Old World Charm Meets Modern Luxury
If you have been following me on Instagram, you’d know that just recently I was in Italy on a month long trip. The original plan was to travel Rome>Florence>Venice>Milan>Monaco but, I adored Florence so much that we ended up going back to this beautiful city after our stay in Milan. Part of the reason for the change of plans is our Florence hotel - The Rocco-Forte Savoy. I have stayed at other luxury hotels in Florence, but this hotel is by far my favorite.
Location wise, it is perfect.Situated right on the Piazza Republica (the center of everything fashionable in Florence) and 5-10 minutes walk to anywhere you could possibly want to go in the city. I swear every time I ask the doorman for directions, almost every answer started with “turn left (or right) outside our front door and walk a few blocks".
It is right around the corner of Via Roma ( this is where the famous Luisa Via Roma flagship store is located) as well as Via Tornabuoni which is famous for housing the finest of designer shops. The Accademia ( that houses Michaelangelo’s David) and The Uffizi is also 5-10 minutes away.
Turns out, right next door is la Rinascente. Think one-stop shopping mall, but with class and style. You know - think Italian.Did I mention there’s a rooftop cafe? So you can honestly say you’re going for the incredible view of Florence.
While a historic, 300-year-old hotel might seem romantic and ideal in theory, it’s less appealing when you’re faced with a lack of easy key-card entry, slow internet and ancient elevators. And I don’t know about you, but I absolutely can’t stand the musty smell of 300 year old wallpaper and furniture.
At the Savoy, our suites have been totally refurbished with Italian fabrics and Florentine motives, I also found out the renovation also included all common areas including hallways and the lobby. Perhaps its just because I am very visual - but after a long day of staring at ancient artwork and buildings, coming back to a vibrant and modern lobby with colorful upholstery is enough to make me feel refreshed.
Our suite had 12 foot ceilings which By describes as a relief ( I think this is a tall 6’ 3” person thing, to really care about ceilings). Breakfast was included but what is more amazing is that we could choose to have it downstairs buffet-style OR en-suite, at no extra charge. We also had free free on-demand movies and amazing toiletries from Lorenzo Vicenzi, a luxury Florentine perfumerie.
The thing that sealed the deal for me was the fact that they offer a luggage packing/unpacking service. I swear this gave me at least three extra hours out and about in Florence because they took charge of getting my haul from outlet shopping at The Mall into my bags.
The staff is either trained at some sort of special packing school, or taught magic because a certain someone did not think it could be done. I probably should have watched - instead I dashed out to get just one more thing from La Rinascente (which is just next door)
The Savoy is also famous for their restaurant Irene ( named after the owner’s mother). With a menu designed by famous Two-Michelin star chef Fulvio Pierangelini, this is a great place for lunch and dinner. We had several meals here and each one was a perfect combination of traditional Tuscan flavors and the modern desire for light, healthy fare. With indoor and outdoor seating available, it’s a great place for lunch, dinner or anything in between while you watch both tourists and fashionable Florentines walk across the Piazza Republica.
A game that By and I love to play while we sit at a table facing the street is to guess the nationality of people approaching us (which we can easily pinpoint when we hear them talk as they pass us). I also like to make up their conversations (mostly about how the girlfriend or wife wants to shop more, and how the boyfriend or husband doesn’t understand). By usually ignores this part of the game.
So the only question is - when can I go back to Florence? PS : Do book early, the Rocco Savoy hotel is very popular so rooms go fast.
Stay tuned in for the rest of my Italy Adventure-- Next up VENICE! #SUCCESSINSTILETTOS
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Oh those pictures are perfect! Looks like you enjoyed Italy a lot! It’s so marvelous!
Everything looks magnifico!!
Someday, I will be visiting Florence and stay at Rocco Savoy too! the pictures you took are superb and beautiful!
Italy is marvelous, I need to put Folorence and Milan to my next go-to place list! Thank you for sharing your pictures, everything looks awesome!
I’m so jealous!! I wish I could be there too!
Wow, Milan! One of my dream places! Old world definitely looks very classic and elegant. Glad you enjoyed your stay there. I can’t wait to see your Venice memories next.
