As a fashion director, it goes without saying that fashion is about comfort. So when I go traveling, I travel with two huge suitcases and high expectations. So it’s no surprise that on my long list of “travel traumas” is the excursion with the companion who lives by the motto: a hotel is “just a place where you can rest your head”. This strange creature travels with light luggage and only one pair of shoes… Geox. (I pray for this person’s enlightenment every day). When you travel with this minimalist, your dream #goat #roomwithaview #nofilter vacation turns into a maximally torturous experience where you have to run for trains, lug two 26 kg suitcases up and down a thousand flights of stairs, navigate cobblestones or narrow sidewalks, deal with rude cab drivers and sweat way too much. And after all this exertion, you check into hotels with – let’s just say – “character”. The elevators are so tiny that you have to send one suitcase after another to your room. And when you can finally “just rest your head”, you have to listen to the couple in the next room first break up and then make up painfully loudly and passionately.

No thanks! I just want to “rest my head” in a spacious room with air conditioning, luxurious toiletries, slippers, full-length mirrors and someone to “just take care of my luggage”. On my last trip to Florence, I therefore chose the St. Regis Hotel – Florence. Allow me to paint you a picture of why I highly recommend a stay at the St. Regis. Plus: The trends for summer 2024: What to wear in Florence.

The St. Regis Hotel – Florence

Located in the heart of Florence, The St. Regis Hotel is the epitome of luxury and sophistication and was recently named Best Hotel in Florence by the Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards 2023. This historic jewel was designed in 1432 by Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, and was the first luxury hotel in Florence. It is considered one of the most important palaces in the city due to its artistic and historical value. The magnificent hotel impresses with its timeless charm. Having visited Florence many times since I was a student of Italian (don’t be too impressed – my Italian is so bad that even the local Italian dogs turn their heads back and forth to understand me), I’m very familiar with the charms of this iconic city. I love many places in Italy, but none compare to Florence. The city itself is like an art museum where you can discover a different masterpiece on every corner. The St. Regis Hotel – Florence captures the artistic essence of this city. It promises an unforgettable blend of history, hospitality and gastronomy, making it the first choice for discerning travelers who want to experience the essence of Florence.

The rooms & suites

Florence has long been known for its rich cultural heritage and the influential Medici family. Under her patronage, Florence flourished as the cradle of the Renaissance and produced famous artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Reflecting the artistic heritage of Florence, The St. Regis – Florence offers 80 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and 19 suites, all designed with hand-carved gold leaf plaques in themes inspired by the Medici, Florentine and Renaissance aesthetics. The hotel’s commitment to sophistication and opulence also extends to bespoke furniture, paintings, frescoes and crystal chandeliers, creating an atmosphere that pays homage to the city’s traditions. Each guest room and suite is named after important Italian artists, benefactors and noblemen to pay tribute to Florence’s cultural heritage.

The Gioconda Royal Suite

Gioconda translates as “cheerful” or “cheerful” and thus perfectly embodies the elegant atmosphere of this suite. It is speculated that “La Gioconda” was also the married name of Lisa Gherardini, a wealthy Florentine noblewoman, better known as Mona Lisa.

Bedroom

The centerpiece of the suite is a luxurious bed adorned with an artfully patterned, rich blue canopy. The bed is covered with crisp white St. Regis sheets made of pure cotton with a 250 thread count. (I loved this bed. I wanted to marry it.) The sumptuous furnishings and the large window with its breathtaking view of the bell towers of the Oltrarno emphasize the peaceful and luxurious atmosphere of the suite.

Bathroomsrooms

Two opulent marble bathrooms are equipped with luxurious Acqua di Parma toiletries, soft bathrobes and cozy slippers and offer a royal retreat.

Living room

The suite includes an elegantly furnished living room with a richly decorated ceiling in shades of red, blue and gold. A large crystal chandelier bathes the room in a warm light, while the walls are adorned with a series of arched niches in which framed works of art hang. Large blue curtains frame a tall window that offers a picturesque view of Florence’s landmarks, including the Arno River and the distant cityscape.

Nothing is too much

When you arrive at check-in, your luggage will be taken care of quickly and will be waiting for you in your room. Although I have experienced this service several times before, I am still impressed every time. Shortly after you have settled into your suite, your private butler will arrive and offer you personal services such as laundry, restaurant reservations and much more. The cleaning and tidying staff are very careful and pay attention to the smallest details. One of my favorite services is the wake-up tea, which is delivered to my room before breakfast and motivates me to get away from my new “crush”, the bed.

Close, but just far enough

Florence is lively day and night, always full of tourists and often crowded with students from Rome. The area you live in can have a big impact on your mood and be crucial to your experience. If you live too close to touristy places, you can hear students partying until the early hours of the morning and see the Italian nonna throwing a bucket of water out of the window at the noisy boy who is taking a “toilet break” under her window. The St. Regis is perfectly located just a few minutes from Santa Maria Novella train station. Important sights such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza del Duomo, the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Basilica di Santa Croce are close by, but just far enough away to avoid the associated noise.

The Bloody Mary of the St. Regis – Florence

If you visit a St. Regis hotel anywhere in the world, you must try the Bloody Mary. Legend has it that Fernand Petiot, a bartender at the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis – New York, developed the original recipe in the 1930s. Although the composition has evolved over time, each St. Regis hotel puts its own twist on the classic drink, often incorporating local ingredients or flavors without changing the core elements. Enjoying a Bloody Mary at the various St. Regis hotels is a unique and unforgettable experience that celebrates both tradition and innovation in cocktail culture.

Breakfast

Breakfast at the St. Regis – Florence is a delicious experience. It offers a variety of delicacies and excellent options for vegetarians.

The Best Things in Life are Free (so to speak)

From the large windows of the suite overlooking the Arno, I watched the sun set over the Ponte Vecchio in the distance with a glass of exquisite Prosecco(DOCG and not just DOC – only the best) in my hand. When I saw the sun kissing the old bridges and the Arno, a deep feeling of gratitude filled my heart for the gift of sight.

A hotel in Florence, whether it is a luxurious retreat or simply a place to sleep, should reflect the grandeur of this extraordinary city. After all, Florence is the birthplace of Galileo, Dante, Machiavelli and Leonardo da Vinci – the cradle of art, science and culture. At the St. Regis Florence, this essence is captured in every detail – from the exquisite décor to the impeccable service, which embodies the luxury that even Catherine de’ Medici would have been happy to “just rest her head here.” It is not just a place to stay. It is a gateway to experience Florence in all its splendor and majesty.

“Just put your head down” at the St. Regis Florence – book here.

Bonus: The trends for summer 2024: what to wear in Florence

Florence in summer glows with heat – hot, hot, hot! Mastering a stylish yet cool look in such oppressive conditions is not always easy. Finding the perfect balance where you look fantastic without your clothes seeming to melt off your body can be a real challenge. Light fabrics, flowing skirts and perhaps showing a little skin are just the thing for this.

The white mini skirt

The white mini skirt embodies the essence of summer chic and radiates effortless elegance under the golden embrace of the sun. Its clean lines and playful hem dance with the breeze and reflect the carefree spirit of warm, relaxed days.

Midi skirts

If mini skirts aren’t your thing, embrace the elegance of midi skirts. These versatile pieces offer an ideal length that transitions seamlessly from day to night and are perfect for any summer occasion. This season’s favorites include bubble hem skirts, known for their playful and voluminous silhouette. Their breezy design and playful shape add a dose of fun and femininity to your wardrobe, keeping you cool and stylish even in the summer heat.

Tank tops and tops with cut-outs

Stay cool by showing some skin. Choose innovative tank tops with cut-out details, loose cuts or lighter neutral colors to enjoy stylish comfort in the summer heat. Cut-out tops or tube tops effortlessly complement mini and midi skirts, shorts and long, flowing pants.

Chunky sandals & mesh flats

The city of Florence should be explored like a museum: Take a walk, stop and marvel – and then move on again. Opt for roomy, comfortable shoes that keep your feet cool. Chunky sandals are on trend with a variety of creative styles and colors. Mesh flats are the model of the season, offering comfort and the extra cool factor.