Grand Amore Hotel and Spa

From the street, the Grand Amore Hotel doesn’t stand out among it's neighbors, but inside it sports fresh and stylish interiors that reflect its opening in December 2014. Classical touches like dark wooden parquet floors and black-and-white framed photographs of Florence monuments give a nod to the building's history, which contrasts the modern elements and contemporary furnishings. The small, attractive lobby is outfitted with walnut wood walls, wooden floors, a bar, and a sit-down reception desk. It doubles as the lounge and the breakfast room. Royal purple leather booths and chairs around sleek black tables give this space an urban-chic style. There’s not much else in the way of public spaces beyond the small, simple spa, which has a few purple leather chairs and colored mood lighting in the sauna. Most of the clientele are couples who can be seen congregating in the lounge/lobby area. 

The property is located on the edge of the central, tourist-filled area of Florence and just a two-minute walk south of the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata. The iconic Duomo is a seven-minute walk from here, while the Uffizi Gallery is a 12-minute walk away by the Arno River. The most popular attractions can be found between these two main sites, making this hotel a convenient base for exploring the city on foot. Via dei Servi, the street that runs along the hotel, is filled with shops and dining. Santa Maria Novella train station is an 18-minute walk (about the same time driving), while the airport can be reached in about 25 minutes.

Rooms at the Grand Amore Hotel and Spa are chic and stylish, though not overly spacious. Elegant decor includes large tufted velour headboards, white linens, dark wooden floors, heavy drapes, and leather armchairs. Walls are adorned with black-and-white photographs of classical statues, and some tables are topped with horse figurines adding to the artistic atmosphere. All rooms are outfitted with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, coffee machines, and flat-screen TVs. Small free weights and yoga mats are provided in some rooms, and the Roof Top Master’s Room has a private terrace and lovely views of the city. The hotel also personalizes mattresses and pillows according to guests’ personal firmness preference. The white-and-tan marble bathrooms are especially luxurious with vessel sinks, shower/tub combos or walk-in glass showers, and Acqua di Parma toiletries. Bathrobes and hairdryers are also provided. 

The highlight of the Grand Amore is its spa that’s outfitted with a hot tub, sauna, and Turkish hammam, and provides massages. For meals, there’s a breakfast buffet served in the mornings that’s usually included in the room rates, and a lounge bar that offers a light lunch and serves drinks throughout the day. But the small property lacks dinner service, or fitness or business centers. Reception does offer free beverages throughout the day to guests, which can be brought up to the rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and parking is available for a pricey fee.