The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a luxury class hotel in Florence located at a 20-minute drive from the Amerigo Vespucci Airport. The Uffizi and Duomo are just a stroll away. The hotel is made up of two Renaissance palaces, the 15th century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the "Conventino", a 16th century Palazzo. The Giardino della Gherardesca, one of the largest gardens in Florence is set amidst these two palaces. Click here to see 50 pictures of the Four Seasons Hotel Florence.

An ornate Tuscan residence, the Four Seasons Florence is decorated with original bas reliefs, oil paintings and antiques. At this elegantly sumptuous hotel, guests are able to view carefully restored original artworks, frescoes, bas-reliefs, stuccoes and silk wallpapers ranging from 15th to 19th century. The Four Seasons Florence conducts banquets and galas in the restored former church of the Conventino which features an impressive lacunar ceiling.

The Four Seasons Florence offers 116 bright and airy rooms and suites decorated with original frescoes and hand-painted sculptured reliefs. No two rooms among these 116 rooms are alike. The most impressive of these rooms is the Della Gherardesca with a frescoed gallery and an original 18th-century Capodimonte ceramic floor.

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First Impression/Lobby: The Four Seasons Florence has an unassuming entrance that leads to an imposing and dazzling 15th century courtyard lobby decorated with frescoes, intricate bas reliefs and stuccoes. The courtyard bas-reliefs were commissioned by Alessandro de Medici in 1555. Executed by the Flemish Mannerist artist, Jan van der Straet, the bas-reliefs are made of 12 symmetrical sections and depict classical and mythological events. Porticoes and glass barrel-vaults on both sides of the courtyard have an ornamental coffered ceiling.

Located near the lobby is the library, the former Chapel of the Palazzo. This library is full of 17th century frescoes that depict The Nativity and Adoration by Stravato. Late Baroque artworks from Vincenzo Meucci and Giovanni Domenico Ferretti adorn the ballroom and suites situated on the first floor.

Reception: The check-in process was quick and professional and met the high standards Four Seasons has set for itself.

The Suite: At the time of making our reservation, only the Premier Room was available. The Premier Room is one of the smaller rooms offered at the Four Seasons Florence. We however decided to go ahead and book this room as we were not sure when we would be back in Florence and when we would get a chance to stay at this hotel.

Our room was elegantly furnished and decorated in an olive green color scheme. A corner of the room was furnished as a work area with a writing desk, a couple of chairs and a sofa. High-speed wired and wireless internet access, a clock radio with iPod docking station and two direct-dial, multi-line telephones with voice mail were provided in the room.

A flat-screen satellite television, CD and DVD player, a built-in safe and a private bar were the other notable features. The marble bathroom was fitted with a large vanity, European tub, bidet and private WC. Toiletries from Italian perfumer Lorenzo Villoresi and thick terry robes added a thoughtful touch to the bathroom. Our room essentially had a classic and comfortable décor with an unobstructed garden view.

Room Service: With an array of restaurants in Florence to choose from, we did not use the room service at the Four Seasons Florence except for breakfast. The menu was varied and offered a good selection of international cuisine. However, to our surprise, the breakfast we ordered was delivered late. However, the presentation of our breakfast was quite flawless and we soon forgot the tardiness.

Housekeeping: The twice-daily housekeeping was impeccable and stellar. In fact, the service was quite in keeping with the standards of Four Seasons.

Concierge: While the concierge staff was extremely kind and helpful, the information provided by them was not always accurate. However, a couple of great recommendations they made for us were the Momoyama Sushi Restaurant (Click here to read our restaurant review of Momo Yama) and Nove Italian Restaurant (Click here to read our restaurant review of Nove).

Restaurants: Il Palagio is a fine dining restaurant located on the ground floor of the Palazzo della Gherardesca. This restaurant offers Italian cuisine and multi course tasting menus with wine and food pairings. Vaulted ceilings and enchanting views of the gardens make dining here a special experience. Large French windows open out to the terrace where al fresco dining is available during summer months.

The Winery located in the centre of Il Palagio restaurant displays more than 400 bottles of wine. Vintage Tuscan wines can be tasted by the glass here. The Winery menu offers traditional and contemporary local dishes.

La Magnolia situated on the ground floor of the Conventino offers an à la carte breakfast menu for the guests staying at this side of the hotel.

Al Fresco, another restaurant at Four Seasons Florence, offers a number of light dishes, salads and sandwiches. This restaurant is located in the Giardino della Gherardesca under an ancient tree, the perfect place for relaxed dining.

The glass-roofed Atrium Bar situated in the ground floor of the Palazzo della Gherardesca offers an elegant setting. Lined with heavy drapes, this bar offers cocktails, light meals and afternoon tea.

Pool/Spa/Activities: Set in 11 acres, the 15th century garden, Giardino della Gherardesca, is made up of ancient trees and lawns. A number of endangered botanical species, original statues, fountains, pools, an Ionic temple and a pavilion grace this bombastic garden.

The Spa and Fitness Center at Four Seasons Florence follows an elegant cream and black design and is luxuriously appointed. This Spa offers a range of treatments in its ten treatment rooms. The Spa only uses products from Officina Profumo and serves an all-day menu of healthy snacks and light fare. Guests are allowed to use the Spa’s relaxation lounges, outdoor pool and whirlpools. The Health Club offers state-of-the-art equipment and personalized sessions with expert guidance. Fitness and yoga classes are also available at the Health Club.

Check-Out: The check-out process was precise, timely and professional as one would expect from a Four Seasons hotel, but did nothing to ease our disappointment of leaving this astounding hotel, the Four Seasons Florence.

Overall Impression: The Four Seasons Florence had all the makings of a Fantastic Bombastic property. However, small things like long delay for luggage to be delivered, inaccurate info from the concierge and late delivery from room service keep it from making our highest rating. The Four Seasons Florence still gets a solid Bombastic rating from us.

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