Historical Traveller Reviews of Rocco Forte Savoy Hotel
Loved the Savoy!
from WDCMom
We just returned from our 18-day Italian honeymoon where we stayed in many first-class hotels, and the Hotel Savoy was one of the highlights of the trip. The front desk staff was exceptionally courteous and recommended one of the best restaurants we've ever visited. The bathtub was unbelievably gorgeous. It was wonderful! I highly recommend.
Nice stay
from A TripAdvisor Member
I read all the reviews before our stay at the Savoy......and everyones comments said a little about our experience. The location was excellent, the decor very much like the W which I felt was comfortable. The doormen were rude, the staff was very pleasant and the conceriege was very helpful. We had our cappaichino every morning accross the street at Gilli, the best ever. We went to Il Lantini per a reccomendation here and it is the funnest night, a MUST DO! Sort of Soup Nazi meets Italy if your a Sienfeld fan. You really will have a wonderful visit.
Fancy Schmancy!
from A TripAdvisor Member
I may be common folk, but this hotel was unbelievably... well, for lack of a better word - fancy! I am used to staying in 4 star hotels, so I have to say the difference making this a 5 star was very palpable. The location is the best in all of Florence as it is centrally located and within a short walk of all the major sites. One tip though is that if you can manage, you can walk from the train station to the hotel. If you have a lot of bags, just drop the 8 euro for a taxi. the trip is short, but it is worth it. The hotel is a little pricey (I paid 235 euro including taxes in late July), but it is a relative bargain compared to the other 5 stars in Europe. As others have mentioned, the hotel restaurant is overpriced for a place where there are so many fabulous restaurants that are just a few steps away. My room was compact, as are all European hotels, and had a nice view of both the Piazza Reppublica and the street running alongside the hotel (I think it is Via Strozzi). On this street and in the Piazza there are wonderful street performers and we got the best view of them. If you like peace and quiet early in the night, however, you won't get it here. The closet is walk-in and it is large, and the turndown service is nice as they provide complimentary bottled water. If you decide to use anythign in the minibar, be prepared to go broke. It is 8 euro for a simple drink. I believe one small bottle of liquor was 16 euro. Outrageous! If you are looking for a 5 star upscale hotel, I think this is the best in town!
Savory is great
from rbwinston1
We stayed at the Savoy in mid-July. This is an outstanding property - the front desk check in process is a little cramped due to space and number of staff. It is complicated by the fact that the staff member checking you in also accompanies you to the room - which is a nice policy but creates somewhat of a backup. The Concierge team is incredible and can work miracles. See them immediately after check-in for whatever you need. The rooms, and overall hotel, are stylish, updated (W-like in appearance) and first class. We avoided the restaurant - overpriced and unimaginative in a city of such great dining options. Do have evening cocktails on the sidewalk bar connected to the restaurant - fun to watch the evening come to life from a great vantage point. The location is incredible. Close to everything and great at night for people watching and street activity. The workout room is a little smaller than publisized, but doesn't seem to get much use. Two internet connected PCs are provided free of charge in the lower level, but have patience. Great place - would look forward to staying there again.
Stylish luxury in a bella city
from A TripAdvisor Member
Wow. Saw some mixed reviews but went for this place on the balance of probabilities. But the hotel was amazing. Location cannot be touched in Florence. The hotel exudes an individual chic that lingers in the mind. We were given an amazing balcony room with stunning views of the duomo. Would come here again. And probably again....
Be careful
from A TripAdvisor Member
Be careful! I am sure this hotel deserves all the good reviews. I was booked at The Savoy for a two night stay last week (July 2004), a very busy time for the hotel. However, it is a five-star establishment and one would assume that the hotel should be able to cope. Although only one receptionist was busy with guests at the time, the others at least three, were clearing up and not really interested in assisting. Eventually checked in and was shown to my room. Please note that some of The Savoy's standard rooms are less than standard - somewhat sub-standard, specificlaly relating to size. Did not stay - moved to the GRAND and had a wonderful experience.
All excellent except for the characterless restarant
from A TripAdvisor Member
Stayed here as part of our Honeymoon. It was expensive, and the service was very good. Room was massive, plus we were given an upgrade with a small balcony over looking the Piazza.
The room was really stunning, the staff were exceptionally friendly as well. They even gave us a bottle of Champagne and strawberries to celebrate our honeymoon!
The only let down, and probably the biggest of our honeymoon (wheren we stayed in six 4 or 5 star hotels in Italy) as the restaraunt, dinner and breakfast. Both occasions, everyone was huddled together, even though plenty of spaces, Food was good, but bland but the actual place lacked any character at all. Lots of decent restarants in Florence, better experience and much cheaper. That was a REAL big letdown,,, but if you eat elsewhere, then you'll be very happy
Loved the savoy
from akakari
We Stayed at the Savoy in April as part of a 17 night tour through Italy. It was by far the best hotel on our trip. The Location and Staff were fantastic. The concierge staff were top notch with great suggestions for dinner, sights, and shopping. The complimentary car service to dinner was really nice after long days of walking.
ve ever experienced
from A TripAdvisor Member
My wife and I visited Florence for our 30th anniversary. Having never been to Italy before, I did an extended web search for hotels based on service reviews, especially for concierge services. This was one of the VERY few hotels getting all positive reviews.
The Savoy lived up to every expectation and beyond. Service was out of this world. Alessandro, at the concierge desk, is a worker of miracles. Able to get tickets to the hottest venues, and change them smoothly at the last minute, he and the other staff defined professionalism! Unable to find a room in Milan for our last night (Easter week, + Italy's national auto show!), Alessandro found us a superb, moderately priced hotel in a few hours.
Pricey, but worth every penny!
Great location and nice stay
from A TripAdvisor Member
Just returned from stay here and hotel is an excellent choice for touring Florence..right on Piazza della Republica. Do not agree with review of March 26 which said staff was rude..we found the staff to be very attentive and helpful, despite the concierge being hard to find.
All of Florence major attractions are within walking distance. Rooms are very comfortable with good amenities..bathrooms are a little small.
Try to get corner room on 4th floor..we had a great view of Il Duomo.
Would highly recommend Il Latini (trattoria) which is a short walk from hotel..near Piazza Goldoni. Latini is the real thing..great food with great atmosphere.
Top Local Tips for Florence
Drinks at Bar Continetal
Donìt miss the opportunity to go for drinks at the new roof-top bar at the Hotel Continental. Located next to the Ponte Vechio (sp?). Views of the Arno/sunset are amazing and snacks that come with the drinks make this a mini-meal. This place is a real "scene" with comfortable lounges and lots of throw pillows. We were going to stop by for an hour and finally forced ourselves to return to our hotel 3 1/2 hours later.
Leather wear
Go to David II leather apparel store and ask for Franco the owner. They will discount up to 2/3 off retail. Excellent quality
The Titian and Boticelli rooms in the Ufizzi
You must make reservations for the Ufizzi museum via the concierge or you will wait hours in line. I was moved to tears by the beauty of the art in the museum...