In the days when the wealthy young men of England would follow their schooling by touring the artistic and cultural capitals of Europe they would often depart from Bristol.
The port city became so closely associated with the practice that luxury hotels across the continent began to adopt its name, hoping that those who embarked from there would be drawn to the familiar.
So was the name chosen for Helvetia & Bristol, a lavish property in the heart of Florence’s luxury district, mere moments away from the famous galleries and squares which draw tourists in their thousands today, just as they did all those years ago.
The hotel itself opened in 1885 and has been going strong ever since, with a renovation in 2019 adding an entire new wing and extraordinary subterranean spa.
The location is in the centre of the city, no more than ten minutes by foot across the cobbles to any of the most famous sights of the city.
Whether it is the classical art or the contemporary fashion which has drawn you to Florence, both are on your doorstep.
Why Stay Here?
The bar for luxury hotels in Florence is set pretty high. Many boast of their historical credentials, painted ceilings, and famous previous residents, but all pale in comparison to the truly ancient Roman archaeology found in the Helvetia & Bristol Spa.
When the recent expansion discovered the ruins in the basement they were quickly incorporated into the design, with the theme of the space now mimicking the spas of Roman times. Following the ancient path through Caldarium, Frigidarium, and Sudatorium is certainly elevated by being surrounded by genuine Roman-era ruins of the originals of those rooms.
Away from the spa, the Helvetia & Bristol has all the amenities one would expect of a luxury hotel. The location is right in the centre of Florence, giving easy access to all her delights. The hotel concierge can arrange priority access to all the top museums, including the Palazzo Pitti on the other side of the River Arno, for those in town for a Renaissance tour; fashion lovers will find they are now the neighbours of all the most famous boutiques, but also that the team here has solid links to the local vintage scene – Florence is known the world over for not just being the birthplace of many Italian mega-labels, but also for being the best place to find bargains on classic pieces from years gone by.
Staying on-site you will find the rooms to be a careful balance of classic and modern. The original building sees rooms and suites adhere to the original style, carefully updated but with the period aesthetic retained. Those in the new wing – formerly home to the Banca di Roma – have a much more contemporary style and décor. Moving between the 2 buildings gives a definite sense of transitioning from one epoch to another, meaning you can choose your luxury to fit your taste.
How’s the Food?
Breakfast is served in a stunning Winter Garden, located just off the lobby and with a wonderful glass ceiling. The menu is curated by Italian celebrity pastry chef Iginio Massari and features a delightful twist on the usual continental offering, and the coffee – as you would expect from the land of espresso – is exceptional. It’s not often I have cause to mention the quality of such a ubiquitous breakfast drink but it really is delicious, and strong – just the boost I needed for a day of criss-crossing the cobbles outside.
As good as the morning jolt was, the real culinary star here is provided by more of a local celebrity than a national one. That renovation also included the opening of a new restaurant in the extended second building and an afternoon café in the gallery which connects the two, both signed and operated by Cibrèo.
This family enterprise has delighted the locals since the late 1970s and their new partnership with Helvetia & Bristol is doing the same for visitors to the city. Fresh and delightful local pastas (with some cold, sweet prosecco, because why not) are the best way to refuel in the middle of the day – I had the Tagliolini Cacio e Burro immediately on arrival from the airport and it was lifesaving – while in the evening the main restaurant becomes one of the hottest addresses in town for a sophisticated cocktail and substantial evening meal. You’ve surely had a negroni somewhere, but few will match up to the ones here.
What Are The Rooms Like?
As mentioned, the two distinct buildings which make up Helvetia & Bristol have very different appearance and it’s possible to specify at the point of booking which building and therefore which aesthetic you would like to enjoy.
The original building (let’s call it the heritage wing) was where I stayed, and it was full of little details and nods to the history of the property which made it a fantastic place to stay. If you like a period look to your accommodation this is definitely the place for you, with ornaments and artworks in each room which hint at the original Grand Tour heyday of the hotel
If your preference is more for modernity, the polished floors and contemporary styling of the new wing are ideal. All fixtures and fittings are completed to the highest spec, proudly Made in Italy to showcase national talent, and prove that while Helvetia & Bristol is a heritage property it has no intention of resting on its laurels.
There have been luxury hotels in Florence for centuries now, and with such longevity can sometimes come complacency. Helvetia & Bristol has shown itself to be far from falling into this trap, embracing the rich history of its home city, from Roman times to modern, to remain capable of offering a luxurious welcome which matches anywhere else in the world.
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