Starwood Opens St. Regis in Florence

Starwood has opened The St. Regis Florence.

The hotel, formerly the Grand Hotel Florence under Starwood's The Luxury Collection brand, underwent a meticulous 10-month restoration to bring the property back to its historical grandeur and artistic heritage.

Originally designed in 1432 by Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect of the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, the Grand Hotel was one of the first luxury hotels in Florence and is considered to be one of the most significant buildings in the city for its artistic and historical value.

Situated in the heart of the city, The St. Regis Florence is a perfect location from which to experience Tuscany's timeless attractions. The hotel's inspiring and romantic location on the Piazza Ognissanti, overlooking the Arno river, offers one of the most enchanting views of the city over the churches, the hills and the belltowers of the Florence's Oltrarno with Ponte Vecchio as background.

The St. Regis Florence features 81 guest rooms and 19 suites, including a designer suite by Bottega Veneta.

Reflecting Florence's rich artistic heritage, all the hotel's guest rooms and suites feature individually hand carved gold leaf plaques including one of three different color palettes - Medici, Florentine and Renaissance. With each design concept offering a unique selection of custom designed furniture, paintings, frescos and crystal chandeliers, the hotel creates a sophisticated sense of relaxed opulence. In honor of Florence and its traditions, every guest room and suite is named after noted Italian artists, benefactors and nobility. The restoration celebrates Florentine history and culture using authentic local artisans, product and design elements including custom hand painted Tuscan and Florentine landscapes in every guest room, historic Italian engravings as well as decorative antiques discerningly placed throughout the hotel.

The St. Regis Florence also features what is aiming to become one of the most magnificent restaurant and bar lounges in the city. Etichetta Pinchiorri, by the acclaimed three Michelin star restaurant Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, offers a truly innovative epicurean culinary experience combining a prestigious wine list with sophisticated culinary creations. The restaurant interiors feature picturesque glassed art ceilings dating back to the 19th century and a spectacular hand-blown Murano glass chandelier.

The outdoor library terrace, with views of the Church and Piazza Ognissanti, is the perfect place to join the Italian ritual of "aperitivo" and admire the local's Bella Figura walking along the Lungarno.

For private dining and functions, the hotel offers a majestic ballroom on the mezzanine, or for smaller functions the intimate "Cantinetta", a 15th century brick vaulted cellar designed for those who love fine wines paired with original Tuscany flavors.

The St. Regis Florence is also the first to feature Iridium Spa Suites in Europe, allowing guests to renew and refresh mind, body and spirit with a variety of spa treatments. The Iridium Spa Suites features three spa suites complete with white and grey Florentine marble enriched with gold and silver walls and custom designed mosaics. Two of the three suites feature circular chromo-therapy Jacuzzi tubs and double beds, perfect for couple massages and treatments.

"As part of Starwood's strategy to strengthen our brand portfolio in Europe, Africa and Middle East, we are investing more than $100 million dollars to renovate and restore some of our most magnificent hotels," said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. "St. Regis Hotels & Resorts exemplify luxury, elegance and impeccable service. The re-opening of this historic building as a St. Regis Hotel is the perfect addition to the brand's sophisticated portfolio."

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