Hotel Home Florence ★★★★

'Florence Syndrome' is a psychosomatic complaint characterised by heart palpitations and feelings of dizziness when experiencing immense beauty, particularly when viewing art. It was coined by a 19th century French writer. For the modern tourist, the added ramifications of a disappointing hotel on your holiday, pose even more dangers. So, after careful consideration, I selected the Hotel Home Florence, nestled in the heart of the historic centre of Florence. The hotel's location along the tranquil River Arno is its natural virtue, while its design belongs entirely to nurture.

The historical edifice belies its ubiquitously white, and exquisitely designed contemporary interior. It's a mystery how such a simple colour scheme can be so full of character, but it is. It is often the ornate detail in the furnishing and otherwise mundane items that create a memorable hotel. You’ll find a teapot, made entirely of tiny white ceramic roses; regal cushioned chairs with satin and intricate patterned edges; your bathroom mirror, as though the centre of a white sun; lamps which filter light through white crystal and glass. All is elaborate, elegant, and wonderfully Italian. Yet this hotel knows not just to rely on its looks. It also understands how to treat its guests, and we were welcomed by very friendly faces.

Settling into our spacious room, we discovered a table with gifts of wine and fruit. A striking gold headboard sat above the bed while Gossamer fabrics adorned the large windows and French doors, which led out onto a wrought-iron balcony. The floors were made of rustic white wood and the bathroom used glass, porcelain and clean lines to create a calm and bright atmosphere.

In the main hall we found a beautiful floor mosaic. A large table and a few smaller ones facilitated a friendly ambience. We could hear the Masters calling us from the streets outside, and in minutes we were in the midst of the captivating streets below.

The Hotel Home has no restaurant, however, many world-class eateries can be found on its doorstep. And, with the hotel’s tantalising array of fresh and scrumptious pastries, cakes and fruits for breakfast, I was watching how much I ate for the rest of the day! Thanks to the luxury, tranquillity and rejuvenation of staying at the Hotel Home, my husband and I were able to maintain our dignity throughout the whole of our stay in overwhelmingly beautiful and vibrant Florence!