With its doorway manned by uniformed porters and its restaurant terrace spilling out onto the bustling Piazza della Repubblica, the Hotel Savoy cuts a dashing figure. With just 102 rooms, it may be just a little too boutique and compact to be considered a true grande dame, but it feels mighty grand all the same.
In contrast to the imposing entrance, the reception and the lobby are modestly sized, and as you push inside, the interiors are elegantly understated. Designed by Rocco Forte’s sister, Olga Polizzi, they bear her signature clean, neutral lines without feeling too modern or un-Florence-like. In a nod to the city’s famous artisans and the Ferragamo family who own the place, many of the artworks that line the handsome travertine corridors cleverly reference shoes and hats.
Rooms are airy, light and come with all the necessary luxe-y facilities. All have marble bathrooms (some with elaborate mosaics over the bathtub), stuffed with indulgent REN goodies. The best options are on the second and fourth floors, where many open out onto their own private balconies. Watching the evening fade on Piazza della Repubblica from your privileged vantage point is an unbeatably glamorous experience.
What’s hot?
- The location – right on the Piazza della Repubblica
- Understated and elegant contemporary décor
- The gym with a view: the dome of the cathedral sits in the window of the gym
- REN toiletries – the Swedish ‘clean’ beauty brand is stocked in all the bathrooms
- The artworks from the likes of Warhol and Modigliani
What’s not?
- Rooms overlooking the Piazza can be a bit noisy
- Paying extra for internet access
Need to Know: Hotel Savoy
Number of rooms: 102
Check-in/check-out times: 3pm and 11am
Room service: Yes
Swimming pool: No
Spa: No
Dogs welcome: Yes
Eating and drinking: L’Incontro restaurant is a favourite of Florentine foodies. The double Michelin-starred chef Fulvio Pierangelini is a consultant and the contemporary Italian menu has an emphasis on local produce, with a good regional wine list. The bar has an international feel, with younger guests from the hotel rubbing shoulders with smart Florentines – many of whom come to try out the new cocktail of the month.
Near to? The hotel is very close to the Duomo, and the markets of San Lorenzo and Piazza Signoria are just a few minutes’ walk away, as are the major designer shopping streets around via Tornabuoni, just on the other side of the Piazza.
Getting there: You can walk to the train station at Santa Maria Novella in under 10 minutes. Florence airport is 20 minutes away by cab.
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