"What's your first impression of this hotel? Flashback to Medici Florence. The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is incredible: a stately 16th century villa slightly off the tourist trail in the Gherardesca gardens. Nice. Who's here? Those faithful to the brand, as well as wedding parties, couples, families with nannies. They're minted. Got it. How was check-in? Old school check-in was smooth and efficient. Tech was logical and seamless. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms. Rooms reside in two buildings: The Palazzo della Gherardesca, a converted 15th-century palace; and the Villa, a former 16th-century convent, now a 37-room hotel-within-a-hotel, with its own concierge. Decor is modernized class with period furnishings, rich brocades, and lovely ceramic floor tiles. Color scheme is light greens and yellows, and bathrooms are luminous and spacious, plenty of white marble. Some rooms features original palazzo elements including frescoes, bas-reliefs, skylights, fireplaces, and friezes. Sounds lovely. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth calling out? The Wi-Fi was great. All amenities were as expected but did not stand out; instead what stands out are on- and off-site offerings. Noted. Room service and food: Worth it? Amazing and abundant breakfast indoors, but also served in the garden in warm weather. It features made to order omelettes, fresh fruit, delicious croissants, everything you could want. Onsite restaurants include the lavish Il Palaglio, the Michelin-starred restaurant which showcases a fresh, local, and innovative seasonal menu. Al Fresco, the casual poolside restaurant, is very Gatsby in style. Only guests at La Villa can enjoy La Magnolia restaurant, which serves Florentine-focused cuisine. Anyone can, and should, enjoy the beautiful, straight out of the Art Nouveau-era Atrium bar. You can even picnic lunch in the garden. We'd never leave! Anything stand out about other services and features? The property is set on 11 acres in a lush garden. A two-level, free-standing building on-site houses the spa, which delivers top-quality treatments, as well as a state-of-the-art gym and yoga studio. On the grounds is a lovely outdoor pool. The Four Seasons children's program is robust and well-prepared. Bottom line: worth it, and why? If you can swing it, yes: this is unlike any other Four Seasons for its amazing and historic location. It's timeless and impeccable, a true oasis. Top quality service, incredible amenities, and restaurant." - Erica Firpo
