Borghese Palace Art Hotel

The hotel occupies a wing of the Palazzo Borghese, a classical structure originally built in the second half of the 15th century. The building served as a private residence for many years, then became a venue for cultural and high-society events. In 2006, part of the palace was renovated to create the Borghese Palace Art Hotel, which showcases a stylish blend of contemporary art and historical Renaissance accents. Guests enter the hotel through revolving glass doors and may be surprised to find a circular glass elevator in the middle of this ancient stone palace. Steel stairs wind around the elevator. Six huge sculptures carved from white Carrara marble greet guests as they enter the foyer. Contemporary art that changes monthly hangs on the walls, and there are multiple seating areas where guests can hang out and view the art while sipping drinks from the lobby bar. The hotel is unique and chic, suitable for all types of guests who appreciate modern art and classical architecture. The majority of guests are couples on holiday, though families and groups of friends pass through as well.

The hotel is located on Via Ghibellina, a narrow street in the center of Florence. The street is full of ancient palaces and there's history in almost every direction from the hotel. Many of the city's main attractions are less than 10 minutes away on foot, including the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Bargello National Museum. The Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's "David," takes less than 15 minutes to reach on foot. The Santa Maria Novella railway station also is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and there are many shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and cafes near the hotel. The Florence Airport is about 30 minutes away by car. 

Rooms here are sharp and sleek -- a welcome departure from the often dowdy traditional hotels that crowd the center of Florence -- and each has its own bas-relief over the bed crafted of terra cotta, bronze, or gesso. Handsome shades of gray and silver alongside warm and dark wood tones dominate the rooms. Furniture is a mix of contemporary and period Italian pieces, with handstitched leather chairs and armchairs, hardwood flooring with aluminum inserts, silver-leaf mirrors, wall lights and lamp shades, and glass ceiling lamps created by local craftsmen. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, and free Wi-Fi. DVD players are available on request. Small bathrooms come with glass showers and sinks, contemporary fixtures, packaged toiletries, and hairdryers. Most rooms are compact, and rooms on the street may pick up traffic and neighborhood noise into the night. 

A free breakfast is served daily in a room with a fireplace that's lit in the cooler months. Breakfast items include cakes, pastries, breads, breakfast meats, cheeses, jams, honey, scrambled eggs, bacon, yogurt, cereals, and fruit. Guests also can opt to have breakfast delivered to their rooms for a fee. The lounge in the lobby serves beverages among art exhibitions, with Italian wing chairs and sofas for seating. There's also cafe seating and a baby grand piano. A small wellness center in the basement features brick walls and arched doorways but no windows. It is equipped with a relaxation area, a small sauna, and a Turkish bath, and massage treatments are available. The small fitness center is dark and cramped, but has the requisite cardio and weight-training machines. A meeting room can accommodate up to 25 people and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.