Globalista

‘I have seldom seen a city so lovely at first sight as Florence,’ wrote Shelley. The birthplace of the Renaissance is the heart and soul of Tuscany. A fabulously beautiful city where art and culture sit hand in hand with high fashion and wonderful food, Florence is one of the most perfect weekend destinations in Europe. The home of Leonardo and Michelangelo is where you can visit some of the world’s most famous and inspiring masterpieces, from Michelangelo’s David (at the Accademia) to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus (at the Uffizi). With a skyline dominated by the magnificent Duomo, Florence is a city for exploring and with our guide to the city’s best, you’ll discover tiny little courtyards, huge piazzas and the perfect place for Sunday brunch.

We reveal a new members’ club, new private residences to rent and a must-try Tuscan cooking course that foodies will love. We’ve discovered a super Italian tailor, an art historian who will expertly ease you through the cornucopia of art and architecture, as well as the coolest live jazz. Everywhere you look you’ll find eye-catching details – a gigantic wooden door, a pretty street lantern, a hidden church with beautiful paintings. Though some may have regarded Florence as beautiful but sleepy, things are definitely changing. Some are even going so far as to say that the city is on the cusp of a new renaissance.

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Where Dolce & Gabbana and Stella McCartney stay when they’re in town, JK Place is a superbly stylish hotel. Overlooking the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, it has all the trimmings of a hotel but the feel of a luxurious private house. The restaurant next door has been turned into a light and airy drawing room, there are fantastic views of the Duomo from the roof terrace (and from the little suite in the roof, which is idyllic), excellent service and manager Claudio Melli, who is beyond helpful and incredibly knowledgeable. The interiors are enchanting: scented candles, beautiful prints, cashmere throws, fresh flowers.

While JK Place is tucked away in what is usually one of the quieter squares in town, with no sign outside and a discreet hush-hush feel to it, you may prefer to stay in the thick of the action at the well-oiled machine that is Rocco Forte’s Hotel Savoy which offers an irresistible combination of calm and contemporary styling (by Rocco’s sister, the interior designer Olga Polizzi) right in the Piazza della Repubblica. Only a few minutes from all the major sites, the building has been lovingly restored to its former glory with no expense or detail spared. The rooms overlooking the square can be very noisy (especially as the square is currently the venue of choice for young Florentines to hang out playing bad Italian dance music), but this is the price you pay for the location.

If you want more assurance of peace and quiet, opt for the most exciting new opening to hit Florence, in years: the Four Seasons, Florence a lovely oasis. Rooms are dotted between two restored Renaissance palazzos brimming with frescoes and paintings, but the real wow factor is the private eight-acre park at your disposal. The pool, spa (one of the few in Florence) and effortless service are the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Useful Feedback

"Globalista is really appreciated by J.K. Place Florence guests. Our concierge is in total agreement with the Globalista reports for Florence - particularly the hidden gems and useful insider tips."

Claudio Meli, General Manager, J.K. Place Firenze

Globalista’s Pick of the Press

28 June 2009 - The Guardian - As Fabulous as Florence - and not a coach party in sight
13 June 2009 - The Telegraph - Florence, Italy: the fine art of vintage shopping
15 March 2009 - The Guardian - The ultimate recipe for amore
3 January 2009 - The Independent - 24-hour Room Service: Four Seasons, Florence
30 November - The New York Times - Florence, then and now

 See the full archive of travel press articles for Florence.

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