Hotel Savoy, A Rocco Forte Hotel

Rocco Forte Hotels has always been a family affair—with Sir Rocco, the visionary chairman; his sister Olga Polizzi, the creative force; and three grown children overseeing the culinary and wellness programs. The portfolio also includes hotels in the U.K., Russia, Belgium and Germany—but there’s always been something special about the ones in Italy, perhaps because the brand is not just deeply stylish but also has a witty charm that feels very *italiano*. At Florence’s Hotel Savoy, overlooking Piazza della Repubblica, Polizzi partnered with fashion house Pucci to up the city's fashion/design ante, creating a chic new lobby and an eye-popping fuchsia-turquoise color scheme and signature print (after an extensive renovation in 2018).

• The central location, overlooking Piazza della Repubblica, steps away from the Uffizi and Duomo
• The vibrant, Pucci-designed lobby
• Private steam rooms in two of the specialty suites
• The teddy bear turndown service for kids with child-sized bathrobes and slippers

After a six-month closure, Florence’s most storied hotel reopened in 2018 looking chicer than ever. Sitting right on Piazza della Repubblica, in walking distance to all of Florence’s most iconic attractions, the Savoy has always been considered the city’s grande dame standout, but its new interiors showcase a youthful soul. In the generously spaced rooms (the refurbishment downsized from 100-plus rooms to 80, including 30 suites), interior designer Olga Polizzi boldly combines a Florentine-inspired color palette and patterned wallpapers with such whimsical furnishings as mirrored side tables and televisions in white-painted wooden frames.

The aesthetic is light and contemporary, amenities include Illi coffee makers and organic bath products, and the latest technology has been unobtrusively incorporated. The terrace of Irene restaurant, on the ground floor of the historic building remains the perfect spot for people watching, while the fashionable small lobby, designed in collaboration with Pucci, was conceived for escaping the crowds. The hotel was designed in true city fashion, with little room for common or lounge space and no spa. Fear not: if you fall in love with the Laudomia Pucci–designed printed silks that adorn the lobby, scarves with the fuschia and turquoise motif can be purchased, certo.

Families, thanks to the convenient location and such adorable welcome amenities as child-sized slippers, bathrobes and teddy bear turndown service (while the décor is still decidedly adult); also travelers who like to be right in the heart of Florence’s historic center, in walking distance to all major sights.