Renaissance Elegance, Modern Luxury
Views & Location
Nestled in the historical and cultural heart of Florence, Antica Torre is just steps away from the city’s most cherished landmarks, including the Duomo, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio. Positioned at the very start of Via Tornabuoni-one of Italy’s most celebrated fashion streets with luxury brands including Ferragamo, Armani, Gucci, and Dior—guests will enjoy unparalleled views and an ideal location in the center of Florence.
Expectations Exceeded
Antica Torre perfectly marries Renaissance splendor with modern luxury, offering a warm and attentive staff that makes you feel just as at home as the former Renaissance nobility who once resided here. The spacious rooms and suites masterfully blend original architecture and classic art with contemporary style. Unique experiences abound, from exclusive tours with private after-hours access to golf outings, hands-on medieval painting and mixology classes held right at the hotel. My stay was a delightful blend of old-world elegance, breathtaking views, stellar service, and delectable meals, all contributing to an unforgettable experience in this enchanting Renaissance city.
Rooms & Suites
Each of the spacious rooms—whether classic, deluxe, or grand deluxe—embodies the Renaissance ideals of harmony and beauty. The rooms evoke classic Tuscan colors and décor, seamlessly combining Old World opulence with chic contemporary style. Florentine artisans have meticulously crafted the furnishings, including the elegant lamps. Among the seven spectacular suites, the frescoed Romantic Jr. Suite offers stunning views of the Arno River and charming Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Sant Trinita bridges. The Library Jr. Suite features wall-to-wall bookshelves filled with period literature and art, while the aptly named Panoramic Suite boasts an enchanting terrace overlooking the Ponte Vecchio. The standout Presidential Granduca Suite includes a large private terrace, three bedrooms, and four marble bathrooms, two of which feature a spa area with a steam bath and jacuzzi.
Breakfast & more
Breathtaking panoramas accompany every bite and sip at Antica Torre Tornabuoni. The breakfast terrace overlooks the shimmering Arno River, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Pitti starting your day not with just truly stunning views, but with an array of indescribably delicious foods made from organic, locally sourced produce. Homemade jams, pastries, savory pies, Tuscan cheeses and salumi, the freshest fruits, juices, and bespoke teas from a renowned Florence company are just some of the offerings, not to mention the huge wedge of honey in its comb.
Lunch features gourmet salads and sandwiches, again with all locally sourced ingredients. On select nights, the hotel’s restaurant serves the fabulous Tuscan fare, including local specialties like fish from the Gulf of Follonica and hand-picked Tuscan saffron.
Drinks
The Rooftop Bar provides spectacular views of Brunelleschi’s Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Ending the day with sunset views while enjoying a choice of Italian beers, fresh juices, wines (from a truly excellent wine list) or one of Antica Torre’s signature cocktails or mocktails, is pure bliss.
Service
From the moment you step into Antica Torre Tornabuoni, you are greeted with a rare level of hospitality. The staff, from reception to waitstaff, are friendly, warm, and dedicated to ensuring your stay in Florence is just the first of many. Personalized service is a hallmark here, with the charismatic and knowledgeable General Manager, Maria Rita Bellini, playing a significant role in making the hotel a consistent top choice in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Of Special Note
Don’t miss the hotel’s “In Torre Experiences,” such as “Secrets of Medieval Painting,” a hands-on 1½-hour class where you can discover how Giotto used lacquers and rich colors made from semi-precious stones like lapis. Guests create an egg tempera painting miniature of Florence’s Dome on a 24k gold leaf mount as a keepsake. Another treat is the hotel’s Cocktail Making Class, taught by their charming mixologist, where you’ll receive a recipe booklet and cocktail tools. Antica Torre’s “Signature Tours” include golf outings, tea-making classes, and private museum visits, with the walking tour “History of the Legendary Via Tornabuoni” being particularly wonderful.
For more information on the unique experiences offered at Antica Torre Tornabuoni, visit: In Torre Experiences and Signature Experiences.
A Little History
Set in a spectacular 13th-century medieval tower, Antica Torre Tornabuoni was once the private residence of the prestigious Gianfigliazzi family, prominent bankers and statesmen mentioned by Dante in The Divine Comedy. Nicknamed the “Casino of the Nobles,” the mansion was a gathering place for the elite until it was sold in 1770. Today, it is part of the Italian Historic Homes Association, which safeguards and protects culturally important sites.
Amenities
– Free WiFi
– Pet-friendly
– Family-friendly
– In-room mini bar
– 25 rooms, including 7 suites
Contact
Antica Torre Tornabuoni
Via Tornabuoni 1, Florence, Italy
Tel. +39 055.2658161
Website: Antica Torre
Written and contributed by Francine Segan
For more info on Francine’s books, talks and cooking classes visit her website at: www.FrancineSegan.com