Lungarno Acciaiuoli 4, Florence, Italy | (586) 210-9239
Refined and regal boutique property with a riverfront location
In walking distance to the city's main attractions and entertainment
Rooms have Nespresso machines, microwaves, minibars, and iPads
Some rooms have Arno views and furnished balconies
Bistro-style restaurant serves Italian dishes; room service available
Large and varied buffet breakfast (for a fee)
Afternoon tea served with a selection of cakes
Concierge service for tour or ticket assistance
Free Wi-Fi throughout
No gym, spa, business facilities, or on-site parking
Some find the check-in ordeal slow and cumbersome
A glam mid-century take on Florentine luxury, the Portrait Firenze is a boutique property overlooking the Arno River. The location is excellent, with several bars and restaurants nearby, and almost all the city's major sights are within walking distance. Its 37 rooms, some of which have river views and balconies, are well-designed -- a mix of luxe and sophistication -- with microwaves, minibars, Nespresso machines, iPads, and Bluetooth sound systems. Hotel features include an Italian bistro-style restaurant, a breakfast buffet (not included in rates), and free WI-Fi. For a similarly intimate vibe, travelers could consider J.K. Place Firenze as an alternative -- it has a rooftop terrace, a spa, gym, and breakfast is included in the rates.
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Scene
Sophisticated hotel with a luxe design and 1950s Hollywood atmosphere
Portrait Firenze has a glossy high-design that's apparent from the get-go. It's housed in a white-and-cream stone building designed by Florentine architect Michele Bonan. Interiors are chic and contemporary with a sophisticated gray, black, and gold color scheme. In lieu of the standard reception desk are cozy seating areas with white and gray chairs and sofas, where guests can sit as the staff checks them in with laptops and small talk. Some find the lengthy check-in a personal touch, while others complain that it’s too long and cumbersome. The hotel cultivates a 1950s Hollywood vibe, with vintage photographs of stars like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly throughout. Small statues, gold lamps, books, and floral arrangements complete the high-end but cozy atmosphere. Like the lobby, the restaurant is warm and elegant, with gray chairs and wooden tables, couches and comfy pillows. With its central location, Portrait Firenze draws mainly tourists, including couples and families lured by the intimate, sophisticated atmosphere.
Location
Located on the banks of the Arno, within walking distance of all major attractions
Portrait Firenze has a plum spot on the banks of the Arno River, within walking distance of all major sights. It’s about a five-minute walk to the 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio, and the popular Piazza della Signoria. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, and the Basilica di San Lorenzo is about a 10-minute walk away. Shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars fill the surrounding streets. A bus stop is three minutes away, while the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station is about a 15-minute walk. It’s a 17-minute drive to Florence Airport, Peretola, or 29 minutes via public transport.
Rooms
Stylish, sophisticated rooms with luxe details like Nespresso machines and iPads
The 37 rooms at Portrait Firenze offer understated high style, with warm woods, opaque grays, and 1950s-era Hollywood black-and-white photographs. An air of understated sophistication comes across in the rooms' rich materials like velour fabrics on headboards and crown molding, and gold accents add a bit of shimmer. Rooms shine in their amenities too -- all have minibars, Nespresso machines, microwaves, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Tech includes flat-screen TVs with Sky TV and DVD players, Bluetooth sound systems, and iPads with 3G and Wi-Fi. Some rooms have views of the Arno River and furnished balconies. Cream-colored bathrooms are lovely, with plenty of space around the sinks, bidets, and either shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs. Bianca di Carrara toiletries, hairdryers, and straighteners are provided.
Features
Lacking a spa or gym, but offering a bistro-style restaurant and personalized service
Smaller than other luxury properties, Portrait Firenze lacks the big-ticket facilities of larger hotels -- there’s no spa, gym, pool, or private on-site parking. Cafe Orelle is the hotel’s bistro-style Italian restaurant. It serves a varied breakfast buffet in the morning (for a fee), along with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea comes with a selection of cakes, and room service is available. There's no business center or meeting facilities, but Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Service is personal, and the staff will arrange tours and make reservations for guests.
