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The Continentale hotel is a Lungarno hotel, which means it's a Salvatore Ferragamo hotel. Why the chain of code names? Why not just come out and say it, Ferragamo in blinking neon, or at least radiant gold (a la Versace)? Why not at least take advantage of the opportunity to better position the brand, like Cerruti or Bulgari?
Unlike those others, this is not a fashion concept hotel. And, to be fair, Ferragamo has been in the hotel game since 1955 — so this is clearly not an afterthought or a marketing scheme. Ferragamo, as Lungarno, is in this business with both feet (sorry), not just as some kind of co-branding experiment, but as a full-fledged business venture. Thus you will never see the Ferragamo name in your room, unless it is already attached to your footwear.
Then why spend two paragraphs outlining the association? Because this is a hotel that is determined to win you over on its own, without coasting on a reputation earned in the fashion world. And it's a bit counter-intuitive at first, but consider this: as so many full-time hoteliers place visual flash above hospitality substance, here is a fashion hotel that prizes service over design.
That said, the Continentale is not short on design. Architect/designer Michele Bonan went the (seemingly) safe route, with white predominating, but with unexpected accents of bubble-gum pink, intended to evoke the optimistic affluence of the Dolce Vita Fifties and Sixties. In fact you may catch La Dolce Vita playing on the monitor in the lobby.
The service is the story, though; the look is secondary. Many hotels as attractive as this one would make do with flashy appearances and try to get away with a sneering, indifferent staff. Not so at the Continentale. Privacy and courtesy are the order of the day — this is not a place to be seen, but a place to stay, to get away. And the staff are hired, whenever possible, from outside the hospitality industry, so that they may be trained to Lungarno's exacting standards, without any bad habits to forget.
Rooms are comfortable if not enormous (this is Florence, after all) and continue in the palette of choice, whimsical rather than minimal white. The Sky Lounge on the top floor overlooks the Arno River, the hills, and the city. There is no restaurant, just breakfast, but the neighboring Gallery Hotel Art (another Lungarno hotel — there are five in Florence, all told) makes its restaurant available via room service. And the White Iris Spa is a study in Florentine elegance. If the hotel’s Ferragamo connection is discreet, there’s no hiding who’s behind the spa. That would be the renowned Daniela Steiner, who oversaw everything from the design to the beauty products to staff training.
It is an impressive hotel, one as stylish as any, and puts to shame the more tentative offerings of other fashion houses. In fact, staying at the Continentale, you may soon forget the Ferragamo connection altogether — and nothing would please the owners more.
- 43 Rooms
- Style: Modern Design
- Atmosphere: Lively
- 87 Guest Reviews
- Continentale
- Vicolo dell'Oro, 6r
- Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Hotel amenities and services
- 100% non-smoking hotel
- 24 hour concierge
- 24 hour front desk
- 24 hour gym
- Adjoining rooms
- Babysitting (on request)
- Bar
- Central air conditioning
- Free wi-fi
- Library
- Luggage storage
- Multi-lingual staff
- No pets allowed
- Offsite gym facilities
- Rooftop terrace bar
- Room service
- Sauna
- Self service parking (charges apply)
- Shopping area nearby
- Smoking rooms (on request)
- Spa
- Spa treatments (on request)
- Wake-up service
Other Florence hotels
87 Guest Reviews
All reviews are from Tablet guests with verified stays.
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- Joe
- Stayed April 2010
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
The room was great. Location couldn't have been better. Rooftop lounge was nice as well.
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing, had a wonderful stay!
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- Jeff
- Stayed March 2010
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
Obviously the location is superb at the base of the Ponte Vecchio. Central to everything of interest. The common areas and rooms are extremely tasteful. The staff is remarkably friendly and accommodating.
What the hotel could do better:
It would have been nice if the rooftop bar had been open. It's understandable that it wasn't but with a few heat lamps, it would have made a great place for cocktails. To be clear, we were there the first couple of days in April. Also, the breakfast offering seemed expensive. We opted for a pastry and cappucino at Gilli instead.
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- Sum yiuh
- Stayed December 2009
- Rating: Good
What I liked:
location, nice bed, clean, very friendly front desk.
What the hotel could do better:
the housekeeping service is not so good. they do not tidy up the room as 5 stars or four starts hotel. they only change bedding, and towelss.
they do not fold clothes, not placing the stuff well, forget to put back glasses one day....etc. but every other thing of the hotel is nice.very very small life. only 3 capacity. and only one life in that hotel
