Located in the heart of Florence on Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy Rocco Forte enjoys probably the best location in the city The Column of Abundance, which marks the centre of the city, sits directly opposite. Most of the key attractions of the city are within walking distance of the hotel, including exceptional luxury shopping – with most of the major international luxury fashion brands boasting a store in Florence.
As a purposely built hotel which was inaugurated in 1893, it is impressive how all modern-day functionalities and functions were incorporated from the very beginning . It had central heating, an elevator and electric lights. It was built on the old market square, which was the first and most important location of the city, at the crossroads of the two major streets, Cardo and Decumanus, both coming from the main gate of Florence.
At the end of the 19th century, Florence became the capital of Italy. the Old Market, by then dirty and gone to ruin, was demolished. The new Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, today Piazza della Repubblica, immediately became the fashionable and middle-class city centre. Nowadays, one cannot avoid a sense of prestige and elegance when entering or exiting the hotel.
The hotel features 80 keys, of which 30 are suites – the highlights being the Duomo Presidential Suite, 4 Grand View Suites and 19 Junior and Junior Deluxe Suites. Many bedrooms have views of the Piazza or the nearby Duomo. In only six months during which the hotel was closed (hotel reopened in April) a comprehensive renovation touched every corner of the hotel.
Rocco Forte Hotels‘ Design Director, Olga Polizzi was joined by the luxury fashion house of Emilio Pucci (headquartered in Florence) which had a significant contribution in bringing the very essence of Italian design into the hotel. Laudomia Pucci, Image Director of the brand, has teamed up with Olga Polizzi to create a unique ambiance, with cues from nature, especially flowers which are part of the DNA of the brand.
The hotel entrance and lobby have been reinstated to their original grandeur, with a five-meter-high corniced ceiling and two new large reception desks which incorporate caryatid putti on the four corners, representing the four seasons and the ‘fleur de Lis’ ¬- the emblem of the city. The fluid and mostly white space is punctuated with Pucci colourful accents, as well as paintings by Luca Pignatelli.
Exclusively designed Il Bronzetto tables, chairs, mirrors and pieces from Chelini Firenze workshop, combined with C&C Milano materials, give Hotel Savoy a uniquely Italian flavour. In addition to the public spaces, room and suites are abundant in aesthetic elements not only pleasing for the eye but also very comfortable. The quality of finishes and the integrated of modern day technologies are flawless.
Essentials such as impeccable soundproofing, high speed wifi, most serene AC which adjusts instantly to the desired temperature, SmartTVs with all functions included (connectivity to your own devices), natural bathroom amenities, high water pressure in the shower – all seem to have been effortlessly implemented. Particular attention was also paid to sustainability, in terms of saving energy and unnecessary waste. Beds are exceptionally comfortable, with bed linen of the finest Italian quality satin cotton. There is also a comfortable space for those who may need to catch up on work.
A celebration of Italian cuisine and regional ingredients, the Florentine Irene Bistro brings to the heart of Florence the authentic dishes of celebrity Chef Fulvio Pierangelini. The dining venue is inspired by a 50’s retro-chic bistro-style, highlighted by vintage features and textures from the patterned upholstery to typical yellow paper table cloths. Impressive colourful, hanging light shades decorate the high-ceilinged space overlooking the Piazza, giving Irene a touch of contemporary flair.
The Irene’s dining room with his outdoor terrace on Piazza della Repubblica – redesigned in collaboration with the fashion brand Emilio Pucci – reflects the glamorous and inviting style of the Hotel Savoy, and it is the ideal place to refresh and enjoy the typical Florentine atmosphere. The experience is a journey through flavour and tradition with simple, light and healthy reinventions of Tuscan classics. Many of the details signed by Pucci are unique, instilling a superb WOW factor.
The Bar is the beating heart of Irene Bistro ideally designed to blend a sense of casual and relaxed, while still being sleek and elegant. It is a ideal spot to spend time enjoying delicious food in a dynamic and stimulating atmosphere and relaxing in Emilio Pucci-designed glamour on Irene’s exclusive outdoor terrace, looking out over the bustle of the Piazza della Repubblica, or settle into the intimate bar area to sip in sophisticated splendour. I have found the terrace to be an absolute unique feature, making one feel truly part of the energetic city.
Elegantly decorated and expertly equipped, the 24-hour accessible fitness centre of Hotel Savoy features a fleet of state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, including cardiovascular, weight and resistance machines/ The hotel has plans to transform an accommodation into a sophisticated Spa Suite which will offer an exceptional range of skincare and body treatments, most probably with the superb line of locally made Santa Maria Novella (established in Florence in 1221, initially as a pharmacy) already has an exquisite small boutique on the ground-floor of the hotel, steps from the main entrance.
One of the major achievements of the management is to have retained the team of the hotel throughout the pandemic and renovations. This has proven to be one of the major challenges which many luxury hotels are facing once they reopen following the pandemic. The team is at the core of the hotel, its DNA and the team at Hotel Savoy has remained motivated and enthusiastic despite some periods with small occupancy levels. Expect staff to be slightly more formal than in a luxury boutique but without any compromise in service personalisation. Each and every one of them would go out of their way to please each guests, even those not residing in the hotel.
The Place Firenze (boutique hotel) and Villa Cora (boutique hotel in a unique park location) are among the other finest luxury hotels of Florence, among the top 5 luxury hotels of the city – both properties with comprehensive reviews coming up soon.
Hotel Savoy Rocco Forte, Florence – lobby designed by Laudomia PUCCI
More from REVIEW
Althoff Hotels’ The Florentin in Frankfurt takes luxury to next level (REVIEW)
Althoff Hotels was founded in 1987 by Thomas H. Althoff and his wife, Elke Diefenbach-Althoff. The company, which is a …
Mandarin Oriental has opened in Vienna one of Europe’s finest new luxury hotels (REVIEW)
Housed within a former historical building in the heart of Vienna, Mandarin Oriental Vienna opened its doors early December 2025. …
Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis, one of the finest luxury hotels in Cairo (REVIEW)
Centrally located in the heart of Cairo, Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis is just 10 minutes from Cairo International Airport and …
