top suites

Florences Best suites

The Medicis made Florence a center of art, trade, beauty and glamour that has never ceased to attract visitors in search of its grand past. Now, thanks to a host of new hotels, suite renovations in old favorites and one private residence club, this city is undergoing a whole new renaissance.
By scoTT goeTZ

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For a look at Londons Top Suites, go to www.elitetraveler.com/london

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MASTER BEDROOM / ROYAL SUITE

LIVING AREA / ROYAL SUITE

THE GRAND HOTEL FLORENCE

Royal Suite Key selling points: In perfect Renaissance style, the Royal Suite offers guests the splendor of dcor inspired by the Medici court. The space is adorned with hand-decorated wooden columns, coffered ceilings, frescoes, silks and brocade window treatments. Standout services: A filet of prime rib was specially cooked by the hotel chef for the puppy of a patron. Style: 15th century Florentine Renaissance, 2006 Special amenities: Acqua di Parma toiletries, Bang & Olufsen music system, iPod speaker system Square footage: 645 Number of rooms in suite: Two (a third connecting room is optional) Number of bathrooms: Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel: 107 rooms, 16 suites Whos slept here? Luciano Pavarotti, Kevin Costner, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Campbell Nightly rate: $4,995 location: 1, Piazza Ognissanti Contact: General Manager Valentino Bertolini, Phone: 39-055-27-151; Fax: 39-055-21-0278; Email: valentino.bertolini@starwoodhotels.com; Website: www.luxurycollection.com/grandflorence

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top suites

SITTING ROOM VIEW / BELVEDERE SUITE

LIVING AREA / SUITE REPUBBLICA

MASTER BEDROOM / BELVEDERE SUITE

HOTEL SAVOY
Suite repuBBliCa Key selling points: Soaring 15-foot ceilings, sophisticated design and a balcony with a view over the Piazza della Repubblica make this the suite of choice for VIPs. Find yourself at the center of Florence with all the major sites a short walk away. Standout services: The head concierge once helped a pop star escape a waiting throng by disguising him as a porter. Style: Modern Italian, by Olga Polizzi, refurbished in May 2000 Special amenities: Bang & Olufsen entertainment electronics, mini-bar with full-size products, Ex Voto bathroom amenities Square footage: 648 Number of rooms in suite: Two Number of bathrooms: One Number of rooms and suites in hotel: 88 rooms, 14 suites Whos slept here? Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, Eric Clapton, Hugh Jackman, Stella McCartney Nightly rate: $4,069 location: 7, Piazza Della Repubblica Contact: General Manager Stefano Gegnacorsi, Phone: 39-055-27-35-1; Fax: 39-055-27-35-888; Email: sgegnacorsi@roccofortecollection.com; Website: www.hotelsavoy.it

WESTIN EXCELSIOR FLORENCE

Belvedere Suite Key selling points: The Belvedere Suite is located on the top floor, giving its large terrace spectacular views of the nearby Tuscan countryside, the citys terracotta rooftops and other landmarks of Florence. An in-room spa program makes sure a basket holding bottled water, flowers, customized relaxation music, dark chocolate and a selection of aromatherapy oils is waiting in your suite. Standout services: A personal shopper leads guests to Florences most exclusive boutiques. Style: 18th century Florentine, 2005 Special amenities: Comfort Zone spa products, Bang & Olufsen music system, iPod speakers Square footage: 430 Number of rooms in suite: One Number of bathrooms: One and one half-bath Number of rooms and suites in hotel: 171 rooms, 16 suites Whos slept here? Sophia Loren, Roberto Benigni, John Travolta and Kelly Preston, Rod Stewart Nightly rate: $4,557 location: 3, Piazza Ognissanti Contact: General Manager Valentino Bertolini, Phone: 39-055-27-151; Fax: 39-055-21-0278; Email: valentino.bertolini@starwoodhotels.com; Website: www.starwoodhotels.com

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BEDROOM VIEW / SUITE REPUBBLICA

LIVING AREA / SUITE REPUBBLICA

MASTER BEDROOM / SUITE REPUBBLICA

HOTEL SAVOY
Suite Repubblica Key selling points: Soaring 15-foot ceilings, sophisticated design and a balcony with a view over the Piazza della Repubblica make this the suite of choice for VIPs. Find yourself at the center of Florence with all the major sites a short walk away. Standout services: The head concierge once helped a pop star escape a waiting throng by disguising him as a porter. Style: Modern Italian, by Olga Polizzi, refurbished in May 2000 Special amenities: Bang & Olufsen entertainment electronics, mini-bar with full-size products, Ex Voto bathroom amenities Square footage: 648 Number of rooms in suite: Two Number of bathrooms: One Number of rooms and suites in hotel: 88 rooms, 14 suites Whos slept here? Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, Eric Clapton, Hugh Jackman, Stella McCartney Nightly rate: $4,069 location: 7, Piazza Della Repubblica contact: General Manager Stefano Gegnacorsi, Phone: 39-055-27-35-1; Fax: 39-055-27-35-888; Email: sgegnacorsi@roccofortecollection.com; Website: www.hotelsavoy.it

