As part of a romantic weekend, I stayed at the Westin Excelsior Florence. The hotel, located in the heart of the Tuscan city, is one of the historic buildings of Florence on the banks of the Po.

Although I was not enchanted by the city, my experience in this hotel was memorable.

Booking

I booked this hotel on the SPG loyalty program website as usual. I ended up with the final reservation after much procrastination: I hesitated for a long time between this hotel (which I already knew) and the neighboring but overpriced St. Regis Hotel, between points and a classic reservation before coming to a classic reservation with a corporate code, and then at a timely promotion.

But beware: here, it is not for everyone. Expect to pay around €400 per night for a standard room.

I check my reservation status periodically to inquire about a possible upgrade, but nothing until the day of arrival. It was during an exchange of emails with my Ambassador concerning a reservation that I approach the subject, on which she brushes aside as usual. Wait and see !

Arrival

I arrive at the hotel shortly before 9pm. Our luggage is taken care of immediately (unlike at the Westin Rome where the doormen looked at us while twiddling their thumbs…) and I head to the check-in.

The receptionist welcomes us very warmly and proceeds with the check-in formalities. She indicates me an upgrade in a Deluxe suite (that I already know), thanks me for my loyalty and asks me which benefit I would like to enjoy: I choose the breakfast, definitely the best option in a high standing hotel like this one.

She then accompanies us into the suite, located on the second floor of the hotel, and shows us the different spaces and features while unlocking the windows.

The doorman then brings us our luggage.

Room

The Deluxe Suite was located on the second floor of the property and offers a breathtaking view of the Arno River and the city’s iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge.

The entrance is quite spacious and plays the role of a link between the living room aera and the night area.

The living room is a large lounge of about 70m2, which is the corner of the hotel and offers a breathtaking view. Sofas, armchairs and a desk are available for resting and working.

A welcome service has been set up, consisting of an all-Italian chianti and some rather appetizing fruit, and candy and magazines are available on the desk.

The sleeping area is also very large and could be a suite in itself. The super-king-size bed is very comfortable, although it may be too big for a couple…

The bathroom is spacious and well equipped with shower and baths and Acqua di Parma amenities that I particularly like, I made a razzia of it…

The only downside to this room? The heating already turned off for the summer when the outside temperatures would still justify it a little.

To finish, a visit of the suite in video:

Restaurants

The hotel has two large dining areas, one on the first floor and one on the roof of the hotel.

The first floor dining area has a bar that also serves light food and is open from 8am to midnight. Breakfast is also served in an adjoining room.

The breakfast is open from 7am to 12pm, thanks to the fact that the room is dedicated to this purpose. The service is very good, and the offer is quite large. I will just deplore the use of already beaten eggs for the preparations made in front of the customers… Come on, it’s not that hard to break 3 eggs, is it?

The rooftop dining area is open from lunch to dinner. On the left, a bar area, where excellent cocktails are served but also hot and cold drinks, and a breathtaking view. The place is very popular in the evening for the aperitivo, and the tables are not reserved… Expect to queue…

On the right, the gastronomic restaurant, crowned with a Michelin star. The place is obviously very popular and I had a hard time finding a table for 2, but the hotel concierge made miracles!

One word to say: succulent, from beginning to end. I highly recommend it (note that the SPG discount is not valid on weekends).

Hotel facilities

The hotel has a fitness room located on the second floor of the property. Je ne l’ai pas testé. It should also be noted that the hotel does not have a spa, and uses the one at the neighboring St. Regis.

Departure

As the late check-out was confirmed upon our arrival, the departure formalities were very quick and easy. No surprises on the bill.

Bottom line

A perfect place to stay in Florence for lovers, without defect. That said, it’s the charm of the old and you have to appreciate it. If you are looking for something more design-oriented, skip it. Note also that, as elsewhere in Tuscany, the American clientele is over-represented but knows how to remain discreet in the hotel.