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Recommended Reviews - The Westin Excelsior
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Can very fancy and sophisticated be average? Let's first say why I pose this question. My view was, well, not of the river or the cityscape even though I asked for it and was willing to pay. Next, was unable to adjust the water temperature and was very hot and...the water pressure was terrible and there were zero--no charging ports or stations. Finally, the prices were extremely high for food and beverage. All of that said. Imagine you were jettisoned back to the 1600s. The decor was breathtaking and the finishes were glamorous and very high end with statues and pictures specking the walls. The staff were uber attentive and professional. The location was perfect and right next to the river and bordering the square which is also bordered by the church where Botticelli is interred. If you were expecting or wanted a romantic adventure this would be the place. If you were looking for a place to feel special this would also be the place.
The view is spectacular, with walls of glass that allow you to enjoy sweeping views of Florence and the Arno river, but boy do they make you pay! It was 28 euros for a simple gin and tonic! The price for 2 cocktails and a bottle of water was more than I paid for dinner at a sit down restaurant last night!
Florentine syle - the grand version - at its best! It's one of the old palazzos from way back when, that's been done up as a hotel. You know the type - grand staircases, lots of marble, art and sculptures everywhere, and none of it too florid. That pretty much sums it up here. Add to the above staff that is always prompt and helpful, well maintained rooms, and the excellent location, and there really is not too much else to ask for! (ok, a coffee-maker in the room, but then again, there are a couple of excellent cafes right next door, so it's not that critical...)
The Westin in Florence is regal hotel perched alongside the Arno river with fantastic views of Ponte Vecchio and the entire city. The lobby is ornate and grand. I loved the abundance of fresh flowers and the large glass chandeliers. The vibe is old school and charming. Rooms are huge. We were upgraded to a suite with a bed that was possibly even larger than king sized. The bathroom has double vanity sinks, a tub and a glass shower. My only gripe is that the room felt a little dated, so I do think they could stand to make a few cosmetic updates. Make sure to visit the rooftop bar for some of the best views of the city. Only one warning is the rooftop bar is extremely pricey. Drinks are around 20 euro. I get that it's a swanky hotel bar (and a rooftop bar at that) but prices didn't feel in line with anything else that we came across in Florence. To put things in perspective, you can get a glass of wine for 4 euro at the bar next door. Higher prices certainly make sense... but I think the discrepancy between other places around was too large. We opted for breakfast over points and I would say it's definitely worth it. There is a large spread with lots of hot and cold options, and even an omelette bar. They also have dining tables outside overlooking the river. I wish we knew about this on our first morning, so we made sure to take advantage of this after. They don't really advertise that you can take your breakfast outside, so something to be aware of. Staff was friendly and attentive, location was prime and the vibe was downright classy. My stay here was certainly a fabulous way to kick off a vacation in Italy!
An awesome hidden gem rooftop bar. It has amazing views of all of the main Florence attractions. There were only a few other people up there when we went. It was a peaceful break from all of the hustle and bustle down below. We just came up here for some drinks and they gave us some nuts and chips as well. The drinks and service were great! Definitely worth checking out.
Stumbled upon this place randomly when we were searching for a nice rooftop bar to enjoy the Florence sunset. We gazed across the various buildings along the river and saw a place with glass windows on the top and decided to walk towards it. As we entered the Westin, the concierge desk graciously directed us to the rooftop bar on the 6th floor. We didn't have a reservation, but they were able to accommodate a table for 2 outside after 10 min of waiting. I am glad that we waited. The view from the rooftop is phenomenal and we had a gorgeous panoramic view of the sunset. The vibes were good and drinks were delicious (just a little pricey at $22 a drink). The bar provided complimentary snacks, which was a plus.
We reserved a room one level above the entry room price and received a very nice upgrade (note, we are platinum level so I'm sure that helps), so I don't know how frequently upgrades are offered to others. See our pictures, but the room included a nice sofa, balcony, and very comfortable bed. I'm not sure of the exact classification, but I would call it a junior suite. The bathroom was spacious including a separate enclosed toilet and bidet area which is useful so more than one person can use the bathroom. Also, we received a welcome of sparkling wine, strawberries, and a front desk escort to the room. So it is understandable, we were put in a very good mood! The exterior of the hotel is beautiful and nicely located to all of the main attractions. We only used a taxi when departing and walked to evening restaurants and all of our sightseeing in Florence over our four-day visit. The hotel both inside and outside definitely has the feel of a Renaissance palace with large common rooms on each level decorated with ornate furniture fixtures, etc. Other things we really enjoyed about the hotel's location is that there was a craft market on Saturday in the square in front of the hotel and the rooftop bar. I also included a couple of pictures. Breakfast is included for gold/platinum members. The choices were plentiful and I think even better than what was offered at the Boscolo Exedra in Rome. Omelet station, lots of hot food items, fresh fruits, cereals, pastry, juices, and even sparkling wine in the morning. The Westin is expensive (but look at the St. Regis rates next door and it will look like a bargain LOL!!), but if you can afford it, it is a very nice product and location for a stay in Florence.
