HOTEL LUNGARNO, FLORENCE, ITALY
The Ferragamo family might have gained fame through Salvatore’s shoes, but since 1995, it has also catered to well-heeled travelers: Its Lungarno Collection numbers seven luxury hotels in Italy and a fleet of yachts in Europe and the Caribbean. Florence’s Arno River inspired the redesign of flagship Hotel Lungarno, which reopened in June after a six-month renovation that led to fewer rooms but greater views of the water and the picturesque city.
Setting: Said to be the only hotel directly on the Arno, the Lugarno lies in the artisan-laden Oltrarno quarter, just across the river from the Uffizi Gallery — a five-minute walk via the Ponte Vecchio — and other popular attractions.
The appeal: “A Room With a View” redux. E.M. Forster’s Lucy Honeychurch would appreciate the enhanced outlook over the river from the redesigned lounge-like lobby, new alfresco breakfast area and many of the 64 guest rooms. The guest rooms, which now include 10 family rooms and suites, feature a crisp blue-and-white palette, antique furniture (but modern LCD TVs), elegant linens, marble bathrooms and original artwork — the hotel’s extensive collection of 20th century art includes pieces by Picasso, Cocteau and many Italian artists. For dinner, the revitalized, Michelin-starred Borgo San Jacopo restaurant offers equally artful Italian regional cuisine.
Insider’s tip: Take advantage of the hotel’s exclusive access to view Amerigo Vespucci’s papers and some 4,000 other rare documents dating back to the 14th century in the Florence Misericordia archive. It’s next to the Cathedral of Florence, better known as the Duomo. At Borgo San Jacopo, don’t miss executive chef Peter Brunel’s potato spaghetti.
Good to know: Doubles are still on the small side, at 228 square feet. Rates include buffet breakfast; book directly to receive perks such as free WiFi, entrance to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum and late checkout (when available).
Details: Borgo San Jacopo 14, Florence, Italy. (011) 39 055 27261, www.lungarnocollection.com/hotel-lungarno. Summer rates from $544 city view, $759 river view; fall rates from $511 and $612, respectively.