Bown's Best
Independent reviews of the world's best restaurants, hotels and travel by the acclaimed critic Francis Bown and his team.
Independent reviews of the world's best restaurants, hotels and travel by the acclaimed critic Francis Bown and his team.
The Savoy Hotel in Florence occupies the perfect position: mid-way between the Duomo and the piazza Vecchia, on the corner of the piazza della Repubblica. I had the pleasure of meeting Sir Rocco Forte on this visit, and I know that his hotels always have magnificent locations. And there can be none better than this. In a handsome late 19th Century building in the Classical style and surrounded by shops for the Beautiful People, the Savoy is itself a temple of contemporary elegance - full of works of contemporary art, including paintings by Luca Pignatelli. But, as is the way with Sir Rocco’s establishments, its modernity is of the comfortable and welcoming kind and there is a sense throughout that all is of the highest quality. It also boasts a very good chef.
The Bernini Palace is the sort of traditional hotel for which we should offer praise to the Almighty. Thanks to the long-serving General Manager, David Foschi, its standards of service and civility bring smiles to the faces of its fortunate guests. Mr Foschi (pictured with your correspondent) joined the hotel in a junior capacity and worked his way to the top. He clearly loves every part of his establishment and is proud of its every nook and cranny. It is his constant attention to detail which raises this hostelry above the ordinary. It also occupies one the best locations in Florence.
The Place Firenze in Florence is not just the city’s most stylish and luxurious boutique hotel. It is also an establishment with a moral dimension. Its owners, the Babini family, and its charming General Manager, Claudio Meli (pictured with your correspondent), have created The Place of Wonders Foundation which provides scholarships and support for aspiring craftsmen keen to maintain Italy’s ancient skills. The results of those skills are evident throughout the reception rooms and 20 bedrooms of this “home from home”. The décor, furnishings, art work, cutlery and crockery are all of the highest quality. The interior designer, Florence-based Luigi Fragola, is to be congratulated in creating an environment which is supremely elegant and yet relaxed and welcoming.