This is one of my favorite hotels that I've stayed at so far! We booked a Deluxe Suite and it was very spacious for the two of us. We had a street view but were to the left of the Arno and were able to see all of the lush Tuscan hills. WiFi was provided with my SPG Gold status and it was pretty fast for all 4 of our personal computers and phones. The best part of the room was the bed! The sheets were soft, the down blankets were plush and there were several pillows in different shapes and sizes. We also received turndown service which was always a nice touch. FYI, you need to put in your room key in the slot for the lights to work throughout your room. There are converter adapters available to borrow from the concierge but there are also USB outlets in the room to charge your electronics. The breakfast buffet wasn't anything special ($25 euros/pp) for the price but it was convenient and the service was friendly. There were an assortment of fruits, veggies, cereal, an omelette bar and drinks. They also offer Americano coffee! The service was pleasant for the most part. During checkout, we had an issue with our room key (and any replacement/newly keyed keys) that wouldn't open the door. They were able to open our door with the master key and offered to bring our luggage down for us. The location of the hotel is great and within 15-20 minutes walking distance of the City Center and most shopping areas.
From the moment we stepped foot inside, to the minute we left Florence, I was blown away by the service at the Westin. Concierge gave us great recommendations for restaurants nearby, and went ahead and made reservations for us. Unfortunately during my trip, the airline canceled my flight home. So as to not inconvenience us, the front desk called the airline, stood on the phone for nearly an hour, then forwarded the call to my suite once they were in touch with a live person. Hotel staff went out of their way to make every bit of our stay exceptional. Then of course theres the view!!! Our room overlooked the canal, so every morning we woke up to folks canoeing up and down the river and horse drawn carriages strolling by. Talk about relaxing AND beautiful!!!! I can't wait to go back!!!
Love the hotel still but I down graded it one star because it is beginning to need a bit of a face lift and the bathroom needs some small tweaking However the location is awesome because it is not in the middle of the tourist area but close enough for a nice a walk The river backdrop is always a plus But PLEASE update the hotel!!!!
2 months ago
A well deserved 5 star rating. Classic Old World charm and elegance updated with impeccable service and quality. From afternoon tea in the lobby to drinks on the terrace during the Golden Hour this is a must splurge. Come dressed well and enjoy. read more
Exceptional hotel. The entire staff and Concierge team are some of the best I have seen in my travels. Food was great, rooftop bar newly renovated, rooms were clean, well appointed and spacious. Only wish was to have more English speaking TV channels when it came to winding down at night. Situated along the Arno River was within walking distance to anything you needed or wanted for your stay in Italy. Fun fact - Napoleon's sister Carolina Boneparte once owned and resided at the hotel and is buried in the Church across the street. Not to worry the ceilings were very tall! Hehe. read more
9 months ago
What a stunning hotel! Spacious rooms, clean, and an old vintage look that makes the experience really unique. Staff were excellent to check in and explain the amenities and hotel. Comfortable beds, 5 minutes from all the action, and a good shower. read more
Can very fancy and sophisticated be average? Let's first say why I pose this question. My view was, well, not of the river or the cityscape even though I asked for it and was willing to pay. Next, was unable to adjust the water temperature and was very hot and...the water pressure was terrible and there were zero--no charging ports or stations. Finally, the prices were extremely high for food and beverage. All of that said. Imagine you were jettisoned back to the 1600s. The decor was breathtaking and the finishes were glamorous and very high end with statues and pictures specking the walls. The staff were uber attentive and professional. The location was perfect and right next to the river and bordering the square which is also bordered by the church where Botticelli is interred. If you were expecting or wanted a romantic adventure this would be the place. If you were looking for a place to feel special this would also be the place. read more
7 months ago
3 years ago
Came in for dinner tonight. Most restaurants opens at 7 or later. I decided to have the Caesar salad and pasta dish. Having only sparkling water as tomorrow I have 2 walking tours. Service was excellent and will come back as I am here for 5 days. read more
2 years ago
The view is spectacular, with walls of glass that allow you to enjoy sweeping views of Florence and the Arno river, but boy do they make you pay! It was 28 euros for a simple gin and tonic! The price for 2 cocktails and a bottle of water was more than I paid for dinner at a sit down restaurant last night! read more
2 years ago
Florentine syle - the grand version - at its best! It's one of the old palazzos from way back when, that's been done up as a hotel. You know the type - grand staircases, lots of marble, art and sculptures everywhere, and none of it too florid. That pretty much sums it up here. Add to the above staff that is always prompt and helpful, well maintained rooms, and the excellent location, and there really is not too much else to ask for! (ok, a coffee-maker in the room, but then again, there are a couple of excellent cafes right next door, so it's not that critical...) read more