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top suites

MASTER BEDROOM / THE CHAPEL

MASTER BATH / ROYAL SUITE

MASTER BATH / THE CHAPEL

MASTER BEDROOM / ROYAL SUITE

VILLA SAN MICHELE

The Chapel Key selling points: Right out of A Room with a View, this suite, high in the hills of Fiesole just north of Florence, offers panoramic views of the city and the hotels enchanting

VILLA MANGIACANE
Royal SuiTe Key selling points: This grand Italian villa on the outskirts of Florence was originally designed for the Mangiacane family with a grand suite terrace that overlooks the Chianti hills and Florentine skyline with the Duomo taking center-stage. A silver Indian wedding bed (much larger than a king bed), fireplace, steam bath and Jacuzzi inspire guests to play duke for a day. Standout services: Personal tasting of Mangiacanes three wines and one-on-one cooking classes are musts. Style: Classic Italian Villa, 2006 Special amenities: Bath products by Officina de Tournabuoni, Mangiacane olive oil, personal hammam, complimentary wine Square footage: 2,152 Number of rooms in suite: Three Number of bathrooms: One and one half-bath Number of rooms and suites in hotel: 26 Whos slept here? Mario Batali, Sting, Rothschild family, Wolfgang Puck, executives from Bentley motors Nightly rate: $4,300 location: Via Faltignano, San Casciano Contact: General Manager Tanja Von Arnim, Phone: 39-055-829-0123; Fax: 39-055-829-0358; Email: tvonarnim@villamangicane.com; Website: www.mangiacane.it

loggia that was once a 15th century monastery. The suites

525-square-foot private garden is surrounded by an original Etruscan stone quarry. Standout services: The concierge worked with the best designers in Florence to procure a bridal gown for a visiting guest whose luggage was lost. Style: Classic Italian, by Federico Forquet, refurbished 2006 Special amenities: Flowers, fruit and spumanti, Bulgari amenities, bathrobes, slippers Square footage: 753 Number of rooms in suite: Two Number of bathrooms: One Number of rooms and suites in hotel: 21 rooms, 25 suites Whos slept here? Naomi Campbell, Sally Field, Steve Martin, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Calista Flockhart Nightly rate: $1,626 location: 4, Via Doccia, Fiesole Contact: General Manager Franco Girasoli, Phone: 39-055-567-8219; Fax: 39-055-567-8250; Email: fgirasoli@villasanmichele.net; Website: www.orient-express.com
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top suites

MASTER BEDROOM / MASTER SUITE

LIVING AREA / PICASSO SUITE

J.K. PLACE
Master suite Key selling points: This elegant, residential-style suite offers a view on the historic square of Santa Maria Novella in the heart of Florence and also provides a romantic four-poster bed, fireplace, crystal chandelier and walk-in closet. standout services: The concierge can open museum doors that are usually closed to the public. style: Contemporary with an artsy touch, by Michele Bnan, 2003 special amenities: LG plasma TV, Bang & Olufsen cordless phone, Louis XVI working fireplace square footage: 600 Number of rooms in suite: One Number of bathrooms: One Number of rooms and suites in hotel: 20 Whos slept here? Boy George, Kylie Minogue, Duran Duran Nightly rate: $1,500 Location: 7, Piazza Santa Maria Novella contact: General Manager Ori Kafri, Phone: 39-055-264-5181; Fax: 39-055-265-8387; Email: gmanager@jkplace.com; Website: www.jkplace.com

HOTEL LUNGARNO
Picasso suite Key selling points: Watch the men from the local rowing club glide through the Arno next to the Ponte Vecchio from this suites floor-to-ceiling windows. A private balcony and a king-sized walk-in shower add a sense of luxury at this sophisticated Italian address. standout services: Request a private in-room dinner on your balcony cooked by a private chef who once worked for the Ferragamo family. style: Contemporary classic, by Michele Bnan, 1997 special amenities: A Picasso painting, full-size body care products by Lungarno Details square footage: 753 Number of rooms in suite: Two Number of bathrooms: One Number of rooms and suites in hotel: 73 Whos slept here? Spike Lee, Alain Ducasse Nightly rate: $1,775 Location: 1, Borgo San Jacopo contact: General Manager Sandro Alfano, Phone: 39-055-2726-4000; Fax: 39-055-2726-4444; Email: bookings@lungarnohotels.com; Website: www.lungarnohotels.com

