Hotel Lungarno, Florence - review

Florence is famously so rich in artistic achievement that Renaissance masterpieces nestle amongst extraordinary Medieval architecture and grand squares are scattered with copies of classical ancient sculptures.

Even on the most humble of streets you will find an unexpected fresco or a gateway to a sumptuous chapel.

In a city famed for rediscovering the beauty of old treasures, the five star Hotel Lungarno has undergone a total renovation and reopened in June this year with a modern take on classic luxury.

Where is it?

Florence is very easy to cover on foot but even so, this location is exceptional. Literally perched on the edge of the River Arno and less than a minute from the Ponte Vecchio, you could not be more in the heart of the city.

And while it’s easy to get caught up in the Duomo, Uffizi and Accademia over the river, this location prompts you to explore the equally fabulous attractions on the south side. It’s just a few minutes from the spectacular grandeur of the Palazzo Pitti which is the entrance to the must-visit Boboli Gardens. The sprawling Versailles-esque lawns with topiary, sculptures and magnificent Cypress Lane offer a stunning view over the city.

Style

Owned by the Ferragamo family (modern-day Medicis who may very well own most of the city), expectations were high for a stylish setting and we were not disappointed. The long-awaited refurbishment has transformed the hotel with a thoroughly modern interpretation of a classic Florentine townhouse on the canal. The check-in area and communal spaces are clean and bright and boasting some extraordinary works of art but the dark wood panelling, sleek and shiny bar, spiral staircase and quirky, tiny lifts all nod to the heritage and character of the building.

Food & drink

Stop by the retro Picteau Lounge bar for a nightcap on the river or sit inside and admire some of the hotel art collection’s star pieces. Alternatively, the concierge will direct you just across the river to the sister hotel Continentale which has a delightful roof terrace La Terrazza – the perfect place to enjoy a crisp aperitivo. The jewel in Lungarno’s culinary crown is the Michelin-starred Borgo San Jacopo lead by chef Peter Brunel. An elegant dining room and modern Italian menu (with a special gluten-free alternative) make for a sophisticated evening of fine dining.

If you’re eating out, you’re not short of options. Take advantage of the fabulous Mercato Centrale (about a 15 minute walk from the hotel) for shopping for foodie gifts on the ground floor or heading upstairs for the outstanding food court. Order a bottle of white wine, a giant arancino and a platter of burrata and salami for a flawless lunch. In the evening aim for the tiny trattorias that seem to be on every corner and order the enormous local speciality steak dish Bistecca Fiorentina.

Facilities

It’s not a hotel that’s big on facilities. They’d rather you slept well, absorbed the artworks and explored the city. If you do fancy a spa treatment, the Continentale, its sister hotel across the river (literally, mere minutes over the Ponte Vecchio) has the White Iris Beauty SPA for indulgent treatments. But far better to hop on one of the hotel’s bikes or speak to the concierge about where to spend a day out and about in the city. They’ll tell you which local leather boutique is the best quality and which markets are the most authentic.

Extra-curricular

The birthplace of the Renaissance, home of Michelangelo's David and packed to the gills with masterpieces of painting, sculpture and architecture, Florence is teeming with artworks and Hotel Lungarno is no different. There are over 400 artworks displayed there including pieces by Picasso and Cocteau and the in-room iPad includes a guide so you can take your own miniature gallery tour just by stepping outside your room.

Which room?

There are fourteen different room and suite options with the best having exquisite views of the River Arno and the Ponte Vecchio. A double room is a good size for two sharing and with high ceilings and dramatic floor-length curtains, it feels appropriately grand for the regal location on the river. The newly refurbished decor effortlessly combines the old-school glamour with modern touches like a Bose bluetooth speaker. The nautical navy and white colour scheme is classy not kitsch while elements of hotel rooms that usually spoil the design – air conditioner panels and light switches – are subtle modern touchpads. Enormously comfortable beds, complimentary fresh summer berries and macarons and an iPad loaded with guides to the city all add to the luxurious experience.

When to go

Early summer is ideal. Book flights in May and June and you’ll find the city at a balmy 30 degrees and buzzing but not overbearingly busy. The tourists will still be queueing to climb the stairs of the Duomo but you only need to book tickets to the Uffizi one or two days in advance.

Details

Hotel Lungarno has a special introductory rate with rooms from €410 per night based on two adults sharing, including a 30-minute massage at the nearby White Iris Beauty Spa, located in sister property Hotel Continentale. Offer valid until end of August. Normal room rates are from €430 (£382) per night + VAT; lungarnocollection.com