There is only a few cities on earth that are as romantic or ethereal as Florence: its meandering Arno river, the twinkling lights of Pont de Vecchio, a wealth of art on tap, soulful Tuscan cuisine (gelato is essential), centuries-old architecture, and the rolling bucolic countryside. Throw in the history of fashion – Guccio Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo opened boutiques in Florence in the 1920s – and this city has la dolce vita written all over it. To make the best of your holiday, here’s three tips where to stay:

The St. Regis Florence
The magnificent St. Regis hotel, occupying a 15th-century former palace on the Piazza Ognissanti and overlooking the Arno River, is the perfect escape for staying centrally without getting caught up in the crowds. The interiors are imbued with custom frescoes, antiques, crystal chandeliers, vast gilt mirrors and the St Regis’ signature marble hallways. Each of the 99 rooms has been adorned with rich velvets and brocades, as has the atmospheric Winter Garden, the heart of the hotel where you’ll find yourself breakfasting in the morning and aperitivo-ing in the afternoon. For pure unabashed luxury, check yourself into one of the suites, which comes complete with your own 24/7 personal butler service. www.marriott.com

Hotel Four Seasons Firenze
Set across two buildings – a 14th-century palazzo and a 16th century conventino – and connected by one of Florence’s largest and most beautiful private gardens, this hotel is a stunning escape just minutes from the city’s main attractions. Take a stroll down the tree-lined path of the impeccably maintained 11-acre botanical garden that’s fringed by verdant flowers, towering woods and a vast array of ever changing sculptures and artworks. Fourseasons.com

Room Mate Isabella Hotel

Not as posh as the other two but in the epi-centre of Italian Fashion is this lovely decorated boutique hotel. Located on famous Via Tournabuoni a pedestrian zone and just next to the Gucci Store this is the place to be for the ones who want to stay close to the latest fashion trends. Ponte Vecchio, Duomo and plenty of delicious tuscan Restaurants are just around this place. room-matehotels.com

If not in Tuscany, do come visit us in Singapore’s Cluny Court and Tangs where our new autumn collection has just arrived!

With sunny greetings from Italy and „alla prossima volta“!

Yours,

Alfie Browns

Firenze: Where to stay