Helvetia & Bristol Hotel

On the outside, this building—despite having been built in the 19th century—blends in comfortably with the surrounding architecture, with its white walls, gray stone arches reminiscent of Brunelleschi’s churches. But while the exterior is reminiscent of the Florentine Renaissance, inside is firmly turn-of-the-century (though recently restored). The bedroom windows are covered with swaths of ornate drapery and the walls are papered in brocade. The public rooms are cozy with period furniture, heavy drapes, and lived-in velvet sofas. The dining room is like a gentleman’s club with its rich brown wall coverings, 15th-century Italian oil paintings and plush red velvet chairs. And on winter evenings, an open wood fire crackles in the lounge. The Helvetia & Bristol Hotel is situated in the ideal location where you can get to know Florence and is within walking distance of all the city’s famous monuments.

Though the restaurant prides itself on recreating ancient Tuscan recipes such as risotto with pigeon and cavelo, there are better restaurants nearby—you should only eat here the one night your feet will carry you no further, and all you want is a trouble-free meal. On the other hand, you really shouldn’t miss the Winter Garden bar. In the 1920s, it was quite the intellectual hub—Pirandello, Stravinsky, De Chirico, D’Annunzio and his mistress Eleonora Duse, even Bertrand Russell. Now, while we can’t guarantee you the same level of stimulating interaction, we can promise you a delightfully airy environment, perfect for summer evenings, and the possibility of catching some phantom whispers of brilliance from times past.

Even if intellectual activity is not your idea of a holiday at all, the Helvetia and Bristol may still be your place to stay. Besides super TVs with endless cable channels in the bedroom, it’s also the best base to shop-till-you-drop in all of Florence. You’re just a few steps away from the Via Tornabuoni, the smartest shopping street in town; so Gucci, Trusssardi and the Armani boutique are within easy reach. Of course, it’s also nearby the Duomo and other Florentine treasures. And unlike other hotels, you have to walk past shops on the way. And as we all know, purchasing a pair of Prada shoes is absolutely necessary before Caravaggios at the Uffizi and a post-modern Pirandello play.

Cooking Classes: Learn how to prepare dishes using the finest ingredients on the market with Chef Enzo Pettè. Several different options available including a two hour session from 3:30-5:30pm. Prices vary accordingly: 170€ per person (pasta and flans), 190€ per person (fish and shell fish), 160€ per person (Italian vegetarian), 110€ per child (pasta, pizza and cakes – cooking class for kids). For more information and to book a class please contact CustomerService@TabletHotels.com prior to your arrival.

• 67 Rooms
• Style: Contemporary Classic
• Atmosphere: Quiet
• 6 Guest Reviews

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