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The Savoy - chic yet sober décor

Built in 1896 on the mediaeval ruins of San Tommaso Church, this establishment with its neo-classical façade underwent refurbishment and reopened its doors in May 2000. Located in the heart of Florence on the Piazza della Republica, this strategic site allows its guests to make the most of neighbourhood cafes, high-class boutiques and palazzos.
Owned by the Ferragamo Group, the hotel is managed by Sir Rocco Forte's company. Forte's sister, the acclaimed designer, Olga Polizzi, is responsible for the decoration of the hotel. Opting for a chic, yet sober style, inspired by modern Italian furniture design, the choice of fabrics is sumptuous and rich in muted, natural tones. Art and period furniture carefully placed throughout the hotel lend a Florentine feel to the place.
On the ground floor, which looks out over the Piazza della Republica, the lobby leads to a cosy bar and restaurant, the Incontro, which is the heart of this hotel.
Lunch can be on the terrace, snuggled into comfortable armchairs behind a screen of greenery, or alternatively in the small dining room of the restaurant. Florentine cuisine is the order of the day, with delicious pasta dishes given a modern twist by the chef. And who could resist discovering something like "millefeuille de châtaigne au fromage de chèvre et au jus de grenade”.

Bedrooms - the epitome of Italian elegance

This establishment is arranged over five floors, each with its carefully orchestrated colour code: brown, absinthe green and coral have their place. Each passageway is dedicated to the shoe. Whether depicted in pictures or in glass cabinets, they are everywhere. This is Olga Polizzi's nod to Ferragamo, shoemaker to the stars, and owner of the hotel. Works of art by Warhol, Lisa Molroy and Johnnie Shand Kydd perpetuate the theme of shoes and hats seen on all sides.
As for the bedrooms, the elegance and originality of the designer shine through with clean lines of furniture in chalky white and muted colours. The serene and intimate ambiance is completed with a light wood parquet, interior shutters of wood, a marble dressing table, and striped and plaid cushions. An innovative feature of the room is a dressing area in place of the usual clunky wardrobe - a veritable delight for dedicated fashionistas!
Not to be overlooked either, the marble bathroom decorated in the Florentine style. Without being gigantic, the room still breathes Italian charm with its mosaics and spa bath.

Florence, city of art and culture

Once out of the hotel, one is spoilt for choice as to which way to turn: the Uffizi, the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens (a masterpiece of Italian gardening), the Duomo, a veritable anthem to the history of Florentine art. Also not to be missed, the Sant'Ambrogio Market, overflowing with choice things to eat, and of course, the one and only Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345. This unique bridge has survived German bombardment and terrible flooding. If you can, cross without going past the goldsmith and souvenir shops, by taking Vasari's Passage. This secret passageway linking the Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace was created for the Medicis by the architect, Vasari, to allow the family to get around Florence without rubbing shoulders with the hoy-ploy. Its walls are adorned with paintings by the masters, including several self portraits by Bernini, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. If you wish to take this original route across the bridge, you should reserve your place in advance through the city's Tourist Office.

If it's window shopping you seek, step out by the Piazza Della Republica, where you will find the cream of Italian haute couture and prêt-à-porter, and will be spoilt for choice. Perhaps easier on the pocket are Florence's two factory outlets, where you will find well-known labels at bargain basement prices....

In Florence, the Arno flows ever gently beneath the Ponte Vecchio...here it's possible to dream of eternity!