Florence and Rome: 5 hotel gems from the Lungarno Collection

Italy is one of the world’s most romantic destinations, and home to some of the world’s best luxury hotels. Among them is the Lungarno Collection which belongs to the family of high-fashion Italian shoemaker, Salvatore Ferragamo. The collection’s unique series of palazzo hotels can be found at strategic locations in Rome and Florence so, next time you’re heading to either of those cities, look out for these five hotel gems. Continentale, Florence Perfectly situated overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, Continentale is a high-fashion hotel that is perfect for a romantic break. Rather than being a classic Florentine pensione, it’s instead a chic, high-fashion hotel that has been inspired by the 1950s and 1960s. There’s an intimate spa and a rooftop lounge bar (‘La Terrazza’) that serves breakfast when the weather permits; alternatively, breakfast is available from the Gallery Hotel Art just opposite. Gallery Hotel Art, Florence Re-opening this month, Gallery Hotel Art is another Lungarno Collection hotel that lies in one of the most desirable areas of Florence, yet is surprisingly quiet despite its location. Next to the Ponte Vecchio and with Santa Maria Novella central railway station just half a mile away, this hotel has modern and bright rooms, combined with stylish Italian minimalism, that make this one of the most hip places to stay in the city. The hotel even has its own popular Fusion Bar & Restaurant Hotel Lungarno, Florence This beautifully renovated mansion is a contemporary classic and another property that overlooks the Ponte Vecchio in the Oltrarno region of the city. It’s a sophisticated, upscale boutique hotel in a medieval tower that houses an extensive collection of 20th Century art with works from the likes of Picasso. Ask for a room with a river view, relax with a drink at the terrace bar, and enjoy a gourmet dinner at Restaurant Borgo San Jacopo. Portrait Firenze Once again next to the Ponte Vecchio, which spans the narrowest point of the Arno River, this is another hotel celebrating the style of the 1950s. It’s the latest addition to the Ferragamo empire, with beautiful suites that give the feel of a home more than a hotel. The hotel’s own Caffe dell’Oro serves Italian food, or you can dine at the restaurants at Hotel Lungarno or Gallery Hotel Art. The famous Uffizi art gallery is just two minutes walk along the river, whilst the Piazza della Signoria is even closer. Portrait Roma The collection’s only hotel outside of Florence, Portrait Roma is a stylish boutique hotel at the foot of the capital’s famous Spanish Steps in the heart of Italy’s Via Condotti. Situated just above the flagship Ferragamo store, and close to Trinità dei Monti, it consists of just 14 suites and studios. This unique hotel is adorned with shoe-related artwork and photographs from Ferragamo’s star-studded past, yet retains a luxury and elegance, and immaculate design with immense attention to detail. One special highlight is the roof terrace with sensational views of Piazza di Spagna and Villa Medici. Without doubt, it is one of the places to stay when visiting Rome. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Lungarno Collection.