Helvetia & Bristol Firenze
Old-world European grandeur with a contemporary update. Think gilded chandeliers, chinoiserie wallpaper, and marble bathrooms in the Helvetia wing; cleaner, darker, more fashion-forward aesthetic in the Bristol. It's formal without being fussy.
Book the Panoramic Suite Helvetia on the 5th floor for direct views of the Duomo and Campanile di Giotto
Why It Matters
The first grand hotel in Florence's historic center, open since 1885. Notable guests include Pirandello, D'Annunzio, Stravinsky, Bertrand Russell, and Eleonora Duse. The partnership with Cibrèo — a true Florentine institution — and the Iginio Massari breakfast (Italy's most celebrated pastry chef) make the food program genuinely compelling. The spa sits on the actual Capitoline baths of Roman Florentia.
Florence's oldest grand hotel — established in 1885 and the first luxury property in the historic center — the Helvetia & Bristol is 89 rooms split across two distinct wings. The Helvetia wing is all antiques, restored artworks, and artisanal details commissioned from Florentine craftspeople. The Bristol wing is a more contemporary story, its interiors designed by Anouska Hempel. Both share access to the largest spa in Florence's historic center, 550 square meters built on the footprint of ancient Roman baths, plus a culinary lineup anchored by Cibrèo and Iginio Massari.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Cozy Helvetia
The entry-level category, situated in the Helvetia wing. Elegant and bright, with the same attention to detail as the rest of the hotel — this is not a stripped-back budget room. Good for solo travelers or those who plan to spend most of their time out in the city.
Deluxe Helvetia & Bristol
Available in both wings. Classic style meets modern amenities — think antique furnishings and marble bathrooms in the Helvetia wing, cleaner contemporary lines in Bristol. Air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, in-room safe standard.
Emerald Patio Suite Bristol
70 sqm suite with its own private patio — a rarity in central Florence. Emerald-green interiors, four-poster bed, fireplace, artisanal details, and two bathrooms, one of which includes a Turkish bath. Bold and theatrical.
70 sqm
Family Room
Spacious room configured for families with children or groups of friends. More floor space to spread out than a standard double, making it the practical choice for a family trip to Florence.
Iconic Retreat Suite Bristol
70 sqm suite with a private terrace, fireplace in the living area, Devon&Devon tub in the bathroom, and walk-in closet. All the refined artisanal details that the Bristol wing does well. One of the standout rooms in the building.
70 sqmJunior Suite View Helvetia
Views of Palazzo Strozzi, just across the street. Decorated in classic Florentine style with bespoke wallpapers and furnishings made specifically for the hotel. The sitting area makes it feel like a proper suite without the full suite price.
Junior Suites Helvetia & Bristol
Junior suites available in both wings with a comfortable sitting area and sophisticated interiors. The Helvetia versions have a classically Florentine feel; the Bristol versions are more contemporary.
Panoramic Suite Helvetia
On the 5th floor, this suite delivers the best city views in the building — the Duomo and Campanile di Giotto are directly in frame. Sits in the recently renovated Helvetia wing with antiques and artworks by Florentine craftspeople.
Presidential Suite Bristol
The largest suite in the hotel, designed by Anouska Hempel. Spacious living area with two communicating bedrooms — works well for those wanting maximum space or traveling with family. Contemporary Bristol-wing aesthetic throughout.
Suites Helvetia & Bristol
Available in both wings, these suites feature a spacious bedroom with a separate sitting area. The Helvetia versions lean into antiques and traditional Florentine character; the Bristol versions have a more contemporary feel.
Two Bedroom Suites
100 sqm two-bedroom suite that blends contemporary style with Florentine craftsmanship. Spacious living areas and marble bathrooms. Good option for families or two couples traveling together.
100 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Hotel guests get complimentary access to this historic private tennis club set in a secluded green area of the city. Clay tennis courts, padel courts, outdoor swimming pool (summer), and a restaurant. One of the better hotel perks in Florence.
The Winter Garden hosts show cooking sessions and cooking classes in its iconic Liberty-style space. Bookable for groups and events.
The hotel concierge can organize tasting tours into the Florentine countryside, covering local wine and seasonal olive oil production.
Visit a silk weaving workshop in San Frediano that has been producing made-to-measure textiles since 1786. Guests can create a one-of-a-kind piece by hand or choose from other craft experiences.
Exclusive demonstrations and experiences at one of the historic goldsmiths on Ponte Vecchio. Bookable via concierge.
Witness pietra dura (Florentine mosaic technique) practiced by one of the few remaining masters. A workshop demonstration of a craft largely lost to modernity.
Visit the historic leather workshop at the heart of Florence, see leather goods being made, and create one of their iconic pieces.
The concierge team can organize museum visits and recommend local experiences, including skip-the-line tickets for Florence's major galleries.
A rooftop terrace with direct views over the Duomo and the historic center skyline.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout all rooms and public areas.
The hotel hosts a Galleria Iginio Massari location providing daily fresh pastries for the breakfast spread and available for guests to purchase.
State-of-the-art fitness center with weight-training machines, accessible to all guests.
Valet parking service for hotel guests. Essential given the ZTL traffic restrictions in the historic center.
Small/medium-sized dogs and cats welcome. €60 pet fee per stay; must be notified at booking.
Indoor pool available at LA SPA, open year-round.
Splendid rooftop terrace with views over the Duomo and the historic city center.
Full concierge service for museum tickets, restaurant reservations, craft experiences, and city recommendations.
On-site car rental services available.
550 sqm spa with calidarium, tepidarium, sudatorium, frigidarium, and spa pools. Built on the ancient Roman Capitoline baths. Open to hotel guests and external visitors.
BUILD YOUR HELVETIA & BRISTOL FIRENZE - STARHOTELS COLLEZIONE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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