The Helvetia & Bristol
Hotel Helvetia & Bristol is located in a perfect area in the center of Florence, literally next door to world class shopping and walking distance to the Duomo and Uffizi. While it does not have the glitz of the newer hotels in Florence, what it does offer makes up for that three fold. When you enter the Helvetia & Bristol the feeling is more of a private club. Perhaps, that’s why so many of their guests return year after year. This is an established high class boutique hotel with all the connections you will ever need. Concierge Alessandro Marchese is one the best and when you meet him you’ll understand why. He’s knowledgeable, efficient and warm.
Little has changed at this old world hotel where burnished paneling and period art create a homey warm ambiance. A library attracts interest with leather-bound copies of Vasari's Lives and the 22-volume set of The Autobiography of Casanova. Guests, however, are more likely to reach for the fashion magazines and candy set out on the tables.
Behind the lounge, the small winter garden acts as the breakfast room and dining room, serving an elaborate buffet breakfast under a stained-glass ceiling. It is transformed into an elegant dining room each evening. The small corner of the room continues to serve as an informal bar, and a former dining room, now a beautifully chandeliered lounge, attracts locals with its trendy setting and light fare served late.
Accommodations come in three categories pegged to dimensions. All of the entry-level rooms are generally average in size and lack much in the way of sitting areas. The mostly recently renovated accommodations are the Jr. Suites and suites, all of which have three times as much space as the standard rooms. Their touches include boldly patterned, fabric-covered walls, valanced windows swathed in the same dark colors as the walls, draped side tables, and hand-carved armoires, desks and headboards. Fresh carpeting, flat-screen TVs and a few new furnishings are the most recent additions.
Color schemes in all vary in these individually decorated quarters, but blue, red and soft blue are common. Air-conditioning, TVs, minibars and safes are common accoutrements.
The combination baths feature Carrera marble and are appointed with heated towel rails, magnifying mirrors, robes, hair dryers and fine toiletries. Deluxe units add CD players, DVDs, cordless phones and whirlpool tubs. The charge for Wi-Fi feels unnecessary.
While the rooms are not about views two suites on the top floor offer panoramas.
Those looking for a polished boutique hotel with a traditional profile will find the Helvetia & Bristol made to order.
Helvetia & Bristol is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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