The Westin Excelsior, FlorencevsRelais Santa Croce by Baglioni Hotels & Resorts
Both hotels are highly recommended by expert reviewers. Overall, Relais Santa Croce is preferred by most writers compared to The Westin Excelsior Florence. Relais Santa Croce comes in at 89 with praise from 13 publications like Jetsetter, Concierge and DK Eyewitness.
The Westin Excelsior, Florence Show All Reviews
Piazza Ognissanti 3, 50123 Florence
From $357/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Michelin Guide
"History and tradition combine with more modern accessories for an exclusive aristocratic stay."
Concierge
"The Excelsior vies with the Grand Hotel, its neighbor across the square, for the title of Grande Dame of the Florentine accommodation scene."
Travel + Leisure
"A 300-label wine cellar and a new Mediterranean rooftop restaurant, plus 171 rooms, in a 15-century palace near the Ponte Vecchio." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"The Excelsior excels with its marble floors and columns, grand staircases, stained-glass windows, statues and period paintings."
Oyster
Luxury
"This converted 12th-century mansion in a beautiful square on the banks the River Arno is one of the more historic hotels in the center of Florence." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
88.7
"Just steps from the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria, this "little gem within walking distance of everything you want to see in Florence" has "the perfect location."" Full review
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Ask for a room with Arno River views.
Jetsetter
"Palatial 13th-century Florentine building-turned-hotel, with topnotch service and rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views of the city." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"Opulent interiors, prime position on the north bank of the Arno, and good services and facilities make it a valid option for both leisure and business travellers." Full review
Afar Magazine
"This idyllic retreat on the Arno River delivers stunning views, richly decorated rooms, exceptional service, and seven centuries of history.By
Westin AFAR." Full review
U.S. News & World Report
10.0
"Lavishly decorated in the Florentine style of the Renaissance period, has 171 guest rooms and suites, a 24-hour fitness center, three restaurants, a bar and elegant meeting spaces." Full review
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To avoid this issue, consider reserving a table in advance.
Relais Santa Croce by Baglioni Hotels & Resorts Show All Reviews
Via Ghibellina 87, 50122 Florence
From $402/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Michelin Guide
"Fascinating atmosphere, frescoed halls and elegantly furnished rooms."
Concierge
"Inaugurated in spring 2005, this 24-room hotel offers luxurious accommodation and contemporary style in the shell of a grand, 18th-century palazzo close to the Duomo."
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When to go: Avoid August (it's hot and full of tourists) and January (cold and damp).
Insight Guides
"Recently restored by the stylish Baglioni group, this is an intimate palazzo for dangerous liaisons, with expansively opulent rooms that are matched by a noted restaurant, Guelfi e Ghibellini."
DK Eyewitness
"This wonderful hotel, in an 18th-century palazzo, is just a short stroll from Michelangelo’s house. Most of its luxurious rooms overlook the street."
Condé Nast Traveler
"This seventeenth-century residence in Florence’s trendy Santa Croce neighborhood has been deftly converted into an upscale 24-room hotel with a contemporary flair." Full review
Star Service
"In a beautiful but boisterous location one block north of the Santa Croce Church, a 10-to-15-minute walk from the Duomo or the Arno, this is a petite patrician palace with elegantly restored interiors." Full review
Rough Guide
"This magnificent five-star shares a lobby with the mind-blowingly expensive Pinchiorri restaurant. and is a similarly top-flight establishment."
Jetsetter
"Ornate former palazzo with fabulous views of the Duomo and Santa Croce basilica in Florence's historic heart." Full review
Gayot
"History sets the tone at this elegant Old World hotel where original architectural features are a highlight."
The Telegraph
8.0
"Palazzo Cioffi Giacometti is one of Florence’s grandest historic townhouses." Full review