering, the art, and the history. Refined, classy, and sophisticated, the hotel is far from snooty as it also caters to kids and their four-legged friends with specialized amenities. High-end hotel seekers will love the spacious rooms, the private gardens, the world-class spa, and an attention to detail that’s hard to find anywhere else.

QUICK FACTS
What’s Nearby
People also liked

Hotel Savoy
$$ | Piazza della Repubblica, 7
Refined and luxurious, the intricately designed Hotel Savoy is a high-... Read More

Hotel Bernini Palace
$$ | Piazza San Firenze, 29
Serving as a hotel since the 17th Century, this historic and centrally... Read More

Relais Santa Croce
$$ | Via Ghibellina 87
Known for it's acute attention to detail, this personalized boutique g... Read More

Hotel Villa La Vedetta
$$ | Viale Michelangiolo, 78
A stunning five-star resort, this villa hovers over the city and gives... Read More

Montebello Splendid
$$$ | Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 14
If you want a more traditional style hotel that still has a fairly lon... Read More

Hotel Regency
$$$ | Piazza M. D’Azeglio, 3
This Small Luxury Hotel group member packs a large punch with top rate... Read More