Florence, ItalySanta Maria Novella
The Excelsior Hotel Florence
Aristocratic riverside stalwart
Santa Maria Novella Florence, Italy
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Heritage Design ClassicOutside the door
Aristocratic riverside stalwart
This 19th-century riverfront palazzo delivers classic Florentine grandeur, anchored by historic salons and sweeping Arno views.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A grand riverside palazzo where Napoleon's sister Carolina Bonaparte lived out her final days.
Notable
Carved headboards and crystal chandeliers meet Martin Brudnizki interiors on the panoramic rooftop.
What they say
Also in Michelin.
this is the definitive downtown Florence grand hotel, a century-old palace on the banks of the Arno, the sort of place where the Presidential Suite is used by actual presidents.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The front doors open onto quiet Piazza Ognissanti, with the Ponte Vecchio a short riverside walk away.
The rooms
Carved headboards and crystal chandeliers dress the bedrooms, while Carrara marble bathrooms overlook the Arno River.
The gym
- Gym
- 24-hour fitness center equipped with Technogym machines.
Dogs stay too.
Cosimo Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Terraces on the sixth floor look straight toward the Duomo, serving modern Tuscan dishes and Medici-inspired cocktails.
At the table
Downstairs, Donatello Bar features leather stools against sculpted rock, with a secret back bar hidden behind library shelves.
How it began
Operating as a hotel since after 1839, the riverside palazzo adopted the Excelsior name in 1871 following an extensive expansion.
Good to know
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The Excelsior Hotel Florence
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.