If you want a boutique hotel right in the heart of historical Florence then look no further than Baglioni Relais Santa Croce, a beautiful 18th Century residence, delighting in an extraordinarily privileged location in the historic centre of Florence.
There is something for everyone in Florence: from viewing some of the world’s greatest Renaissance paintings to wandering the streets, to shopping or eating in exceptional restaurants. When you stay at Hotel Relais Santa Croce, all this can be done on foot so you are truly immersed in Florentine life.
At Hotel Relais Santa Croce as if you are staying in a very grand private home with lavish bedrooms, including the largest suite in Florence - the 2-bedroomed Santa Croce Royal Suite, which, at 260 sq m, is as vast as it is fascinating, with original frescos, antiques and rare artworks. We stayed in a high-ceilinged Florentine Suite with huge windows and lovely views of the Basilica and surrounding streets. There are also Deluxe, Grand Deluxe and Junior Suites available.
We adored our brief stay, as you are literally within moments of everywhere you want to see in Florence, from the Basilica Santa Croce, whose name the hotel shares, to the Ponte Vecchio and the world-renown Gallerie Ufizzi, which was a revelation and a must if you've never visited. It's hard not to be in awe of Renaissance art and architecture and fascinated by the history of this city, where art and humanism flourished under the Medici's in the 15th and 16th centuries. Staying at Relais Santa Croce provides an authentic yet intimate glimpse of Florence as it might have been then.
Grand public rooms like the Sala della Musica with its huge chandelier, apparently designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, host cultural and musical events in grand style, while the building also hosts the famous Enoteca Pinchiorri, Florence's only 3-star Michelin restaurant. The hotel's own restaurant, Guelfi & Ghibellini, serves classic Tuscan cuisine interpreted in a modern style in one of the hotel's grand 18th century salons.
The staff, as they are at all Baglioni hotels, are warm and welcoming and the concierge will organise a range of personalised activities, from visits to a luxury silk producer who has supplied the finest silks since the 15th century, to a private boat trip on the Arno river, Tuscan cooking classes, concerts, wine tastings or a visit to the famous Villa Machiavelli.
When you are looking for somewhere to stay in Florence, Baglioni Relais Santa Croce really should be on your list, especially if you want to immerse yourself in Florentine culture.