Florence is probably my favorite city in the world (at least from the ones I know), the art, the history, present in every corner are responsible for that premise, so when we chose the Palazzo Vecchietti as our hotel, for yet another trip to the city, I knew our experience would be memorable.
And why? Because this Palazzo has 5 centuries of history! The family of name Vecchietti, was one of the most wealthy and important in Florence, and in 1578 they ordered the project of their home to Giambologna.
So, right in the middle of town, along different areas and buildings the family already had (from Piazza della Repuplica to the Palazzo Strozzi), the Palazzo Vecchietti was born. It was built over a building of the past century and in an even more antique Byzantine tower.
A few centuries later, the Palazzo Vecchietti transformed into a luxury hotel, without the usual ostentation and greatness of the five stars, but with a luxury concept with a more discrete and intimate side.
This luxury combined with history and art made me fall in love immediately!
First Impression
The entrance is in a kind of tunnel that takes us into an authentic return to the past, guiding us are the stones of the former Byzantine tower, the adrenaline rises when I know I’m touching history!
We arrived at the lobby, a huge room with the elegance and richness from other times, and I can close my eyes and imagine myself in another century. The fireplace is one of the main elements of this room is the fireplace, as well as the statues and paintings of the Vecchietti family. The antique furniture transmits refinement to this space, without overlooking comfort.
The team welcomes us kindly and offers water, or prosecco, and snacks, that are at the guests disposal during the day.
Our check in is promptly made and we are forwarded to our bedroom. And what a bedroom!!!
Bedrooms
There are 12, and two apartments. These have names of some of the most important figures in Florence. We stayed in a Deluxe bedroom with the emblematic name of Botticelli, which was honestly like a house, where I could easily live!
As soon as I entered, I realized the bedroom was a perfect symbiosis between intimate luxury and historical greatness.
The past mixes in each moment with the contemporary in a connection without precedent.
The neutral colors match perfectly with the purple vitality of the curtains, the tapestry and the sofas, velvety, transmitting comfort and well-being.
The fireplace and the books that decorate the bedroom are the main cast of true idleness moments.
The bathroom transmits unpaired fragrances and the kitchen is perfect for any house.
As I referred, this is not a bedrooms, it’s a house in one of the most historical cities in the world.
Restaurants
Having in account the concept of family home, the Palazzo Vecchietti doesn’t have a restaurant, it has a main room on the last floor where breakfast is served, or you can have it in your bedroom, as you wish, or if you leave the hotel very early, they will prepare you a breakfast box with all that is necessary to start the day in the best way possible.
There’s also a vegetarian breakfast menu, and also a gluten-free one.
However, and because the service of a true luxury hotel is present in every detail if you need a reservation in the several restaurants in town, the team takes care of it.
During the day, you can find sweet and sour snacks, besides water and prosecco in the reception.
Services
They are in all similar to any five-star hotel. Reception 24/7, wi-fi, transport or car rental, planned visits to the city or specific locations, babysitting, spa and restaurant booking, among many other options.
The hotel is also pet friendly.
Service
Palazzo Vecchietti is a different kind of luxury, without formalisms or pretentiousness, the team treats us like we’re the owners of the house, not just guests.
They are caring and don’t leave anything to chance, making us feel at home, without invading. And always welcome us with geniune smiles in the face, no need for keeping appearances.
I think luxury in the future will pass through this kind of experiences, a modest luxury, in which the quality of the products is not left to chance, but where privacy becomes the biggest priority, creating a cozier environment, more subtle and without servility.
And the Palazzo Vecchietti perfectly translates all this, a unique and familiar luxury!
Palazzo Vecchietti
Bedrooms from 220€
Via degli Strozzi, 4 – Florença
+39 055 230 280 2
info@palazzovecchietti.com
Photos: Flavors & Senses
Disclaimer
We were at Palazzo Vecchietti by invitation, whereas this does not alter our work, being the opinion and the text of the exclusive responsibility of the author.