Hotel Helvetia & Bristol

I don’t normally use the word Elegant to describe hotels or their services but I am using it with this Florence property...The key to the elegance of the Helvetia & Bristol is the intelligent use proactive inquires about guest needs followed by well tuned transfer of the issue, preference or concern to their side of the customer service table. It goes like this: Let me make sure I understand your concern. Don’ worry about it. We’ll take care of it. Well send you a follow note about our progress This simple but powerful ritual, when delivered as advertised, creates deep bonding between the hotel staff and its guests. Travel is challenging for all of us. When we find a resource that closes ranks with us to mitigate or solve these predictable problems and dilemmas, they become part an essential travel partner. The Helvetia & Bristol has earned the right to be mine...

I don’t even know where to begin - this hotel sets the standard for the definition of hospitality. So many small details attended to that you would never even think to miss. Our room was large and beautifully appointed. The bathroom was beautiful and very clean. The staff was exceptional - even when addressing our concern that the air conditioning wasn’t working properly. Breakfast was great and the breakfast room beautiful. The location was absolutely perfect. A 10 minute walk to the train station or the Ponte Vecchio.

I was in Florence on business and spent one night at this exquisite hotel. I was told that it recently underwent a major refurbishment and the results are fabulous. The hotel met and exceeded a very high bar on all accounts- personalized service, quality of the rooms, dining and location. You can't get a better location- just off the Via Tornabuoni and steps away from the best shopping and dining in Florence. The room was large and comfortable and the attentive service from check-in to dining was really some of the best that I have experienced in all of my travels. It has a personal and intimate feel in the common areas- lobby and dining area. While I didn't have dinner at the hotel, the lunch (dining al fresco) and beautiful brunch were excellent. I especially loved the room where breakfast was served. I hope to return to this stunning hotel on my next business trip to Florence.

What a beautiful hotel. Great room, comfortable beds, excellent concierge and front desk staff, super breakfast buffet and above all else wonderful location. This is a very small and quiet hotel but the people who work here are full of life and kindness. We kept getting lost each time we looked for places to eat dinner and the concierge one night literally walked us around the corner and pointed us in the right direction. We felt a little silly but we made it there on time! Sometimes hotel bedroom photos are taken to make them look bigger or better than they are. This is NOT the case here. What you see is truly what you get and it was beautiful. I had one of the best sleeps I've had in ages in our room here. We will be back - I promise.

This is the third time that I have stayed at this hotel. It is a small boutique hotel. All the rooms that I have stayed in have a very different configuration. The decorations are wonderful and make you feel like you are somewhere special. The location is very good for walking to all the sights. This time we even walked from the train station. Just be aware the that the streets and sidewalks do not lend themselves to dragging a large roller bag behind you. The breakfast that is offered at the hotel is very nice and gets your day of to a good start. I am back in Florence in July and will be staying here again.