A Grand Florentine Retreat

Situated in the heart of Florence, nestled between the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio, the Hotel Savoy, a 19th-century edifice, has long been a destination for luxury and innovation. Sitting on the ancient ground that was once occupied by the Roman Forum and the medieval church of San Tommaso, the hotel marks one of Florence’s first grand hotels, serving since its establishment as a hub for travellers, aristocrats and artists visiting Florence’s Renaissance landmarks. The hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1893. British hotelier Sir Rocco Forte, owner of luxury hospitality group Rocco Forte Hotels, acquired the property in 1998 and carried out a top-to-toe renovation. 

Known as the Grand Dame of Florence’s Piazza della Repubblica, a step inside the Hotel Savoy offers a distinctly Florentine experience featuring Tuscan craftsmanship infused with colourful, contemporary fashion aesthetics. The hotel offers 80 elegantly designed rooms and suites with pristine views of the Florentine skyline, many featuring fashion-inspired interiors by Laudomia Pucci, the daughter of famed designer Emilio Pucci, who collaborated with Olga Polizzi, Director of Design for Rocco Forte Hotels, to redesign the hotel in April 2018. 

“Much of the furniture is made right here in Florence, like the reception desk and the statues in the lobby,” said Polizzi. “It would be crazy not to take advantage of the local artisans. All our hotels aim to represent the city in which they are located, so to achieve this, we buy from local artists and have everything made locally. I also frequent markets to find unique items.” Refined bespoke furniture and art-inspired textiles can be found across all spaces in the hotel offering a smart, chic yet homely experience. The hotel’s interiors, featuring the best of Italian design and manufacturing, are also punctuated by the hotel’s impressive art collection, including significant paintings by Italian artist Luca Pignatelli. Visitors will find his striking depictions as soon as they enter the lobby – a vibrant space featuring a blend of Renaissance grandeur and contemporary fashion design uplifted by contrasting bold, colourful Emilio Pucci prints, high ceilings and marble floors. 

As you enter the hotel, the feeling is one of refined elegance coupled with a cosy, intimate ambiance that prompts all guests to relax and relish moments of intense beauty and design. Key amenities include the renowned Irene restaurant, known for its sumptuous Tuscan specialties prepared by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini within a setting complemented by hand-blown Venetian chandeliers, Pietrasanta marble and Loro Piana fabrics reminiscent of an upscale Tuscan abode. Head up to the terrace of the hotel for a continuation of the restaurant and get front-row seats to Florentine city life. On the ground floor is the cozy Artemisia Cocktail Bar, named after the 17th-century female painter Artemisia Gentileschi, that will allow guests to relax with expertly crafted cocktails next to the Duomo in a vibrant, theatrical Florentine setting. Wellness has become a large part of the Rocco Forte Hotels’ offerings and the Hotel Savoy also includes Technogym equipment in a dedicated fitness studio. And for those desiring an indulgent rest, head to The Spa Suite on the fifth floor of the hotel and choose from a dedicated array of treatments amid breathtaking views over the city – the cherry on the cake of this timeless Florentine retreat.
roccofortehotels.com