{"id":36761,"date":"2015-01-08T16:12:47","date_gmt":"2015-01-08T06:12:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/blog\/?p=36761"},"modified":"2015-01-08T16:14:43","modified_gmt":"2015-01-08T06:14:43","slug":"where-to-stay-in-florence-westin-excelsior-florence-review-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/where-to-stay-in-florence-westin-excelsior-florence-review-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to stay in Florence: Westin Excelsior Florence review"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you think of Tuscany<\/a>, rolling lush hills, cute B&B\u2019s, fields of sunflowers and of course, glorious vineyards come to mind. You\u2019ll tick all of these boxes in towns like beautiful San Gimignano. But whatever you do, don\u2019t miss the city side of Tuscany with a stay in the capital, Florence<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"That<\/a>

With sunset views like this, what\u2019s not to love about Florence.<\/p><\/div>\n

The rich culture, great shopping, delicious food, friendly locals and amazing sunsets make it one of my fave spots in Italy. Should you find yourself visiting this gorgeous city, I highly recommend you stay at the Westin Excelsior, Florence<\/a> and here are six reasons why:<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

Wow factor<\/p><\/div>\n

1. The place has history<\/h3>\n

If elegance and old-world charm is your thing, you\u2019ll be in heaven at the Westin Excelsior. From the grand foyer complete with chandeliers and stunning flower displays, to the high ceilings with lavish art works, it really has the finer-things-in-life touch.<\/p>\n

\"Pretty!\"<\/a>

Yep, this place has classy written all over it.<\/p><\/div>\n

Originally a 13th century mansion, the hotel combines eight centuries of Florentine history with contemporary accommodation so you\u2019ve got the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n

2. The celeb factor<\/h2>\n

Even if you\u2019re not a Kanye West and Kim Kardashian fan, if the Westin was good enough for Kimye\u2019s celeb pals during the wedding festivities this year, it\u2019s good enough for me.<\/p>\n

3. The rooftop you need to visit in Florence<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s always a must-visit hotel rooftop in any city and when you\u2019re staying at the Westin Excelsior, you don\u2019t need to travel far to experience Florence\u2019s!<\/p>\n

SE\u2022STO on Arno Restaurant and Bar is definitely worth a visit or two.<\/p>\n

On our first night we venture up for cocktails and take advantage of the complimentary food spread on offer (the budget conscious could make a meal out of the generous spread).<\/p>\n

\"Westin<\/a>

Snacks\/dinner \ud83d\ude09<\/p><\/div>\n

What really impresses though is when we return to the restaurant for dinner: how\u2019s this for a last night in Florence view?<\/p>\n

\"Amazing<\/a>

Cheers to that!<\/p><\/div>\n

The 360 degree views over Florence are spectacular and I\u2019m pleased to say the food, wine and service match the setting.<\/p>\n

\"Gourmet<\/a>

Gourmet delights<\/p><\/div>\n

4. Location, location, location<\/h3>\n

Florence is a walking city – you have to work off all that gelato somehow! \u2013 and the Westin\u2019s central location makes this easy. With the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio Bridge, the church of Santa Croce and the Uffizi Gallery all within one kilometre of the hotel, you feel right at the centre of Florentine culture. Not to mention all the boutiques you need to visit between cultural stops \ud83d\ude09 Even the train station is just a short taxi ride away.<\/p>\n\"Location!\"<\/a>\n

5. A room with a view<\/h3>\n

Our deluxe suite impresses with its high ceilings, charming furnishings and the comfiest bed of our trip, plus a huge bathroom complete with him and her sinks, separate shower and bath and marble finishes.<\/p>\n\"Room<\/a>\n

It\u2019s our private balcony with views of the Arno River though that really gives the wow factor.<\/p>\n

\"Luxe<\/a>

Luxe room with water view = winning<\/p><\/div>\n

6. The best buffet breakfast ever<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s a big call but the Westin Excelsior is home to the best hotel buffet breakfast I\u2019ve ever had. From granola with the creamy yoghurt and the freshest of strawberries to made-to-order omelettes and too-good-to-refuse pastries, it\u2019s the perfect way to kick off a day of sightseeing. The grand dining area and five-star service adds to the appeal.<\/p>\n

\"Breakfast<\/a>

Breakfast of champions<\/p><\/div>\n

In fact it\u2019s so good I need another fix. We actually skip breakfast on our last day in San Gimignano so we can return to the Westin for one last brekkie when we return our hire car to Florence a few days later! Now that is buffet commitment \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

Are you a Florence fan? And what\u2019s the best buffet breakfast you\u2019ve ever had?<\/h2>\n

Nicole stayed as a guest of the Westin Excelsior Florence.<\/em><\/p>\n