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top suites

MASTER BEDROOM / MASTER SUITE

LIVING AREA / PICASSO SUITE

J.K. PLACE
Master suite Key selling points: This elegant, residential-style suite offers a view on the historic square of Santa Maria Novella in the heart of Florence and also provides a romantic four-poster bed, fireplace, crystal chandelier and walk-in closet. standout services: The concierge can open museum doors that are usually closed to the public. style: Contemporary with an artsy touch, by Michele Bnan, 2003 special amenities: LG plasma TV, Bang & Olufsen cordless phone, Louis XVI working fireplace square footage: 600 Number of rooms in suite: One Number of bathrooms: One Number of rooms and suites in hotel: 20 Whos slept here? Boy George, Kylie Minogue, Duran Duran Nightly rate: $1,500 Location: 7, Piazza Santa Maria Novella contact: General Manager Ori Kafri, Phone: 39-055-264-5181; Fax: 39-055-265-8387; Email: gmanager@jkplace.com; Website: www.jkplace.com

HOTEL LUNGARNO
Picasso suite Key selling points: Watch the men from the local rowing club glide through the Arno next to the Ponte Vecchio from this suites floor-to-ceiling windows. A private balcony and a king-sized walk-in shower add a sense of luxury at this sophisticated Italian address. standout services: Request a private in-room dinner on your balcony cooked by a private chef who once worked for the Ferragamo family. style: Contemporary classic, by Michele Bnan, 1997 special amenities: A Picasso painting, full-size body care products by Lungarno Details square footage: 753 Number of rooms in suite: Two Number of bathrooms: One Number of rooms and suites in hotel: 73 Whos slept here? Spike Lee, Alain Ducasse Nightly rate: $1,775 Location: 1, Borgo San Jacopo contact: General Manager Sandro Alfano, Phone: 39-055-2726-4000; Fax: 39-055-2726-4444; Email: bookings@lungarnohotels.com; Website: www.lungarnohotels.com

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How the other half lives large

top suites

EXTERIOR / PALAZZO TORNABUONI

INTERIOR / PALAZZO TORNABUONI

Coming soon to florenCe:

PAlAZZo tornABUoni
The best of villa living 5, 6, or 7 bedrooms, private swimming pool and your very own butler, housekeeper and cook. All set on a beautiful 400-acre estate with all the amenities of a world-class resort, including golf, tennis, dolphin lagoon, horseback riding, Anancy Childrens Village and Fern Tree, The Spa at Half Moon, our new luxurious spa oasis.
This fall lovers of Florence will be able to reside in their own palace suite in the heart of the city by becoming one of the 288 members of Palazzo Tornabuoni, the first urban residence club in Italy. Each of the 36 luxuriously furnished residences, designed by Michele Bnan, offers unique architectural details including 30-foot ceilings, Boffi kitchens and historically inspired accoutrements. Home to the Medici Family in the 15th century, the palace offers members the unique opportunity to own a piece of Florentine history and culture: In one two-bedroom suite a plaque was discovered declaring it the site of the worlds first opera, another suite has priceless frescoes commissioned by Pope Leo de Medici, and many of the rooms have carved wooden ceilings and ornate fireplaces. If its not the clubs Maserati that picks members up at the airport or the stunning restoration of the 36 towers that make ownership of Palazzo Tornabuoni the hottest real estate ticket in town, its the exclusive access the club provides to Florences inner circle. As an owner you will have direct access to the finest private art collections, museums and art galleries in Florence and Tuscany, private wine-tasting tours to Tuscanys most exclusive wineries, visits to family estates for hunting wild boar and pheasant, or a trip to the famed Lorenzo Villoresi perfumery where Mr. Villoresi will consult and design a personal fragrance and bath line for you. Palazzo Tornabuoni will be managed by Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, which will allow members to experience the same level of service that guests at other Four Seasons properties have become accustomed to. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze will also be entering the city scene with a 117-room hotel ten minutes from the city center. Book the Della Gherardesca Suite for its restored frescoes occupying the noble floor of the Palazzo Della Gherardesca ($27,500 per night). Prices for membership at Palazzo Tornabuoni start at: studios for $210,000, one-bedrooms for $319,000 and two- to three-bedrooms for $528,000.

Contact: Sales Director Michael Brod, Phone: 39-055-266-041 or (866) 753-6667;

On-site call centre: 1-877-HALFMOON halfmoon.com

Email: info-us@palazzotornabuoni.com; Website: www.palazzotornabuoni.com

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