The Westin in Florence is regal hotel perched alongside the Arno river with fantastic views of Ponte Vecchio and the entire city. The lobby is ornate and grand. I loved the abundance of fresh flowers and the large glass chandeliers. The vibe is old school and charming. Rooms are huge. We were upgraded to a suite with a bed that was possibly even larger than king sized. The bathroom has double vanity sinks, a tub and a glass shower. My only gripe is that the room felt a little dated, so I do think they could stand to make a few cosmetic updates. Make sure to visit the rooftop bar for some of the best views of the city. Only one warning is the rooftop bar is extremely pricey. Drinks are around 20 euro. I get that it's a swanky hotel bar (and a rooftop bar at that) but prices didn't feel in line with anything else that we came across in Florence. To put things in perspective, you can get a glass of wine for 4 euro at the bar next door. Higher prices certainly make sense... but I think the discrepancy between other places around was too large. We opted for breakfast over points and I would say it's definitely worth it. There is a large spread with lots of hot and cold options, and even an omelette bar. They also have dining tables outside overlooking the river. I wish we knew about this on our first morning, so we made sure to take advantage of this after. They don't really advertise that you can take your breakfast outside, so something to be aware of. Staff was friendly and attentive, location was prime and the vibe was downright classy. My stay here was certainly a fabulous way to kick off a vacation in Italy! read more
An awesome hidden gem rooftop bar. It has amazing views of all of the main Florence attractions. There were only a few other people up there when we went. It was a peaceful break from all of the hustle and bustle down below. We just came up here for some drinks and they gave us some nuts and chips as well. The drinks and service were great! Definitely worth checking out. read more
3 years ago
Great roof top bar with really good service and drinks. Highly recommend if you are in Florence. First stop after Positano and Rome. read more
Stumbled upon this place randomly when we were searching for a nice rooftop bar to enjoy the Florence sunset. We gazed across the various buildings along the river and saw a place with glass windows on the top and decided to walk towards it. As we entered the Westin, the concierge desk graciously directed us to the rooftop bar on the 6th floor. We didn't have a reservation, but they were able to accommodate a table for 2 outside after 10 min of waiting. I am glad that we waited. The view from the rooftop is phenomenal and we had a gorgeous panoramic view of the sunset. The vibes were good and drinks were delicious (just a little pricey at $22 a drink). The bar provided complimentary snacks, which was a plus. read more
We reserved a room one level above the entry room price and received a very nice upgrade (note, we are platinum level so I'm sure that helps), so I don't know how frequently upgrades are offered to others. See our pictures, but the room included a nice sofa, balcony, and very comfortable bed. I'm not sure of the exact classification, but I would call it a junior suite. The bathroom was spacious including a separate enclosed toilet and bidet area which is useful so more than one person can use the bathroom. Also, we received a welcome of sparkling wine, strawberries, and a front desk escort to the room. So it is understandable, we were put in a very good mood! The exterior of the hotel is beautiful and nicely located to all of the main attractions. We only used a taxi when departing and walked to evening restaurants and all of our sightseeing in Florence over our four-day visit. The hotel both inside and outside definitely has the feel of a Renaissance palace with large common rooms on each level decorated with ornate furniture fixtures, etc. Other things we really enjoyed about the hotel's location is that there was a craft market on Saturday in the square in front of the hotel and the rooftop bar. I also included a couple of pictures. Breakfast is included for gold/platinum members. The choices were plentiful and I think even better than what was offered at the Boscolo Exedra in Rome. Omelet station, lots of hot food items, fresh fruits, cereals, pastry, juices, and even sparkling wine in the morning. The Westin is expensive (but look at the St. Regis rates next door and it will look like a bargain LOL!!), but if you can afford it, it is a very nice product and location for a stay in Florence. read more
