Florence is a wonderful art city, as the whole Tuscany has plenty of attractions which are worth a visit. The sweet hills of Chianti, the historical wine cellars ideal for excellent wine tasting, the green nature of Mugello…Not to mention the other Tuscan cities, such as Pisa, Lucca and Siena: true precious gems with own histories and traditions. As a gem is the 4-star hotel Orto de’ Medici where I spent five wonderful days.
I think going on holiday in Florence is an awesome experience, I was there several times. The points of interests are many and satisfy every kind of tourist: the majestic Uffizi Gallery, some of the most fascinating churches, Renaissance palaces and luxuriant gardens. Remember you are in the city of the Medici Family, one of the most powerful families in Renaissance age. And the Medici Family is tightly linked to the charming 4-star Hotel Orto de’ Medici where I stayed.
Design & Facilities
Hotel Orto de’ Medici in Florence is located in the city center, precisely in the historical street via San Gallo, close to the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Cathedral. It is hosted in a special Renaissance building hidding a unique place: the garden where the Medici family created their Art School. According to the legend, Lorenzo il Magnifico first met Michelangelo here, while he was just a kid and was starting sculpting marble. This set a great veil of fascination on the hotel for me.
Most of the rooms and suites of the 4-star hotel overlook the delightful inner garden, a quiet and special place to relax outdoors after a day of sightseeing Florence. It is a rare and precious ambience, hard to find in such a central location…I loved it!
During my stay, I had some relaxing time in the beautiful terrace with free wi-fi connection, where guests can sit and order drinks and aperitifs.
Recently the hotel has been completely renovated with new elegant details in the garden and the terrace. The open-air terrace where breakfast is served in summer, in 2019 season will appear wider and sophisticated.
A veranda and a brand new gazebo with a bar service will be the icing cake of the luxury hotel in the center of Florence. I think I will stay again at Hotel Orto de’ Medici in summer to enjoy the renewed atmosphere.
Accommodation
I booked a Superior Room with a View and I definitely recommend it: the view is stunning! From my room, I could admire an impressive Florentine skyline, ranging from the Cathedral’s Dome and the Medici Chapels up to the legendary hills surrounding the city.
The mood featured in the room is sophisticated and stylish. The color palette in textiles and materials goes from pearl white and silver to dark brown and cappuccino. The furniture is modern and essential, bright and airy. I really appreciated the photos on the walls: refined black and white photos taken by Laura Baldini, an Italian photographer that immortalized some Florence artworks usually not displayed to the public. In the bathroom, I pampered myself with the biological products for hands and body made with organic olive oil 100% made in Italy.
Dining
Hotel Orto de’ Medici has not a restaurant, so I tried just breakfast, complimentary and tasty. The buffet breakfast is international, with sweet and salty specialties. To drink, you can choose many orange juices, espresso, cappuccino and also wine! I have not had a Bloody Mary in the morning before, but it was quite interesting…
Breakfast is served on a nice open-air terrace during the summer and in a cute frescoed hall during the winter.
Level of Exigency
I was really satisfied of the service quality of Hotel Orto de’ Medici: the staff and the services are just the ones you look for in a 4-star hotel. The staff is professional and the atmosphere featured in the property is of harmony and warmth. I definitely loved staying there.
Conclusion
I truly recommend Hotel Orto de’ Medici for anyone looking for an exclusive accommodation in the heart of Florence. Via San Gallo, where the hotel is located, is one of the oldest and more characteristic streets in the city center. There are plenty of cafes, nice restaurants, and handcrafts shops. And at walking distance you can easily reach the Cathedral, Piazza della Signoria and the train station.
For more info:
Hotel Orto de’ Medici 4 star
via San Gallo 30, 50129 Florence
ph. 055 48 34 27 – fax. 055 99 09 054
e-mail: hotel@ortodeimedici.it