LEONE BLU SUITES | UNA ESPERIENZE, Florence

Leone Blu Suites offers 9 suites within a 15th-century medieval building, each with hardwood floors and either coffered or frescoed ceilings. Each suite has a flat-screen TV, a spacious seating area, and tea and coffee making facilities, with private bathrooms providing soft bathrobes and free toiletries. The suites are named after significant historical figures, such as the Rinieri room, a 135 sq m duplex, or the Pandolfo suite, and feature high ceilings and large windows overlooking the Arno River.

The hotel provides free private butler service to all guests, as well as the option to arrange a private driver for excursions. Guests can use the shared lounge and TV area, and there is an honesty bar in the dining room where wine and spirits are available at any time. Additional services include daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry, trouser press, and ironing, plus meeting and banquet facilities.

Breakfast is served daily in a grand room overlooking the Arno River, often called the Hall of Mirrors, offering a wide selection of fruit, baked goods, meats, cheeses, eggs, bacon, pancakes, and smoked salmon. The breakfast attendant, Eva, is noted for remembering guests' coffee preferences and preparing fresh juices and cappuccinos. For guests with early departures, the staff can arrange an early breakfast service or pack pastries to go.

Leone Blu Suites is located 700 metres from the Uffizi Gallery and less than a 10-minute walk from Piazza della Signoria, with Ponte Vecchio just a 7-minute walk away. Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train Station is 850 metres from the hotel, making it easy to walk with luggage on cobblestone streets. The property sits directly on the Arno River, offering views of the river and providing quick access to both the historic centre and the Oltrarno district.

The hotel occupies the second floor of Palazzo Ricasoli-Filidolfi, a 15th-century aristocratic mansion built in 1474 and owned by the Ricasoli family, one of Italy's oldest winemaking dynasties. This family began winemaking in Chianti in 1141 and Baron Bettino Ricasoli created the recipe for Chianti Classico in the 19th century. The building features a slow elevator for luggage, and the common areas include a reception with frescoed ceilings and a lounge with panoramic Arno River views.

Suites: 9 suites in a 1474 palazzo with frescoed ceilings

Service: Free private butler and private driver available

Dining: Breakfast in the Hall of Mirrors with river views

Location: 7 min walk to Ponte Vecchio, 700 m to Uffizi Gallery

History: Ricasoli family mansion, dating to 1474