Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
A five-star hotel in two Renaissance palaces set in one of Florence's largest private gardens, with a Michelin-starred restaurant, spa and outdoor pool.
The St. Regis Florence
A five-star hotel in a riverside palace on Piazza Ognissanti, traditionally attributed to Brunelleschi, with the Winter Garden restaurant and bar.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury palace hotel
- Area
- Ognissanti, Florence, Italy
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Hotel class
- 5-star
- Official site
- marriott.com
Good to know
- Riverside location
- Winter Garden restaurant and bar
- Afternoon tea
- 24-hour fitness centre
- Smoke-free
Why we recommend it
The St. Regis Florence occupies a historic palace on Piazza Ognissanti, facing the Arno at the western edge of the historic centre. The building was originally the palace of the Giuntini family, and Giorgio Vasari attributed its design to Filippo Brunelleschi. It was later converted into a hotel, at one time known as the Grand Hotel Royal de la Paix, and was restored in 1990 with the aim of preserving its original architecture. Today it is one of the city's leading five-star hotels and holds a Forbes Travel Guide award.
Interiors are decorated in the classic grand-hotel manner, and the riverside position gives some rooms views over the Arno or the square. The heart of the hotel is the Winter Garden, which houses both a restaurant serving contemporary Tuscan cooking, open from late morning until late evening, and a cocktail bar. Café Ginori serves afternoon tea and brunch, and breakfast is served daily in the Balconata. There is a 24-hour fitness centre.
The hotel suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who appreciate traditional luxury and classic service. It is also convenient for anyone arriving by train, as Santa Maria Novella station is about ten minutes' walk away, and Florence Airport is around seven kilometres away by taxi; the hotel does not run a shuttle. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 12:00. Rates are high, especially in spring and early autumn.
The location is slightly removed from the busiest streets, which many guests appreciate, yet the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi are within fifteen minutes' walk along the river. Opposite the hotel, the church of Ognissanti holds frescoes by Ghirlandaio and Botticelli, and Botticelli is buried there. Via de' Tornabuoni, with its luxury boutiques, is about five minutes away, and Trattoria Sostanza is around the corner for dinner.
The hotel is smoke-free, Green Key certified and offers complimentary Wi-Fi, which is useful for planning the next day's sightseeing in the evening. Ask for a room facing the river when booking if views matter to you, and allow time for afternoon tea at Café Ginori on a rainy day. The riverside walk east along the Lungarno to the Ponte Vecchio is a pleasant introduction to the city on your first evening.
The St. Regis Florence FAQs
Where is The St. Regis Florence?
At Piazza Ognissanti 1, on the Arno at the western edge of the historic centre.
What is the history of the building?
It was the Giuntini family palace, attributed by Vasari to Brunelleschi, and later became a hotel.
What restaurants and bars are there?
The Winter Garden restaurant and bar, Café Ginori for afternoon tea and brunch, and breakfast in the Balconata.
How far is it from the station?
Santa Maria Novella station is about ten minutes' walk away.
Is there an airport shuttle?
No. Florence Airport is about seven kilometres away, so take a taxi or the tram.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 15:00 and check-out by 12:00.
Is there a gym?
Yes, a 24-hour fitness centre.