Italian luxury travel is all about personalized experiences, tailored recommendations and exclusive access, which is exactly what we offer at The Italian Concierge. As one of the best Italy luxury travel agencies, we know the top hotels in Italy’s most iconic destinations, and we share this knowledge with you.
Today’s spotlight is on one of our favorite high-end properties in Florence: the Helvetia & Bristol hotel.
Discover Helvetia & Bristol Hotel for Your Next Italian Luxury Travel
Located in the center of Florence since 1885 and a member of the prestigious Starhotels Collection since 2016, the fabulous Helvetia & Bristol still retains the atmosphere that made it a must-visit in the late 19th century, when it was frequented by wealthy English travelers on the Grand Tour. In the 20th century, some of Italy’s most important intellectuals and writers also found inspiration within its walls, including Gabriele D’Annunzio, Luigi Pirandello, and Giorgio De Chirico.
From 2019 to 2021, the hotel underwent a significant restoration project that maintained the building’s original 19th-century structure, while enhancing the interiors with exquisite furnishings and design accessories.
With an enviable location just steps from the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and the high-end shopping street Via Tornabuoni, Helvetia & Bristol features a total of 89 renovated rooms, 64 of which are located in the Helvetia Wing and 25 in the new Bristol Wing, acquired in 2021 and located in the adjacent building, originally home to the Banco di Roma bank.
Antique furnishings and tapestries, which were meticulously restored and recovered in collaboration with the local Antico Setificio Fiorentino, characterize the Helvetia Wing, while the Bristol Wing has a more contemporary feel, and is the work of Anouska Hempel, the international designer who is considered a pioneer in the concept of boutique hotel.
The hotel’s revitalization project was completed with the creation of the largest luxury spa in the historic center (540 square meters), inspired by the Roman Baths that were right here during the Imperial era. You can even get a glimpse of the ancient walls as you follow the wellness path modeled after the hot to cold sequence used by the ancient Romans and which is meant to invigorate the body and mind.
To top it all off is the food offering, starting with the rich buffet breakfast that features sweet treats from master pastry chef Iginio Massari, to the casual Caffe’ Cibreo, with its must-try Tagliolini cacio burro e carota (pecorino romano cheese, butter and carrot), named by the New York Times among Italy’s best 25 pasta dishes, to Ristorante Cibreo, a cornerstone of the Florentine culinary scene.
Contact the Italian Concierge today to begin planning your luxury vacation to Italy.