Room With a View: The Westin Excelsior Florence
This wound up being a very elegant start to my dream-trip to Tuscany. The Westin Excelsior Florence is right on the river and housed in a beautiful old building.
At check in (tucked around the corner to the left) the rep offered me my choice of rooms with a view, I opted for the first floor (2nd floor in the US) which was apparently larger, and he escorted me up.
It was a beautiful, spacious room with a tiny balcony running the length of the room looking out at the (rather mucky) river and buildings across the way.
If I leaned out I could see Ponte Vecchio, the covered bridge in the distance.
The bathroom boasted marble counters and double sinks and a separate large room for the toilet.
Despite being right on the road there wasn’t much noise after 10PM and it made for a great view to wake up to. I was surprised there was no complimentary water and then thought to check the minibar, sure enough several “free and clear†bottles were tucked in there.
The hotel building itself was fun to roam around in, with authentic antiques and mirrors decorating the space.
I had a fun hunt for the gym on the ground floor too. You access it via the first floor, follow the hallway all the way to its long end, go down a flight of stairs, and there it is!
A beautiful well lit room with a full stocked shower room as well.
After a great visit to Pitti Galo e Cantina on my afternoon walk I decided to try the rooftop restaurant and bar which supposedly boasted amazing views. It did have fantastic, nearly 360 views, of surrounding historic Florence, but I arrived at 9, apparently too late for food or appetizers.
It’s worth popping up for a drink, but since you’re definitely paying hotel + good view prices, better to do your eating and extensive drinking at a nearby restaurant.
I chose the free breakfast as my platinum amenity which was served in the restaurant which featured lovely stain glass windows.
The buffet breakfast was fairly extensive with many fancy cakes and tarts and breads. Salads, and yogurts, and cereals, but not that many hot options. And among the hot options included broccoli and other unexpected foods.
The room was busy and pictures didn’t appear to be encouraged so I abstained from taking photos. Service was great, though my solo state seemed to confuse each new server who came by my table.
Definitely worth the 20,000 points I spent for one night, but not sure if it would be worth $400-$500 during summer months if you don’t have status and get put in a room with a courtyard view.
More from this trip:
Iberia Business Class JFK-MAD
Iberia Lounge Madrid
Iberia Business Class MAD-FLR
Wine Tasting in Florence: Best Wine Bar Ever
