Florence
Italy
Date: 22 Oct 2006
Hotels in Florence featured in this programme
JK Place
Perched on Piazza Santa Maria Novella, this neoclassical townhouse exemplifies the Smith-endorsed boutique hotel. Guests can choose between 20 rooms and while they stay there are invited to graze on complimentary drinks and snacks, which are always available as a buffet in the glass-roofed breakfast room. Or they can retreat to one of the sitting rooms or rooftop terrace. Otherwise, they can head to sister see-and-be-seen bar/restaurant The Lounge, which is a stylish environment for an aperitivo or contemporary take on Tuscan cuisine.
Casa Howard
This eccentric and eclectic 13-room guesthouse is a stumble from Santa Maria Novella and ten minutes from Ponte Vecchio originally the private home of Massimiliano Leonardo and his American wife Jennifer Howard. Each room is entirely different, from a room made solely for dog lovers complete with its own dog baskets to a family suite, which boasts a climbing wall. All the furnishings were custom-made and sourced from around the world with a total of 132 different fabrics are used throughout. And while the service definitely leans towards laissez faire, for an extra €100, you can get the ultimate pampering: a steam and scrub in the Turkish hammam (these prices were correct at time of filming and are subject to change). There is no restaurant, but the maids can make great sandwiches/snacks if you are hungry. Casa Howard only accepts credit cards – no cash accepted.
Villa Bordoni
Half an hour from Florence, Villa Bordoni is a world away from the frenetic sightseeing tourist throngs in the Renaissance city. Scottish restaurateurs Catherine and David Gardner took three years to furbish and restore this ten-roomed villa in the rolling countryside and as a result they have successfully filled a glaring boutique-hotel gap in such a beloved holiday region. Of the ten uniquely designed rooms, the Montefili room is the most popular, with its walk-in wardrobe, great view, striking colors and huge bathroom and shower and original ceiling. There’s even a swimming pool and tiny open-air gym for those who don’t want the signs of Bordoni’s acclaimed eating and drinking to show on their return home. Bottles of local wine and olive oil are available at the hotel for purchase as souvenirs.
