Piazza di Santa Maria Novella 24, Florence, Italy | (888) 399-9863
Sophisticated, masculine design
Short walk to the Santa Maria Novella church and restaurants
Some rooms have views of the Piazza Santa Maria Novella
Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast buffet
Houses one of Florence’s trendiest bars
Rooms are somewhat dark
Some guests say noise can be heard from rooms above
This luxurious property, part of the Why The Best chain, is central to many of the city’s attractions, especially the Santa Maria Novella church. The masculine, wood-heavy decor has a luxury watch theme, and timepieces are creatively displayed throughout. The nearby Grand Hotel Minerva offers better views and a rooftop pool, and occasionally better value, but the rooms here are arguably a tad more sophisticated.
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Scene
Dark wood and luxury watch-themed artwork dominate
It’s difficult to run late at this watch-themed hotel. “Orologio” means “watch” in Italian, and nods to this theme can be found all over the space, from the Rolex sign in the cavernous lobby to the watch crown taps in some of the bathrooms. The white and wood-paneled lobby, with a gorgeous carved wooden fireplace, is punctuated by colorful couches and armchairs. The dark woods, leather, brass details, and ubiquitous watches throughout combine to create decor style that feels decidedly masculine; it's as if the historic home of a bachelor watchmaker got infused with chic 21st century flair. The large breakfast lounge has large picture windows with views of the city.
Location
Right in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella and close to other attractions
The hotel is located on the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, a pedestrian area dominated by the Santa Maria Novella Church, which features frescoes painted by masters of the Gothic period and early Renaissance. The city’s main train station and the Duomo are both a five-minute walk away, and it’ s a 10-minute walk to the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Rooms
Sophisticated rooms, some with piazza views
Each of the 50 rooms is unique, displaying photographs and paintings of a specific luxury wristwatch model. The elegant rooms feature mahogany floors and furniture and include flat-screen TVs and minibars. Some offer views of the Piazza Santa Maria Novella. The bathrooms have shower/tub combos, most with marble tile and rainfall showerheads. Due to the rich wood and lighting, some of the rooms can be a bit dark.
Features
Trendy, modern bar, a breakfast room, and a small fitness area
Each floor of Hotel L’Orologio is dedicated to an important watch manufacturer. The trendy bar L’O serves lunch as well as cocktails, and features a cool illuminated floor (with watch iconography, of course) as well as a smoking room. The big, airy breakfast lounge has wooden rafters and lovely piazza views. There is a small fitness room and a sauna in the hotel’s basement.
