Helvetia & Bristol Firenze

Credits: Project by Starhotels Collezione
Hotel Helvetia & Bristol

Established in 1885 in a historical palace of grand prestige, the Helvetia & Bristol Firenze - Starhotels Collezione was the first luxury hotel in the city centre. International elites on the Grand Tour and men of letters, musicians, scientists and theatre divas of the calibre of Pirandello, D'Annunzio, Stravinskji, Bertrand Russell and Eleonora Duse have all stayed in its rooms and suites. Recently renovated and enlarged by interior designer Anouska Hempel, the hotel - now part of Starhotels, Italy's leading hotel group - has 89 rooms and suites, two restaurants and a bar, and the largest spa in the city centre, found where the ancient Capitoline Baths were located two thousand years ago. Everything in this enchanted place tells the story of the link with the territory: the precious collections of objects, furniture and furnishings dating from the 17th to the 19th century are the work of celebrated local craftspeople, as are the new wallpapers, elegant wood panelling and hand-bevelled oak floors and silk damask fabrics. The kitchen and the Cocktail Bar perfectly express the 'sense of place' of this temple of hospitality and both are entrusted to the skilful hands of the chefs of the renowned Ristorante Cibrèo, heir to the most authentic Florentine culinary tradition. Also from Florence is the iconic Celine freestanding bathtub, which in the most luxurious suites (including the iconic Presidential Suite) dialogues harmoniously with the marble floors and panelling, offering guests the privilege of a unique experience that blends beauty and well-being.