I’ve got another gorgeous place for you to stay in Florence…but first, a bit of background.
A little while ago I was asked by Margie of Margie in Italy ( If you love Italy you should read her blog) if I would like to write some posts for Italian Talks, Baglioni Hotel’s blog. I love to talk about Italy, so I told her I would be happy to contribute to their blog.
As a result, I was invited to visit one of the beautiful Baglioni Hotels…Relais Santa Croce, one of the most stylish and elegant hotels in the historic centre of Florence. We were met by the very charming Daniele Carta, who handed us over to his young assistant to take us on a tour of the former Ciofi Jacometti Palace, an 18th century property which has been lovingly restored.
It is as though the family home has been brought back to life. Original frescoes decorate the walls and period furniture sits side by side with contemporary designs…all adding to the charm.
The reception areas are particularly lovely.
In the salon behind reception sliding panels hide the space for musicians, or more recently, the DJ.
A huge chandelier used to hang in this room and was so big it had its own device to raise and lower it for cleaning. We were taken upstairs to take a look at this amazing contraption that was actually designed by Leonardo da Vinci, although he didn’t ever put his design into practice…it was left to others.
It is all original, including the wheel which the servants would turn to raise and lower the chandelier. I wish it was still around too.
As you would expect the rooms are beautifully decorated and every comfort has been considered.
There are 2 magnificent suites which I can’t show you, one was occupied and the other was being used for a photo shoot, but it was special enough for Brad and Angelina and some of the children to stay in a while ago. I would have liked to have jumped into the jacuzzi that was filled and looking very inviting indeed.
Some of the rooms have views of the Duomo, and others the Santa Croce church.
After and interesting chat with Daniele Carta, who told us with pride about the hotel and its history, we enjoyed a delicious Tuscan style dinner in the elegant Guelfi e Ghibellini.
Possibly even more important than the gorgeous setting is the friendly staff. Nothing is rushed and the atmosphere is very welcoming.
After a delightful evening we walked to the nearby Santa Croce, looking magnificent on a spring evening.
Grouchy old Dante looks as though he needs a stay at the Relais Santa Croce to cheer him up a bit.
A stay at the Relais Santa Croce would make anyone happy.
The hotel is in Via Ghibellina, 87. (There is another 87 in Via Ghibellina, it is a pharmacy, keep going down the street a little further to the other 87)