This is one of my favorite hotels that I've stayed at so far! We booked a Deluxe Suite and it was very spacious for the two of us. We had a street view but were to the left of the Arno and were able to see all of the lush Tuscan hills. WiFi was provided with my SPG Gold status and it was pretty fast for all 4 of our personal computers and phones. The best part of the room was the bed! The sheets were soft, the down blankets were plush and there were several pillows in different shapes and sizes. We also received turndown service which was always a nice touch. FYI, you need to put in your room key in the slot for the lights to work throughout your room. There are converter adapters available to borrow from the concierge but there are also USB outlets in the room to charge your electronics. The breakfast buffet wasn't anything special ($25 euros/pp) for the price but it was convenient and the service was friendly. There were an assortment of fruits, veggies, cereal, an omelette bar and drinks. They also offer Americano coffee! The service was pleasant for the most part. During checkout, we had an issue with our room key (and any replacement/newly keyed keys) that wouldn't open the door. They were able to open our door with the master key and offered to bring our luggage down for us. The location of the hotel is great and within 15-20 minutes walking distance of the City Center and most shopping areas. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
From the moment we stepped foot inside, to the minute we left Florence, I was blown away by the service at the Westin. Concierge gave us great recommendations for restaurants nearby, and went ahead and made reservations for us. Unfortunately during my trip, the airline canceled my flight home. So as to not inconvenience us, the front desk called the airline, stood on the phone for nearly an hour, then forwarded the call to my suite once they were in touch with a live person. Hotel staff went out of their way to make every bit of our stay exceptional. Then of course theres the view!!! Our room overlooked the canal, so every morning we woke up to folks canoeing up and down the river and horse drawn carriages strolling by. Talk about relaxing AND beautiful!!!! I can't wait to go back!!! read more
3 years ago
Wonderful!!! Would stay again and again. Fabulous location, room and room service! Well done! read more
Love the hotel still but I down graded it one star because it is beginning to need a bit of a face lift and the bathroom needs some small tweaking However the location is awesome because it is not in the middle of the tourist area but close enough for a nice a walk The river backdrop is always a plus But PLEASE update the hotel!!!! read more
Since my experience at AC hotel (part of Marriott) in Florence was so so, I decided to move somewhere in the middle of the city and fancier so that extended stay in Florence could be more enjoyable. :p I noticed they pre-upgraded the room to one of their river facing premier rooms before my arrival. My room had two large windows (ceilings to floor) where you can get to a nice sized balcony facing to the Arno river. The sunset was awesome, and the reflection of those buildings from Middle Ages on the river was really amazing. The room had high ceilings which made the room even larger. The bathroom was huge as well. The location was perfect - pretty much all the sightseeing spots, restaurants, cafe, wine bars, and shops were within walking distance. All the hotel staff I encountered were very friendly and helpful. A couple of concierge folks gave me very good tips about where to go. Very enjoyable stay and would absolutely stay again. read more
This is a great hotel in Florence! It's across the street from the St. Regis, a sister property, where you can enjoy both properties and charge the balances to your room regardless of which hotel you are staying at. Checkout the rooftop here! Cocktails at the rooftop are not only incredible but also are accompanied by a great view. Highly recommend! read more
12 years ago
The most amazing staff I've had the pleasure of being a patron to. Beautiful hotel with an amazing view of the river. The rooftop bar at night is the perfect place for a late night vino. Most of the must-see spots in Florence are within walking distance. The cathedral at Piazza Del Duomo is stunning. I travelled by myself on this trip and said out loud to myself, "holy crap!". I hope that's ok to say out loud. The statue of David is not far for the ladies who want to gaze at his magnificent marble hangy-down parts. The Central market is also close by. But back to the hotel. It's a pleasant stay with full amenities and super friendly staff. Ciao!! read more
This is old conservatory turned hotel and couldn't be better located. Walking distances from all the main area attractions right next to the Arno river, the place is immaculate and luxurious. Absolutely great artwork grace almost every corner of the hotel. They serve a pricey (25 euros) but sumptuous breakfast. Climb the stairs instead of the elevators and admire the beautiful oil paintings. The hotel offers wonderful outdoor running opportunities. Not surprisingly they provide a map for 5K and 8K runs around the river and the park. By the way, it must not be an easy run during peak tourist season - just too many people. We were there in late January and still found quite a bit of foot traffic. Roof-top restaurant/bar is not to be missed, even if were to have a simple drink. They have open area that overlooks the river and town - some views! For a great hotel like this, the gym area was in the basement and barely functional. I suspect they expect you to run outside. Also, there are really not too many meeting areas. So if you plan to meet in a group to work on a project, reserve a meeting room. read more
6 years ago
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9 years ago
We visited the Westin Excelsior for our friends' wedding rehearsal dinner. Dining on the rooftop in Florence was one of the best experiences of our trip. The view is absolutely breathtaking! read more
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