Palazzo Tolomei Residenza d’Epoca

The Italian concept of beauty is a major theme at Palazzo Tolomei Residenza D’Epoca, an atmospheric boutique property with gorgeous period features and Old-World ambience. Warm-hearted owner Daniela happily emphasizes this, not only by surrounding guests with the visual beauty of the palazzo, but also by teaching them to embrace it as a way of life. Beautiful Renaissance art is everywhere, and every detail, from the rooms to the artful presentation of breakfast, is elegant. An ordinary hotel stay transforms to an existence in a past era, steeped in refinement: it’s a lesson much appreciated, not to mention one that makes previous guests feel fabulous. While this isn’t a hotel with every convenience at your fingertips -- reception has limited opening hours, for example -- it’s brimming with class.

The palazzo itself is a marvel of Renaissance beauty, with a long history of powerful families, capricious countesses, and famous artists: the Taddei family, business associates with the Medici’s, hosted Raphael here in 1505. Impossibly high ceilings, ample gilding, and an abstract quality that can only be described as Renaissance flair, highlight the privileged existence of its past residents. The elaborate ceiling frescos are a wonder, themed after timeless figures of mythology: In the reception room, a glowing figure of Apollo drives away the feminine figure of Night and masculine Sleep. It’s these refined details, paired with a vibe that’s undeniably romantic, that attracts couples of all ages from around the world. 

Although its immediate surroundings don’t inspire much confidence, Palazzo Tolomei has a convenient location, with decent dining options just around the corner. The Accademia Gallery, where the original "David" is housed, is just a four-minute walk, while the Duomo is six minutes away on foot. High-end shopping on popular Via dei Tournabuoni is roughly a 10-minute walk, and Florence’s main train station is a 12-minute stroll. Both the Uffizi Gallery and historical Ponte Vecchio can be reached by foot in 13 minutes, while Florence’s airport is a 25-minute drive.

In keeping with the grand beauty of the public areas, Palazzo Tolomei’s 10 individually-decorated rooms are spacious and decadent, with period features such as high ceilings, gorgeous frescos, and terra-cotta flooring from the Baroque era. All have modern amenities, including Nespresso machines, minibars, DVD players, comfortable memory foam mattresses, slippers, and Tuscan olive-oil based toiletries. Higher category rooms feature bathrobes and a welcome bottle of spumanti, and some come with romantic four-poster beds and a jetted bath for two. Bathrooms aren’t the most spacious, but many have posh gold fixtures, and all include extra grooming amenities. Although Superior Rooms are the entry-level category, they're done up in the same elegance as other rooms, with lush satin and leather furnishings, original Baroque-era features, plus a large sofa for lounging. Deluxe Rooms are larger, and many have frescoed ceilings. Suites are the ultimate indulgence, with elaborate frescos, rich furnishings, and separate lounges for languishing away the days and nights. 

All facilities at Palazzo Tolomei are tailored to provide guests with an authentic window onto Florence. The lavish free breakfast is hosted by owner Daniela and her staff on most days, consisting exclusively of traditional Florentine dishes made fresh from local products -- along with advice on how to enjoy them. On some days, breakfast is provided at a local cafe instead, but it’s a welcome opportunity to venture outside. The elegant music room hosts aperitif nights and other surprises based on Daniela’s whims. The palazzo also offers paid private tours of Florence filled with exclusive local information and special recommendations. A free welcome drink introduces guests to Italy’s wide array of local liqueurs, while a vast collection of DVDs, art and history books, and local guidebooks -- carefully curated by Daniela -- is also available to peruse. The free Wi-Fi can be spotty in some places -- a result of the three-foot deep Baroque walls. Paid valet parking service is available for those with cars.