Hotel The Westin Excelsior Florence

Just returned from a week-end spent in The Westin Excelsior. Used Starwood points for the stay in a suite. Very 5* quality throughtout. We travelled by hired car from Pisa airport from London Stansted to get a feel for Tuscany before arriving in the centre of Florence. Really good decision both economically and to a get a really good feel for the areas. There are all of 2 signs for the Leaning Tower of Pisa!!!! (Torre Pendente) Siena is fantastic spend a whole day ther if possible as is Lucca. Florence is very big and confusing however the 'real' Florence is from The Ponte Vecchio to the Grand or Westin Excelsior Hotels virtually in a square. But the real reason I am writing this review is for a brand new restaurant opened 3 weeks ago called ROSSINI absolutelydevine in every respect. The food was gorgeous, presentation unbelievable, service beyond question but unashamedly expensive (300 euros) for two persons which included 5 courses and a v.good bottle of wine. Champagne with fresh strawberry type Kir Royale was compliments of the house. We would return to Florence just for the opportunity to eat at this restaurant again ... absolutely superb in every way ambience, presentation,atmosphere etc. I found out that the owner used to work at Harry's Bar for the last 43 years, Leo, an absolutely devoted, charming and welcoming individual. AND NO I DO NOT HAVE SHARES IN THE RESTAURANT!! If you enjoy the finer things in life and you can afford it, you will definately not be disappointed..Enjoy

I stayed here for 2 nights on a reward stay. I'm a SPG Gold and mentioned in the reservation that it was for our honeymoon.

Entering the hotel, it was beautiful. It's not a modern hotel but the marble columns and ambience was very nice. Upon check in, we were upgraded to a 4th floor corner room overlooking the Arno river. The room itself was huge and the bathroom impressive. There was even a bottle of champagne waiting for us! I had absolutely no problems with my hotel stay and the concierge was very helpful in pointing out where Enoteca Pinchiorri was.

The only complaints are that the toiletries aren't of the same high quality as the N American Westins and the location is a little out of the way from the main attractions. These are extremely small quibbles and would recommend this hotel to everyone.

we were guests of this marvelous hotel late october, 2003. from the moment we arrived we knew we had chosen one of the best. the staff is extremely helpful, we were upgraded to a beautiful suite overlooking the arno river and were thrilled to find flower and chilled champagne awaiting us. the service was consistenly perfect. this hotel will forever be one of our all time favorites.

This hotel is amazing! The staffs are so friendly and helpful. They would not be tired or annoyed by our non-stop questions. We went there during Easter and they gave very good suggestions on how we should plan our "advanture". They made very good efforts in accommodating our needs, from makeing reservation for excursions to getting train tickets. This hotel is just the extreme opposite of Hotel Danieli in Venice and I definitely would recommend it to all future Florence visitors.

This is not your usual Westin. It is more of a boutique, historic hotel that's beautifully decorated and upgraded. Our room overlooking the Arno River was palatial. The bathroom was the best hotel bathroom I have seen since the Raffles in Singapore: big, two sinks, all the amenities. Concierge and rest of the staff were helpful and professional.

I had a wonderful experience at the Westin Excelsior in Florence. From the moment I walked in I was treated like Royalty. I am a SPG Member and was upgraded to a beautiful suite. Whenever I walked through the Lobby I was greeted warmly by the staff. They go the extra mile with feaures such as; heated towel racks, turndown service, elctric shutters, and a gift upon arrival witha note from the Hotel Manager.

Stayed there over Thanksgiving. The hotel is only steps away major shopping and sight seeing. The service was impeccable, from housekeeping to dinner reservations. Our room was on the second floor facing the plaza. The room was very large for a family of four. The conceige was very knowledgeble and helpful. After we came back to the States, we needed the name of a store in Florence, we called the hotel and they actually sent someone to walk down the street to find the store for us. We would definitely stay there again.

I usually like staying in small, charming boutique hotels, so was feeling a bit apprehensive in checking in. The red carpet treatment started from the doorway and never ended, I was charmed and sold on this elegance and service. Never did I feel out of place or amidst an elitist staff, which often occurs in reknowned hotels of the world. My room, even though a single, was large and right on the front, complete with balconey overlooking the Arno -and views that I will never forget.

A welcome gift of wine and biscotti greeted me. The concierge desk was gracious and friendly. Because I was here during August 2003, I was able to get a heavily discounted rate on the room. Would love to share the experience on return but not sure I could afford regular rates.

Highly recommended if you are celebrating something special -or have this budget.

I can only echo the many words that have been written and said in regard to this magnificent institution. When you walk in the door, you're king of the world...It's all there...the sense of being part of history, the royal treatment by a skilled and interested staff, the accommodations that dwarf all the others in decor and size and style. Most of all, all this high-end treatment is executed without even the vaguest feeling of snobbery or arrogance. Staying at the Excelsior feels as natural as staying at your Aunt's house. Maybe even MORE natural! I showed my Starwood membership card and was immediately upgraded (I had a wonderful rate guaranteed) to a splendid room with a balcony overlooking the Arno and the Piazza Ognissanti. It was like a dream...

My family and I stayed here the summer of 2001. We felt like royalty when the bellman opened the door. We actually thought there was a mistake and we were in the wrong room! The room was large and overlooked the Arno. The bed was like heaven and the drapes were rich looking, elegant, and as high as the ceiling. The bathroom was gorgeous! The service was exceptional! Every recommendation was fabuous from restaurants to private drivers...We ran into Laura Bush...yes, our First Lady...who was staying in the hotel with her daughter! I guess we really were like royalty...American royalty! We can't wait to go back!