The moment you pass through the imposing entrance of Palazzo della Gherardesca, the historic building constructed in 1473 by Bartolomeo Scala and home to the hotel’s main spaces, you feel transported back to the Italy of the Medici and the Renaissance. It is not only the frescoes on the walls, the intricately painted ceilings, the crystal, silverware, sculptures and works of art that surround you wherever you look. It is the energy of the place itself, carrying centuries of history, memory and tradition, that fills you with both admiration and awe.
Even the exquisite fragrance that fills every interior space, Ambra by Dr. Vranjes Firenze, which I naturally took with me upon departure, lends a quiet, lingering sense of luxury that permeates everything.
And then you step out into the garden, and the picture is complete. Acres of greenery filled with centuries-old trees, plants, flowers, sculptures, ponds, benches and outdoor lounges, together with one of the most beautiful pools I have ever seen, create a setting of extraordinary beauty that you simply cannot tire of, no matter how long you take it in.
At the far end of this enchanting garden stands the hotel’s second building, Palazzo del Nero, built in the 16th century and offering views of the Duomo.
On the day we arrived, while waiting for our room to be ready, we spent a long while in one of the outdoor lounges, enjoying our coffee as we took in the beautiful surroundings. We wandered through the gardens, capturing endless photographs and videos, trying to take in every detail and every corner. The real surprise, however, was still to come.
When the door to our room finally opened and the gracious hostess showed us around the Renaissance Suite prepared for us, we were left speechless. It was a truly regal space. I will let the photographs speak for themselves, as no description of mine could do justice to its sense of luxury, from the furniture and works of art to the soaring painted ceiling, all the way to the marble bathroom, larger than most standard hotel rooms, with a central bathtub spacious enough to accommodate not only us but a small group besides.
Later, as I looked around and began noticing all the small details that made the suite feel even more special, from the set of three silk ties for Panos, available to wear during our stay and purchase on departure, to the Dyson hairdryer in the bathroom, the chilled champagne, the sweet and savoury welcome treats and the excellent amenities, I found myself thinking about how far FNL has come.
The fact that we are invited to write about some of the world’s finest restaurants and hotels is, of course, a privilege. But to be hosted with such care and generosity is something else entirely. I will not pretend otherwise: for us, it is deeply rewarding.
That same afternoon, we had an impeccable club sandwich at the all-day Atrium, where we later returned for an aperitivo. In the evening, we had dinner at Onde, the Mediterranean restaurant housed in the hotel’s other building, where the menu focuses mainly on fish.
At the end of dinner, guests are led into a room next to the restaurant filled with every kind of sweet temptation: biscuits, sweets, little cakes and fruit jellies. A greedy child’s dream, frankly, and had I not already worked my way through a full menu of starter, main course and dessert, I would have happily tried everything.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze also has a Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Palagio, located in the main building and serving traditional Florentine flavours with a contemporary twist, which we will save for our next visit. The hotel also features a beautiful spa in a building by the pool, a gym and a hair salon, while offering a range of highly appealing experiences, from truffle hunting and visits to cashmere or porcelain workshops to hot-air balloon rides over the city, perfumery workshops and sunset dinners on Ponte Vecchio, all arranged through the concierge. Room rates start from €1,500 per night, and the restaurants are also open to non-resident guests.
As we left, I found myself thinking that there are many expensive hotels, both in Greece and abroad, offering service of an exceptionally high standard. Far fewer, however, manage to give guests a truly singular experience, the kind that would be difficult to encounter anywhere else. Four Seasons Hotel Florence is one of them. After all, there are things in life that money alone cannot buy: history, culture, and beauty with depth and substance beyond the image.
Should you find yourself in Florence, and if your budget allows for a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Florence, even in a standard room and even for just one night, I recommend it without hesitation. And believe me, I do not say this as an advertorial line, but as an undeniable truth. You will come away with an experience you will remember forever.
*With thanks to the hotel team for their exceptional hospitality.
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