The Excelsior, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Florence

Hotel Description

You know what? I was actually skeptical about The Excelsior when I first walked up to Piazza Ognissanti – I mean, it’s right on this busy square across from the train station, and honestly, my first thought was “great, another tourist trap.” But the moment you step through those doors, it’s like someone flipped a switch. The lobby has this old-world Florentine elegance that feels completely authentic, not like some chain hotel trying too hard to be Italian. The marble floors have that perfect worn patina that only comes from decades of actual use, and the staff – well, they actually remember your name after day one, which is rarer than you’d think at five-star places.

Here’s the thing about the location that most people don’t realize until they’re there: yes, you’re literally a three-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station, but you’re also perfectly positioned between the Oltrarno artisan district and the main tourist circuit. I’d walk out in the morning, grab coffee at that little place on Via dei Fossi (locals know it), then either head toward the Arno or cut through those narrow streets toward the Duomo. The rooms facing the river – and trust me, it’s worth the upgrade – give you this incredible view of the Santa Maria delle Carceri dome that most tourists never even notice. The sound situation is actually pretty good too; I was worried about train noise, but the windows are solid, and honestly, the gentle hum of the city becomes kind of soothing after a day or two.

What really got me was how the hotel manages to feel both luxurious and liveable. The concierge team knows their stuff – not just the obvious restaurant recommendations, but they pointed me toward this incredible little enoteca near Santo Spirito that I never would’ve found otherwise. The spa area is tucked away on the lower level, and it’s genuinely relaxing, not just Instagram-pretty. Room service actually arrives when they say it will, the beds are properly firm (none of that squishy hotel mattress nonsense), and the bathroom marble feels substantial under your feet. I stayed there during late September, which I’d recommend – still warm enough for the rooftop terrace, but past that intense August heat when Florence can feel overwhelming. The breakfast spread is solid Italian fare, though I’ll be honest, after day three I was sneaking out to get cornetti from the pasticceria around the corner on Via della Vigna Nuova. Sometimes you just want to eat standing up at a bar like a proper Florentine, you know?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $684. Deluxe King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $768. Premium Larger King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $789. Deluxe King Room with River View with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $873. Premium Larger King Room with River View with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,104. Classic Junior King Suite for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,420. Penthouse King Room with Terrace with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,630. Junior King Suite with River View for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great hotel, lousy service – Heinz from Liechtenstein – 3 July 2025 (8/10)

  Service at the 5th floor was bad. I waited 10 minutes for a waiter and only could get one after I intervened Twice. Thx were clearly overwhelmed and slow. Very disappointed.
  
  What could be improved: Service generally not what I expected except Front desk.

• Exceptional – Xia from China – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything. Location. Room. View. But the staff in particular. Gentlemen at the concierge were so helpful for everything. The front desk the bar and the room keeping team are all very friendly. Thank you for this wonderful experience

• Exceptional – Bill from United Kingdom – 10 November 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent staff

• The welcome was exceptional, especially from Eva who made us feel at ease after a long journey. – Ieuan from United Kingdom – 28 September 2024 (10/10)

  Eva was a stand out member of staff. There was confusion with the method of payment for the accommodation, which Eva dealt with professionally and to whom we owe gratitude. She was always very helpful and friendly.
  Nico the concierge was also extremely helpful and booked tickets for us to visit museums and galleries.
  Breakfast was lovely with a selection of various options. Both cold and hot foods available.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really. It was all very enjoyable.

• Very good – Abdulaziz from Kuwait – 20 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location.
  
  What could be improved: Hotel was undergoing some very noisy renovations that we were not informed of before hand. Woke up to drilling sounds at 9 AM and they seem to stop at 3 PM.

• Staff very helpful, helped us plan a trip to Sienna etc. Roof Garden perfect for lunch or drinks. – Ifigenia from Greece – 6 February 2024 (10/10)

  The Westin Excelsior is simply the perfect hotel in Florence. The location and service are impeccable. It is an impressive and historic building, beautifully maintained and in spot condition. Beds are so comfortable and sheets are soft. Breakfast includes all the choices you would expect for such a hotel.
  
  What could be improved: We should have stayed longer, 3 nights was not enough.

• Very good – Alanood from Saudi Arabia – 17 January 2024 (8/10)

  Location is excellent. The lobby looked very festive and it was very nice during the holiday.
  
  What could be improved: I was surprised to learn that there isn’t a coffee machine in the room. Morning coffee is really important for me while traveling and I wanted to get it from the comfort of my room.

• Amazing hotel will go back every time in Florence! This is my third visit! – Tania from United Arab Emirates – 5 December 2023 (10/10)

  Location and the amazing concierge Jacobo
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast room and the food and service at breakfast was very mediocre for such an amazing hotel

• Very satisfied we will be back! – Jacques from Switzerland – 8 October 2023 (9/10)

  The location and the premises. Very good service.
  
  What could be improved: High pricea.

• To experience a stay in a 13th century building turned hotel, with their service was great – Monika from Philippines – 23 September 2023 (10/10)

  They upgraded our room to a higher category. Room was so beautiful and bed was amazingly comfortable.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities