Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio

On the historic cobblestone street of Borgo San Jacopo, near the 13th-century Red Tower, is the Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio. Some medieval buildings in this area were partially destroyed during World War II, but much of the district’s charm, including the fountain beside the hotel's entrance, have been preserved. The lobby’s illuminated archways glow through the hotel’s glass entrance, and the posh restaurants and jewelry shops outside only enhance the sophisticated feeling. Guests are mainly couples, but the property's meeting room also attracts business travelers. Interior furnishings are simple and elegant throughout. The second-floor lounge has a welcoming atmosphere with comfortable red sofas, chessboards and books, wooden floors, and warm lighting. The real showstopper here is the sixth-floor terrace that provides panoramic views. Unfortunately the terrace also attracts pesky pigeons that hang around pecking at breakfast crumbs despite the resident cat’s efforts to chase them away.

As the name implies, the Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio is nearby the Palazzo Vecchio, which is a five-minute walk across the the Ponte Vecchio, the bridge that's just one minute from the hotel. From this location in the Oltrarno district, it’s an easy walk to Florence’s monuments and museums, and the tourist-congested Vasari Corridor -- with shops, bars, and restaurants -- is in front of the hotel. Across the river, within five minutes on foot, are the Uffizi Gallery and Museo Galileo. On the same side of the river, within five minutes on foot, are the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens. The Duomo is a 10-minute walk away. The Santa Maria Novella Train Station is about 20 minutes by bus or on foot. It’s a 30- to 45-minute bus ride to the Florence Airport or a 25-minute drive. 

The classic decor in rooms pales in comparison to the beautiful historic views -- facing the Palazzo Vecchio, Vasari Corridor, or Ponte Vecchio -- that can be seen from many rooms' windows, balconies, or terraces. The most appealing are Queen Suites, which offer 360-degree views of the Boboli Gardens, river, and historic sights from furnished terraces. In all rooms, interiors are well-maintained, simple, and elegant with hardwood floors, wooden furniture, and mostly white textiles with touches of red and beige. Layout doesn’t vary much between categories, though Triple Rooms and Suites are suitable for groups or families with sofa beds in sitting areas, and two bathrooms in some. Connecting rooms are also available. All have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and safes, and most also have minibars and coffee/tea facilities, as well as irons and rollaway beds; some features are available on-request, such as kettles. Romantic packages for couples are also available. Bathrooms are clean and bright, with hairdryers, toiletries, and either shower/tub combos or stall showers. 

The historic location of this hotel provides picturesque views of monuments from rooms and especially the brick-lined terrace of the Alla Torre De’ Rossi wine bar and restaurant. The dining room is cozy with floor-to-ceiling windows. Breakfast is free and buffet-style, with a spread that includes pastries, fruit, meats, cheeses, and coffee. Romantic dinners and wine tastings are also available. For small meetings of up to 45 people, the hotel also offers a meeting room with audiovisual equipment. More conference space for up to 275 people can be rented out at the Auditorium al Duomo, an affiliate of the hotel. The front desk is on-hand to reserve museum tickets, provide tour information, or rent bicycles for guests. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel.