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Hotel Review
Helvetia & Bristol, Florence, Italy
A traditional hotel with a contemporary feel in Florence's city centre boasting a destination restaurant and spa. Once the haunt of Bertrand Russell and an address on the Grand Tour, it now attracts the discerning traveller who wants to be in the heart of the old town.
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Rooms available from £394.55 per night
OUR REVIEW
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
You can't get more central than this, right in the heart of the upmarket shopping district of the centro storico between Via Tornabuoni and Piazza della Repubblica. The major sights of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi gallery and Palazzo Vecchio are all within a ten-minute walk.
By plane: direct flights from London to Florence take over 2 hours. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from the airport. Parking nearby costs €60 per day. Book flights to Florence.
THE LOOK AND FEEL
The hotel has a rich history as it dates back to Victorian times and was a stop off on the Grand Tour. A renovation has left the interiors fresh and with contemporary flourishes, while being true to the architectural history. A new 'Bristol' wing occupies what was once the Banca di Roma next door.
THE FACILITIES
There is old-fashioned personal service here and both reception and concierge will help with tips about how to enjoy the city. In the 'Bristol' wing a subterranean spa occupies the site of the old Roman baths and is the largest in Florence. Along with the usual pool, steam and sauna, you can have a water-jet massage.
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Gym
- Spa
- Free Wi-Fi
BED AND BATH
Rooms vary depending on which wing of the hotel you are in. In the old part of the building, the rooms all differ in décor and may contain rich colours and antiques, while the 25 rooms in the new wing are in monochrome greys, blacks and whites with historic city-scene photographs on the walls.
Room types: Deluxe, Family, Junior Suite, Suite, Panoramic Suite, Presidential Suite
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, luxury bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, TV, free Wi-Fi
FOOD AND DRINK
The first city-centre outpost for the famous Cibrèo clan, the restaurant in the new wing serves up contemporary variations on the family's classic dishes, such as homemade croissant with whipped codfish - perfect for pairing with cocktails. The café serves traditional Cibrèo fare.
Cibrèo Ristorante & Cocktail Bar: Italian cuisine, open Tue-Sun for dinner and drinks.
Cibrèo Caffè: antipasti, snacks and salads. All-day dining, open daily.
Winter Garden: open daily for breakfast.