Helvetia & Bristol Firenze - Starhotels Collezione
Old World charm in Florence
Exuding endless Old World charm, Helvetia & Bristol is located in Florence’s historic center and in one of the city’s prettiest squares. Dating back to the late 19th century, the hotel has long held a luxurious, sophisticated ambiance — it’s no wonder it has attracted a number of famous figures over the years, including Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi, poet Gabriele D’Annunzio and playwright Luigi Pirandello.
These days, it caters to in-the-know travelers who want comfortable, luxurious digs; a discreet staff; and an excellent central location from which to see the city — cultural sites, celebrated restaurants and designer boutiques are within easy walking distance.
These days, it caters to in-the-know travelers who want comfortable, luxurious digs; a discreet staff; and an excellent central location from which to see the city — cultural sites, celebrated restaurants and designer boutiques are within easy walking distance.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Head to Il Baretto del Bristol for an aperitif. The space is enveloped in a warm color palette, wood paneling and refined Baroque furnishings; the cocktails are painstakingly crafted by meticulous bartenders.
- Helvetia & Bristol has a great location in Florence: it is in the heart of the historical center of the city — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — just a short walk from Palazzo Strozzi and the Duomo.
- The glass-ceilinged Bristol Winter Garden is a lovely place for a meal. Its mint walls recall 18th-century chinoiserie motifs but with Tuscan scenery with pomegranates, olive trees, water lilies, hoopoes, kingfishers and gray herons.
- Sip a crisp glass of Franciacorta and enjoy the fresh air in the sunny terrace.
Things to Know
- A few of the rooms have a bird’s-eye view of Brunelleschi’s Duomo — ask for a top-floor suite if you want to gaze at the architectural masterpiece from the comfort of your bedroom.
- While views of Florence are lovely, you may also want to procure a room that doesn’t face the main street to avoid noise.
- This is a pet-friendly hotel. Small animals are welcome for a fee.
The Rooms
- No two colorful guest rooms look the same, but the unifying factor is Old World elegance.
- While a 2019 renovation updated the rooms, it also restored the herringbone oak flooring, Murano glass chandeliers, Italian curtains and wallpapers and furniture.
- Accommodations showcase original paintings of Europe, antique prints and rich velvets and silks; some rooms have grand tapestries and brocaded wallpaper.
- Bathrooms have smooth, gray and white Carrara marble.
The Restaurants
- Try the Florence hotel’s beautiful restaurant, Bristol Winter Garden, a popular gathering spot for locals who work in the area and those who appreciate authentic Tuscan cuisine like fettuccine di Gragnano alla Nerano (with clams and Calvisius caviar).
- Il Baretto del Bristol is an all-day café. Go for morning coffee, croissants and desserts; a club sandwich and Caesar salad at lunch; afternoon tea; and evening aperitivo and cocktails.
- The idyllic terrace is a superb spot to dine alfresco without the heavy traffic other central areas tend to get. Or simply order a crisp glass of Franciacorta and enjoy the fresh air.
- If you want to book private events, dinners and chef's tables for up to 12, try the emerald-tile-lined Tinello.
Getting There
Via dei Pescioni, 2, 50123 Firenze, Italy
TEL39-055-26651
TEL39-055-26651
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
FLR ((20 min))
