After many long hours of arduous travel and feeling quite fatigued, I immediately felt at ease walking into the low-key, handsome Hotel Savoy in Florence Italy . It was such a great relief not having to enter though an ultra elegant lobby, but rather an appealing, soft, quiet, well-dressed charming, vibrant, modern interior. It was also a pleasure that the entire staff was immensely cordial and hospitable, wanting to please me in every way possible. Hotel Savoy, a five-star Forte Collection Hotel, offers calm luxury and style in the heart of Florence . With a stellar location on the Piazza Repubblica, close to Florence 's renowned landmark the Duomo, the hotel is just a short walk from the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio and basically all of the city's major attractions.

Styled by Olga Polizzi, the chic décor with subdued neutral tones and tasteful fabrics are found throughout. As a tribute to the designer fashion houses of Florence and a charming reminder of Florence 's many artisans, there are quirky (Andy Warhol-esque) images of shoes throughout the hotel. In all, there are 88 rooms and 14 suites at Hotel Savoy that are stylishly decorated in the typical, modern, Italian, style with carefully chosen ceramics, artworks and materials. It's evident that each room was designed to offer maximum comfort with wonderfully cozy beds which are adorned with crisp linen sheets and parquet flooring. The classic marble and mosaic bathrooms are large and offer the elaborate Rocco Forte's exclusive range of Italian bathroom products. The room is equipped with all the facilities that you could ever need or desire. I must add from all the rooms I saw including mine, for European standards, the rooms were unusually large.

Synonymous with the The Rocco Forte Collection brand, at the Hotel Savoy I experienced the highest standards of cuisine and impeccable service. The L'Incontro Bar and Restaurant is among the most popular restaurants in Florence (serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu) offering views over the Piazza Repubblica. Since it was summer, I was fortunate enough to have the chance to dine outdoors and take in Florence 's pleasant cosmopolitan atmosphere. I experienced such joy waking up after a most restful sleep, finding all the amenities I could hope for, a brilliant shower, catching up on the news by watching cable television, dressing and going down to the hotels marvelous restaurant with my complimentary paper of choice. Sitting outside, sipping my cappuccino, eating delectable foods from an amazing, well-diversified breakfast buffet, and watching Florence wake up; life just doesn't get better than this.

The Hotel Savoy offers a Fitness Centre equipped with the latest machines which became particularly important after eating so much pasta, etc., etc., and etc... With fantastic views over Florence, it made my workout enjoyable and exhilarating.

The Hotel Savoy is the perfect setting for hosting prestigious conferences and meetings. Together with its own meeting facilities, the Hotel Savoy has formed an alliance with a selection of private palazzi within Florence to hold exclusive events, most of which are within walking distance of the hotel. Furthermore, the hotel offers babysitting/child services and programs, concierge services, handicapped rooms, and laundry/valet services. Pets are not permitted on the hotel grounds.

Hotel Savoy is a tremendous Hotel in every sense of the word, that will no doubt enhance everything you choose do in the remarkable city of Florence . Its location, service and comforts will make your trip, whether pleasure or business, a success, filled with happy memories.

Rocco Forte & Family ( Florence ) S.p.a: Via del Babuino, 9 00187 Roma Reg.Imp. n. 355087 Cap.Soc. Euro 2.704.000. i.v. C.C.I.A.A. Roma n. 882423 C.F./P.IVA 05390181005 www.roccofortecollection.com