This
boutique hotel opened before the Continentale and is not quite
as minimalist. We found that despite the contemporary and modern
feel it was very cosy and comfortable. The library is full of
large white sofas and armchairs and a wealth of books and magazines
to settle down with over afternoon tea.
The rooms are similar to the Lungarno Suites with
modern black and white photographs on the wall and soft leather
furnishings.
Each floor has a different theme: for example, the fourth floor
shows images of the gardens of Florence and the third floor show
churches
(another floor has nudes...). The white bathrooms are a decent
size with large white towels and the hotels own delicious brand
of bath products in good sized bottles. The Suite on the seventh
floor has a marvellous terrace overlooking the Arno on one
side then a screen is pulled back to reveal another terrace complete
with a day bed for siestas.
The exterior is horribly modern and concrete but
it fits snugly into a small piazza just a few yards from the
Ponte Vecchio.
The reception is also used as a gallery space with constantly
changing collections. The Lounge Bar is the place to be seen
for young Fiorentini and serves dishes which are a curious
combination of Italian and Japanese (surprisingly this works
well).
In all
the Gallery Art hotel provides an attractive modern alternative
to the Florentine pensione, just make sure you have a room
with a view.
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