Gallery Hotel Art

The Gallery Hotel Art has a modern, flat-white facade with inset balconies, which serves as the perfect canvas for the Gallery's rotating art installations that sometimes extend beyond the interiors. (On our visit, the facade was covered in an installation piece consisting of large red and white spoons.) Inside, the reception area is elegantly simple, with a wood desk flanked by white walls that showcase the current art exhibition. A large bench in the center of the room gives the space a museum vibe. Common lounge spaces are stylish -- the library lounge, for example, features transitional decor in an understated palette of brown and cream, like the gingham carpet, which pairs with small wood tables and white overstuffed armchairs and couches. Black-and-white framed portraits lend sophisticated style, while an inset bookshelf adds homey charm. The hotel is part of the Lungarno Collection, a group of upscale boutique hotels owned by the fashionable Ferragamo Group. The hotel's central location draws a range of travelers -- couples, families, those visiting the city on business, groups of friends traveling together, and solo travelers.

The Gallery Hotel Art sits behind the Ponte Vecchio along the Arno River. The location is fashionable and central, yet fairly quiet considering its proximity to some of the city's most famous attractions. The immediate neighborhood is filled with hotels, high-end boutiques, and famed public squares. Most major sights are in walking distance. The popular Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery (host to Botticelli's "Birth of Venus") are each a three-minute walk from the hotel, and the Museo Galileo, Piazza della Repubblica, Museo Horne, Piazza Santa Croce, Duomo cathedral, and San Lorenzo Market are all about a 10-minute walk away.  Florence Airport, Peretola is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

The Gallery Hotel Art's 74 guest rooms feature simple yet sophisticated contemporary decor. Rooms have hardwood floors, white paneled walls finished with black-and-white framed photographs, and black-and-white gingham drapes. Plump corner armchairs and ottomans (in upgraded rooms) are upholstered in white and match the linens, while beds have leather headboards and striped accent pillows. Side tables and desk are made of wood. White sandstone bathrooms include vanities, bidets, and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. 

Rooms range from the smaller Gallery Rooms, which measure approximately 240 square feet, to mid-range studios, which are about 430 square feet and include separate sitting areas. The cream-of-the-crop, though, are the three Penthouse Suites, which measure 600 square feet and include impressive terraces with city views. Some entry-level rooms include step-out balconies. All rooms are air-conditioned and include desks, safes, and LCD TVs, in addition to well-stocked minibars, free Wi-Fi, and Bose Bluetooth Sound Systems. Bathrooms have hairdryers, scales, bathrobes, and Bianco di Carrara by Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, including dental and shaving kits. There are no in-room tea- or coffee-making facilities, but room service is available into the evening.  

Gallery Hotel Art has a full list of posh features, but not all of them are located on-site. The chic Fusion Bar & Restaurant has modern decor and a sushi menu in addition to Italian dishes. Room service is available from morning through the evening. Guests dining at other Lugarno Collection properties nearby can charge meals to their rooms at the Gallery Hotel Art. They can also visit the rooftop bar at the Continentale next door, which has spectacular city views. 

The hotel's largest common area is a charming library/lounge on the ground floor that doubles as the breakfast room. The breakfast buffet offers a wide selection (pistachio croissants, anyone?) and rates high with guests, but it's not included in all room rates. Guests can use the White Iris Beauty Spa at the Continentale next door, which also has cardio equipment and a sauna. 

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and multilingual staff. A concierge can assist with tickets and reservations, and make recommendations. Laundry service or car service can be arranged, including airport or train station transport. Valet parking is available for an extra fee. Cribs and in-room childcare can be arranged, and small pets are allowed at no extra fee.