AN OPULENT STAY AT THE BERNINI PALACE HOTEL, FLORENCE
When it comes to city breaks, I don’t usually scope out opulent abodes however this was a city break with a difference in occasion and length! On our recent anniversary trip away, we were based in Florence for a week and chose to stay at The Bernini Palace Hotel, located in the heart of the Renaissance-art city. Both Dr C and I are part of British Airways Executive Club and the hotel was suggested to us at the time of booking our flights. The bundling packages that BA offer make for some great deals and allow you to collect points simultaneously to progress to the next tier of benefits.
The Bernini Palace Hotel is housed in a 15th century former palace building quite literally in the heart of Florence and is steeped in history. It is part of the Due Torri Hotels group who have a handful of luxury boutique-style hotels in Italy.
The hotel is literally located a few minutes from the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio bridge and the main shopping street in Florence and in addition is 10 minutes form the Santa Maria Novella station, Pitti Palace and the Santa Croce church. In addition it is well located to walk to some of the best Italian restaurants I’ve eaten in, including fine dining and more traditional Trattorias. It also used to house a lot of the medieval parliamentary figures.
Another reason for choosing the opulent Bernini Palace Hotel was that as opposed to having the pick of many of the luxurious brand names and chain hotels we’re used, I generally always try and opt for a boutique hotel or chain native to the country, which is quite pertinent to the Due Torri Hotel group. The building has historically been involved with hospitality and was even a meeting place for the members of the House of Parliament. Therefore it is no surprise that it has kept it’s elite and opulent hospitality background into the present day.
If we fast-forward to present day, arriving at the hotel does give you quite the wow factor due to it’s location and exterior but once those front doors are swung open by the hotels doormen, you will instantly feel the palatial surroundings. You are welcomed very personally at the Bernini palace Hotel and check-in is swift with absolutely everything being taken care of for you, whilst you take a seat on the velvet cushioned seats. One of the first things that hit me was the huge vats of infuser oil all around with a stunningly striking sunflower display!
Next we were given a quick tour of the hotel and taken to our room, which was right at the top of the building on the fifth floor around the corner from the outdoor terrace. Come along and explore the rest of the hotel…
THE BAR
This hotel has truly got one of the most beautifully decorated bars I have ever been into. The place oozes sophistication, glamour and class. It’s the ideal place to sit on the high stools and relax after a long day sight-seeing. You can admire the elegant chandeliers as the bar-tenders prepare you a pre or post dinner beverage. The bar forms an extension of the lobby area, where baroque-style chairs fuse seamlessly into the bar furnishings and ambience.
THE TERRACE
Yet another obsession of mine are room terraces and the Bernini Palace Hotel has a stunning one with lovely rooftop views. It actually faces inside so you get pretty garden views of the apartments and surrounding buildings. If you fancy an al fresco breakfast then you can arrange to have your breakfast delivered here or there is a hot tub which you can jump into should you wish!
THE ROOM & BATHROOM
As we were not planning to spend much time in our room on this trip we went for a Superior Room, which I thought was furnished in a classic Italian style with beautiful antiques and classy fittings and fixtures. There were chandeliers and cornices dressing the room with luscious thick renaissance styled fabrics.
The bathroom was also classically designed featuring some very opulent toiletry products which I have never come across but could be purchased from reception along with the oil room diffusers, robes and other ornaments dotted around the hotel.
THE BREAKFAST
I’m usually not properly awake until I’ve had my first coffee of the day but trust me when I say that merely walking into the breakfast room, I was wide awake. The room is so decadent with a magnificent frescoed ceiling. This was the original parliamentary room where all meeting were conducted. Again attention to detail to service and choice are incredible. You can really see why The Bernini Palace Hotel has earnt it’s five star rating. An American buffet breakfast is offered containing hot and cold items but there is also an a la carte menu if you wish to select something a little bit more indulgent hence why I use the word opulent!
THE RESTAURANT
In the hotel’s internal renovated courtyard, lies the hotel esteemed restaurant, La Chiostrina. The menus are updated monthly and service is focussed on innovative styles with traditional classic Italian fare cooked to perfection.
I have to confess, we didn’t actually get a chance to dine in the restaurant on this occasion but we heard glowing reviews from other guests.
THE BUSINESS ROOM
The hotel has also one of the most classiest business rooms, with access to internet (you do get wifi in all rooms anyway), faxing and printing facilities.
LES CLEFS D’OR (THE CONCIERGE)
I cannot rave enough about the concierge service at the Bernini Palace Hotel. Prior to arriving, I had requested reservations be made at certain restaurants. Within an hour or so of arriving all these restaurant confirmations were presented to us on cards that we could present to the matres des at the restaurants. I thought this was a beautiful touch and a good way of having the details of the restaurants so we could direct ourselves there easily. The concierge service was also very helpful with a number of things such as sights, local information and where in the city you could get the best views. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for the front of house team.
ATTENTION TO SMALL DETAILS
We’re all flattered by some attention to detail and when the concierge found out it was our wedding anniversary during our stay, he had a bottle of Italian bubbly delivered to our room, Nice touch! There were just so many nice touches at this hotel, my advice would be to just go and stay and find out for yourself.
SHEER UNADULTERATED PERFECTION FOR
Couples, Special occasions, families and anyone who wants to add a touch of luxury to a city break!
Hotel Bernini Palace
Piazza San Firenze, 29 (Piazza della Signoria) 50122
Florence Italy
Tel: +39 055 288621
Let me know your thoughts on this hotel review below. Would you consider s stay here?
À Bientôt…
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