Hotel Helvetia & Bristol

High quality, friendly service is the keynote of this hotel, where guests are treated with warmth and friendliness. It's true that when we were shown to our suite I was disappointed by the size of the bedroom, bath and sitting room, though the presence of a small cloakroom/dressing room was reassuring. However, the bathroom again seemed quite cramped. The shower was installed at one end of the bath rather than in its own cubicle, but worked well once we'd puzzled out the arrangement of different taps for shower, bath and jacuzzi. Enough of the negatives! The hotel, built in the mid 1800s, lacks very ornate decorations, but was furnished with charm and style. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals, served in the Hosteria Bibendum, where the chef adapted his dishes to accommodate my dietary restrictions. A willingness to respond to any requests and adapt to guests' requirements was general everywhere in the hotel and made our stay extremely enjoyable.

Just returned from this lovely hotel following a few days stay in this magnificent City and I will certainly stay again on my next visit to Florence. The room was perfect for us although as our room was facing the street there was a bit of noise during the night from revellers and early in the morning from civic vehicles cleaning the street and collecting refuse but that did not trouble us too much. The hotel had thoughtfully provided soft earplugs for those who required total silence. The staff were delightful and the breakfast quite varied. There are many good hotels in Florence of all star ratings but this is my favourite.

The hotel is in the city centre, at few minutes walking distance from all the important central touristic attractions (Plazza della Signoria, Uffizi Galleries, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Basilica di Santa Croce, Santa Maria del Fiore... and so many other). The hotel is exquisitely elegant and sophisticated, has large well lighted and beautiful rooms, fine food and exceptional services. I was organising a group professionals in a business trip. All the hotel employees were very nice and willing to help with everything. Literally, they've fulfilled all the requested I've made in the name of the group, including booking tickets at the most difficult to acquire attractions... always with a smile on their face.

You know what they say, "Location, Location, Location" and this is in the historical part of Florence...just by the Piazza della Repubblica and Palazzo Strozzi. Old world ambiance...antique furniture...beautifully decorated,,,modern up to date room and bathroom...helpful and polite concierge...wonderful buffet breakfast with a large selection. Tuscan Hostaria Bibendum restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating...if they are featuring the fish soup (cacciucco alla vivornese) do not miss it...so tasty!

This hotel is amazing! Centrally located...just steps from the Duomo. We visited on our honeymoon and were welcomed with a bottle of champagne and chocolate, and a room upgrade. So nice! Very accommodating staff. Our room was huge; bed was so comfy! Perfect stay for our honeymoon! Would definitely stay there again.