Rocco Savoy is indeed a cozy and charming hotel. I spent three nights there with my friends and it was a marvelous experience, you feel like you’re living in the Roman times of centuries ago.
Such an enchanting place! Your pictures show how much you really enjoyed your brief stay there.
This.Is.Breathtaking!
The last time I went to Milan, I also stayed at The Rocco-Forte Savoy. Such a marvelous place. The food they serve are plentiful and oh so delicioso! I would be staying there again the next time I visit Italia.
Wow, your room in the savoy looks heavenly. And the places you’ve been to, they’re all on my To-Go list in the near future. I could live there in Florence forever!
Actually, it’s the grand carousel outside the hotel that caught my attention. I would sure love to visit this place soon. Such an authentic old hotel, but the amenities are top of the class.
Oh, I like what they did to your luggage. Very neat and they’re really accommodating. I would love to spend some time there, too! Enjoy your vacation, Heidi.
Oh, the food at Irene’s look sumptuous! And the place really look charming and inviting. I wish I could go visit this wonderful city, soon. I’m glad you enjoyed your stay there 🙂
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When you feel nostalgic and want to experience the beauty of nature, Florence Italy is the perfect place to be!
When I visited Italy, I failed to go there in Florence. I should have lengthen my vacation so I could have stopped at Rocco Savoy. The place looks charming indeed!
Come back next time!
Everything about Florence is beautiful. Next to Paris, Italy is an outstanding country that resonates love.
OH Heidi, you’re tempting me with all those sumptuous food and beautiful sceneries!
Definitely looks warm and cozy! I also do that thing – guessing one’s nationality when I go travel the world. I encounter lots of tourists and it’s been a habit of mine to do people-watching while guessing if they’re locales or from other nationalities.
I went her a few years back. So basically, I have the same question too… when can I go back to Florence and experience this again, too?
A touch of old school in a city that’s mesmerizing and captivating. I love all the pictures you shared, you look so beautiful whenever you’re in one of your travels.
Everything looks great in Florence, even the old century touch adds flavor to its breathtaking beauty. I have been there once, too, and I am hopeful to return there one day… soon.
I am so envious… You are so lucky to have visited one of the best places in the world. I think Italy is such a romantic country, much like Paris.
You’re right, I just booked for Rocco Savoy hotel and the staff told me they’re already fully booked until January next year. Oh my!
Such a beautiful and charming place. I would be spending vacation there very soon!
Outside, it does look like the regency era.. but inside, so modern and up to date! Thank you for sharing your experience there 🙂
This is quite nostalgic.. I love everything you shared here 🙂
Wow, Italy indeed looks astonishing! And oh, by the way, I like that game that you and your boyfriend play – guessing the nationality of tourists. I might do that with my partner the next time we travel 🙂
This is amazing. Italy is marvelous, I wanna go see this place!
Oh I remember when I went to Italy a couple of years ago. I thought everything about Italy is beautiful. Have you been to Capri, too?
Your posts about Italy really makes me want to go to Italy soon..
Wow! Everything looks really magnificent and spectacular!!
Italy is now next on my bucket list!
Oh, that place looks lovely. I wonder when would I have the chance to go there, too!
Love all the pictures of cities and sights and the food. This place is heaven!
Such a marvelous city, full of charm and nostalgia. Love all the pictures you took! I am so going there really soon!
Oh you don’t know how envious I am right now. Italy is definitely in my bucket list and I wanna go there ASAP. Your photos are so beautiful, and so are you!
The old world charm of Milan brings back good memories and comfort to me. I love seeing nostalgic places. Wish I could go back there again, soon. THanks for the wonderful photos!
You make me want to take the next flight to Italy, Heidi.. It looks amazing!
Oh Heidi! You look absolutely divine with your black ensemble and stylish outfits! So lovely!
Wow! Such a gorgeous place! I can’t wait to spend the next holidays there in Italy..
Your beauty is mesmerizing!
Oh yes, Italy is indeed The place to be!!
Wow!! This is so beautiful! Italy is my dream destination.. Everything looks fantastic!