Gallery Hotel Art
Vicolo dell'Oro 5, Florence, Italy, 50123
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#11 of 25
expert-rated hotels in Florence- Recommended for:
- Couples, Culture vultures, Honeymooners, People watching, Shopping, Trendiness
Expert review of Gallery Hotel Art
Florence's first design hotel is still chic and sleek.
When it opened in 1999, the Ferragamo-owned Gallery caused quite a stir as being the city’s first hip hotel, and while it is no longer the only trendy kid on the block, it’s clean, classy east-meets-west design still holds it own among competitors. More than 10 years on, the style feels classic-modern rather than cutting-edge contemporary, its minimalism considerably less spartan than today’s version. The overall palette of warm beige, cream, deep brown and black is broken by splashes of colour from ethnic objéts and the art on the walls.
Location:
It has a great location in a tiny piazzetta just off the north end of the Ponte Vecchio. In an area teeming with tourists, the little square is remarkably peaceful.
Bedrooms:
The 74 rooms and suites are quite masculine in feel, but no less comfortable for it. The beige/white/brown/black theme continues here and black and white framed photographs of Florence hang on the walls. The standard rooms are small but lack for nothing; these are on the lower floors and don’t have views. If you want more light, go for an upper floor suite; the three penthouses at the top have private terraces and extraordinary views.
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Public areas:
The Gallery’s library is one of my favourite hotel spaces in Florence. Its warm lighting, squashy sofas, ranks of cushions, cashmere throws, deep carpet and shelves of arty books cry out for you to curl up for a read. The restaurant/bar (open to the public, and very popular) is also an inviting room. Gallery guests are invited to use the spectacular roof terrace bar of its neighbouring sister hotel, the Hotel Continentale. The public areas are also used for contemporary art and photography shows.
Eating and drinking:
As the name suggests, the Fusion bar and restaurant serves up dishes based on the fusion of Italian, Mediterranean and oriental cuisines; some work, others are less convincing. It’s a popular spot for cocktails with the local in-crowd, especially in the summer when the big deck comes into its own. Breakfast, with a whole array of fresh pastries, fruit, cheeses and meats, is served in the library area.
Service:
Black-clad reception staff are helpful without being super-friendly. Internet connection is free.
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Who stays there:
Film people and the fashion crowd, especially during the bi-annual Pitti Uomo menswear trade fair. Style-conscious tourists.
Pros:
Central location
Cool desiign
Cons:
No leisure facilities
More information on Gallery Hotel Art:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Vicolo dell'Oro 5, Florence, Italy, 50123
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Room Service, High-Speed Internet, Fitness Centre, Swimming Pool, Pets Allowed
- Neighbourhood:
- Ponte Vecchio
