The Four Seasons in Florence, Italy
There I was, looking at an old issue of Departures magazine, when I came across an article on Florence’s Newest Hot Spots. I have been to Florence and plan to visit again because…well, it’s one of those cities that captures the soul of your artistic heart. It had an image of one of the suites at the new Four Seasons hotel and it just floored me. It is the Volterrano Gallery suite, named after the 17th century artist who painted the ceiling fresco. Here it is:
I had to find out more. It appears that a 15th century Renaissance palazzo and a 16th century convent have not only been joined, but have been beautifully restored. The Four Seasons in Florence (Firenze) opened in the Summer of 2008 as a world class hotel. The original frescoes are there as well as sculptural reliefs. There are also 11 acres of gardens called the Giardino della Gherardesca, with walking paths, fountains, statues, pools, a temple and a pavilion. There are 116 rooms filled with antiques and some say the artwork alone has no peer (except, say others, for the Villa San Michele). It is not centrally located but really — a 10-minute walk to Il Duomo? I’ll take it. Here are more images.
The Presidential Suite
The Gardens
Il Duomo
Below: (Left) Royal Suite and (Right) Noble Suite
The Royal Suite (P.S. Your reaction was my reaction, too.)
Here’s a short 2-minute YouTube video of the Royal suite (featuring that gorgeous hallway pictured above). It seems that even the most discriminating travelers are awed — and thankfully, they filmed a quick tour. Please watch it — you’ll love, trust.
Such beauty in the world, no? See you tomorrow!
UPDATE: Found More Pics! BTW, according to Luxury Travel magazine, the Royal Suite goes for 15,000 euros (+ tax) per night. Quick currency converter: $19,510.50 plus the tax! (sigh) That would be a beautiful evening, no? 
Theresa Cheek
610 days ago
STOP IT!!!! This is such eye candy!! Grazie mille.
Theresa
Carol
610 days ago
Wow, Regina! Can you imagine staying here?!! A girl can dream….
steve shriver
610 days ago
not too shabby! Really cool to see how it feels to be in an environment like that- not just in some museum where you can’t really relax and take it in. I wonder how much that suite goes for? More than I make in a month I’m pretty sure.
Regina
610 days ago
Added an update at the end of the post with additional pics I found, plus the going rate for the Royal Suite. Approximately $19,510.50 per evening.
Leonard Greco
610 days ago
Lovely, no?
It’s what we aspire to.
I fail every time, oh well, keep pluggin’ along!
Take care Regina,
Leonard
Barbara Rocha
609 days ago
Beautiful! To just walk through the halls and look and see and feel.
Maybe I can sneak in to the Noble Suite?
Barb
Marilyn G Russell
577 days ago
I recently came back from London and fell in love with the country homes and castles. Even the interiors of Buckingham Palace is just gorgeous. Lovely post!!!!
Gina Wolfrum
506 days ago
Thank you for sharing. Such beauty. This makes my projects look like I’m working with crayons.