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Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione

Via De' Pescioni 2 Palazzo Strozzi, 50123, Florence Italy
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Traveler (280)
Room & Suite (111)
Videos (1)
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About

#64 of 436 hotels in Florence
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.7
Value
4.4
Travelers' Choice
Helvetia & Bristol, a magnificent 19th-century townhouse in the centre of Florence, continues to captivate the most demanding guests with its timeless charm and impeccable service. An exquisite symbol of Florentine history, it is one of the most prestigious hotels in the city. Established in 1894, it has welcomed many influential international figures. A recent and extraordinary renovation has restored the hotel's true splendor, thanks to the contribution of Italian expert artisans who have brought to light its reimagined heritage. In the heart of Florence’s historical center, the hotel is perfectly placed for a visit to the city’s main attractions and is a stone’s throw from Via de’ Tornabuoni, the most exclusive shopping street in Florence. Its elegant rooms and suites have breathtaking views of Florence. While the hotel offers its guests the latest modern comforts, its superb renovation has preserved its architectural splendor and the atmosphere of an aristocratic 19th-century Florentine residence. The Bristol Winter Garden, the hotel's restaurant, offers an extraordinary food and wine experience. Il Baretto del Bristol is the new café in the historic center of Florence open from 7.30am - 12am. At breakfast, Il Baretto welcomes its guests with a rich selection of croissants with classic and signature fillings, accompanied by delicious coffees and cappuccinos. During the day one can stop for a quick lunch, an afternoon tea or a drink with friends. The All Day Dining menu signed by Chef Pasquale D’Ambrosio (available from 11am to 10.30pm) and the rich offer of signature cocktails will make every moment a perfect one. From the 24-hour room service to its Les Clefs d'Or concierges, the hotel’s focus is to ensure that all its guests have a thoroughly relaxing stay.
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Property amenities
Valet parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Walking tours
Babysitting
Books, DVDs, music for children
Airport transportation
Paid private parking nearby
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Highchairs available
Car hire
Taxi service
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Newspaper
Shared lounge / TV area
Doorperson
Umbrella
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Ironing service
Shoeshine
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Soundproof rooms
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Bidet
Bathrobes
Interconnected rooms available
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Separate living room
Sofa
Telephone
VIP room facilities
Wardrobe / closet
Bottled water
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Minibar
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
City view
Landmark view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
City View
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, German and 1 more
Hotel links
:Discover the I AM STAR World!

