UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenze

Radical and striking are the theme at UNA Hotel Vittoria: a modern, upscale design hotel best suited to couples seeking something different and fun. Like stepping into a surrealist’s daydream, the hotel is a wonder of bold imagination blended with traditional Florentine touches. The reception area houses a vast swathe of floral mosaic tiling -- characteristically Florentine -- which sweeps right up to the ceiling and back to the floor, ushering guests straight to the reception desk. Hallways are like stepping into another world: an austere museum gallery of sorts, hushed in darkness, with doors doubling as gold-framed Renaissance paintings. The design is certainly eye-catching, although the occasionally risqué style may not suit everyone’s tastes. Adding to the extraordinary design is a sense of heritage: all staff are native Florentines who can help with local suggestions (even your fresh-made coffee is prepared by a Florentine). It’s an experience both fun and culturally rich, attracting many from the U.S, Western Europe, Brazil, and China. 

Situated south of the Arno River and away from Florence's usual tourist throngs, the neighborhood of San Frediano is one where locals venture to wine and dine. A string of restaurants is about a five-minute walk away, while the main train station, the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Pitti are all within a 20-minute walk. The Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo are 25 minutes away on foot (or around 15 minutes in a taxi), and Florence’s airport is just a 15-minute drive.

In keeping with the public areas, rooms are equally bold and modern, with leather-paneled walls and ceilings in magenta or black, plus floor-to-ceiling mirrors. All come with modern technology, including bedside touch panels for controlling temperature and lighting. Other standard features include minibars, pillow menus, seating areas, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are striking, covered from floor to ceiling with intricate mosaic tiling, a la Florentine. Some have suggestive see-through glass looking into the shower area -- for frosted glass, just inquire in advance with reception. Classic Rooms are the entry-level category and are smaller then the rest, while Superior Rooms have more space plus upgraded amenities including free minibars and high speed Wi-Fi. Executive Rooms are the highest category. They're spacious and feature upgraded amenities, free bathrobes and slippers, and separate showers and soaking tubs.

UNA Hotel Vittoria offers a good handful of facilities in contrast to most other Florence hotels, including an edgy lounge bar serving drinks as well as light meals. Alternatively, the airy restaurant features communal seating -- in the tradition of rural Italian families -- and serves an a la carte menu with traditional Tuscan and other regional Italian dishes. The free breakfast buffet is also served here, which includes freshly prepared espresso and cappuccino (not from a machine), homemade cakes, and hot dishes such as bacon and eggs. A special gluten-free box is also available. Breakfast can be taken out on the elegant courtyard in good weather, and the space is also available for drinks and dinner during high season. Bicycles are available to rent, and are a great way to explore relatively compact Florence. The hotel has two fully equipped meeting rooms that get natural light, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Private paid parking is also available -- quite a rarity in Florence.