Choose from 37 roomy suites of varying sizes, many with glorious views of the river Arno. Just like its sister hotel, Portrait Roma, all are beautifully styled with bucket-loads of character. Think polished wood floors, huge windows and super trendy, mid century furniture. Fashionista couples love it here of course. But – design-loving parents rejoice! – with cleverly concealed kitchenettes in every suite, it’s a hit with families too.
For someone looking to explore Florence’s best bits, they’d be hard pushed to find somewhere better placed. It’s a splurge, yes, but one we can’t wait to try.
Highs
- The decor in every space is positively divine
- Those stunning river views
- The hotel staff. Everyone from the “lifestyle team” to the receptionists are exceptional
- By all accounts, the food served in the restaurant is delicious
- Parents can enjoy a super-chic hotel that also caters for kids – a rare find!
Lows
- This level of luxury doesn’t come cheap
- It’s not the easiest to find, which we feel adds to its exclusivity
- There’s no pool, roof terrace or spa, but in-room treatments are available
Best time to go
Watch out for Fashion Show dates. They generally happen in January and June during which time flight and accommodation costs rocket.
Our top tips
- Boutique Hotel
- 37 rooms and suites
- Restaurant (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
- Laundry service
Rooms
The 37 individually designed, spacious suites are spread over 6 floors. There are 10 variations that range from a studio for two right up to a blinging 5-bedroom penthouse suite occupying the whole of the top floor for 10 – which comprises the Ponte Vecchio Suite, a Family Suite, a Superior Suite and the Timeless Suite. Whichever you choose, expect gorgeous mid-century, boutique-style vibes with soothing dove greys, cashmere, marble, tobacco-coloured rugs and polished wood floors. There are desks, elegant armchairs and sofas, walk-in closets in the larger suites, and throughout are classy archive black & white photographs of golden era movie stars holidaying in Florence.
Bathrooms come with bathtubs and are well stocked with luxury Ferragamo toiletries (naturally). Most have twin sinks and walk-in showers too. And everyone gets a kingsize bed (or for twin beds, just ask), a discreet kitchenette (many with an induction hob) plus added luxury extras: an in-room iPad, Bluetooth sound system, Nespresso machine. Top tip: Go for a suite with a balcony and river view if you can. We hear the extra expense is well worth it.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Microwave
- Minibar/fridge
- WiFi
Eating
When not using your in-room kitchenette, Caffe Dell’Oro, the hotel restaurant, is a relaxed affair. Indoors is all wood floors, white brick and huge and glorious picture windows. But sit yourself outside if you can. The view of the Ponte Vecchio is fabulous and the people-watching game is strong. Word has it that the cuisine here is divine. Scoff crispy octopus with potato, lemon foam and olive dust, followed by pumpkin ravioli with pecan nuts, maple syrup and bone marrow.
Breakfast can either be taken in the restaurant or delivered to your room. Beverages include freshly squeezed and organic pressed juice combos such as green apple, lemon and ginger, as well as drinks such as hot chocolate, ginseng, a selection of teas and coffees. Eggs are cooked to order whether as omelette, scrambled or with a hollandaise sauce; our preference would be the signature Portrait poached eggs with smoked salmon, avocado and seeds. Other hot dishes (such as porridge, pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, mushrooms) or fruit salad, cold cuts, cheese, cereals and croissants are also available.
Beyond the hotel, for delicious Italian fare, try Osteria di Pavone (5 mins). We hear the truffle pasta and tiramisu is superb, as is the view of Chiesa di San Jacopo Soprarno. Then wash it all down with a Negroni on the roof terrace of Divina Terrazza at Grand Hotel Cavour (8 mins), and watch the Duomo as the sun sets. Bellissimo.
Features include:
- Children's meals
- Microwave
- Minibar/fridge
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- A 10 minute stroll will take you to architectural gems such as The Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo (arrive early and climb to the top for the best views of the city)
- Equally close is the Uffizi Gallery (10 mins) where you can marvel at the work of greats such as da Vinci, Lippo, and Botticelli. Remember to book ahead
- Impressive Palazzo Pitti (10 mins), on the south bank of the Arno River is a culture vulture’s playground, with multiple museums to explore
- No stay at a Ferragamo hotel is complete without a visit to the Ferragamo Museum (3 mins) where more than 10,000 shoes from the 1920s and beyond are available for ogling
- Shop! Head to Via Tornabuoni (5 mins) for high end, designer threads, or to Borgo San Frediano and Via San Spirito (5-12 mins) for cool, independent boutiques
- Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, mooch around the jewellery shops, take in the views of the river
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Wine tasting
Kids
For such a deliciously splashy hotel, families are surprisingly well catered for. Take the in-room kitchenettes, a godsend for parents of little people. There are some nice touches for the kids too: a gift for them to unwrap upon arrival as well as mini slippers and robes. And we love the VIK (Very Important Kids) club: think treasure hunts, cookery classes and even clubbing excursions for the older ones.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
All rooms come with chic interiors, a handy kitchenette and sleek bathrooms stocked with gorgeous organic baby toiletries. There are dedicated Family Suites and 2-Bedroom Family Suites (formed of interconnecting suites, to sleep 4-7 in total). Note that not all Family Suites have river views - check when booking. If travelling with a tot under 3, baby cots are available and free of charge.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms
Baby equipment:
- High chairs
- Baby bedding
- Baby monitors
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Creche/Kid's Club:
VIK (Very Important Kids) club for kids aged from 4 to teenage; a programme of outdoor activities arranged by the concierge in collaboration with local outfits.
Kids Activities nearby:
- Treasure hunt at the Boboli Garden
- The museums all have kids trails/special activities
- Lifestyle team can arrange exclusive tours with an emphasis on edutainment with local partners
Distances:
- Airport: 25 minutes
- Hospital: 12 minutes
- Shops: 2 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Portrait Firenze is in a prime spot, right in the heart of Florence’s historic centre, overlooking the River Arno and the Ponte Vecchio.
By Air:
Florence Peretola Airport is closest (20 mins). Pisa Airport has more flight options (70 mins). Taxis are available at both airports, as are buses and train services into Florence.
By Train
Regular trains from Rome, Milan and other Italian cities serve nearby Santa Marina Novella station (1.2km from the hotel)
By Car
Florence is easily explored on foot, but if you need a car before/after your stay, see our recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola 8.0 km FLR
- Aeroporto di Pisa 82.0 km PSA
Other:
- Beach 89.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km