Location

100Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
585Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
367Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
420Reviews13Q+A44Room tips
Traveler rating
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  • 13
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travelier_2009 wrote a review May 2023
Illinois152 contributions62 helpful votes
The hotel is in a good location, very near city center and attractions. The hotel is renovated and very clean and luxurious. The check-in process was smooth, and the reception staff was very pleasant. The room they called junior suite but was just a bed with two chairs at the bottom of the bed. Still the room was nice, housekeeping did a good job. We were very happy the first day. From doormen to the reception and concierge, the staff members were pleasant. Concierge was very helpful. Next day at breakfast, however, we were disappointed by a small spread. Way smaller than other hotels in that category. Then a worker in the buffet area (didn’t catch his name, wears a black uniform) and another staff member were unprofessional and annoying, not just us but some other guests too. I asked if I could get crispy bacon, the fellow started lecturing me as to how rare is better and so on. He did serve it but showed resentment. Another server gave coffee in open pot (just like a soup pot) instead of a properly closed pot and when I mentioned that it will get cold, the waiter started lecturing that it is real silver and does not get cold, (coffee will get cold if left open and in fact colder as silver is a metal than in ceramic) Flaunting that it was a real silver was weird as most guests who can afford this hotel probably do have several silver sets at home ( we do). After that encounter, the previous fellow (in black uniform) came to our table and started grilling us with questions, asking our room number again and asking where we came from and sarcastically attempted to ridicule us. Then I found that he was also misbehaving with other American tourists, especially the ones dressed in shorts and casual outfits. A couple walked in 10 minutes before the closing time and this person started taking away the items as this couple was approaching to take them in the buffet area. Coincidently we met that couple at a tour, they mentioned that his dislike of Americans and people of another ethnicity is so obvious that they would skip breakfast to avoid spoiling another morning. After that experience, we decided not to eat in their restaurants or bar that evening as probably we would have more bad experiences.
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Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Avoid breakfast or restaurants. Some rude staff will spoil the day.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Helvetia Bristol, Guest Services / Front Office at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione
Responded 3 days ago
Dear travelier_2009, Thank you for your comprehensive review. We do appreciate your praising comments regarding the overall experience at the Hotel and we are really glad to receive them. On the other side, we are truly sorry to learn that there were aspects of the hotel which did not meet your expectations, in this regard, the breakfast area. Please rest assured that we have shared internally your comment to investigate and most importantly, learn and grow from it. We thank you once again for staying with us. Best regards, The H&B Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nick_02139 wrote a review Jul 2022
New York City, New York27 contributions20 helpful votes
+1
Hotel's Favorite
My husband and I stayed here for 3 nights in June. This is a great hotel with exceptional service. All of the staff are friendly, helpful and engaging. Terrific breakfast. Large, comfortable, quiet, well appointed and air conditioned rooms with beautiful views. The Roman baths (spa) / gym is exquisite. The location is central but quiet. A splurge that is well worth it.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Helvetia Bristol, Guest Services / Front Office at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione
Responded Jul 4, 2022
Dear Nick, Thank you for your fantastic review! We are truly delighted that you have enjoyed all the aspects of the Hotel, especially our service and staff! We are all very proud of it. We look forward to welcoming you soon again. Best regards The Helvetia & Bristol Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mipdantravel wrote a review May 2023
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg77 contributions111 helpful votes
For our first trip back to Florence after the Covid crisis, we wanted a centrally located hotel (mainly because of the chaotic taxi situation in this overtouristed fantastic city). The Helvetia Bistol seemed to be a logical choice. Please consider that the following comments are about a 5*L (L for Luxury) hotel which positions itself as the best of the best. The good: - friendly personnel everywhere - room was good, old, but everything worked, comfortable bed - excellent housekeeping - nice spa for a fee The bad: - bathrooms. The rooms are old so no separate toilet. Shower in the bathtub. For people like us (almost 70 years old) this is an open invitation for a hip fracture - breakfast. Uncomfortable seating ( very low tables and chairs). Scrambled eggs (prepepared) and soggy bacon, that's it for the warm section. In the land of cheeses only slices of industrial non identifiable "cheese". Not a cucumber, tomato, salad, vegetable or pickle in sight. Small plates on the buffet, which means that once the big tour group has invested the breakfast room the buffet looked like locusts had raided it. It takes them forever to replenish the plates. Juices and fruits are disappointing. Conlusion, level of a generic 3 perhaps 4* chain hotel. - no reasonable bar. You have to cross the hotel to the outsourced Cibreo restaurant to find a "bar". No interest and occupied by the manager and his friends anyhow. As a conclusion, centrally located yes, a sometimes unsatisfactory hardware, good software, but an F&B department which does not live up to the hotel's aspirations. Sorry to say we won't be back
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Ask the hotel if a big group occupies the hotel during your stay. They tend to spoil your stay
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Helvetia Bristol, Servizi per gli ospiti/front office at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear mipdantravel, Thank you very much for your comprehensive review. We appreciate your comments about our staff, the housekeeping, and the Spa! We are sorry that there were aspects of your stay that did not meet your expectations, such as the breakfast and the bar experience. We thank you for your constructive feedback which we have shared with the concerned department in order to learn and improve from it. We would really appreciate having you back with us. Kindly contact us in advance to have a recovery gesture towards the happened and have everything considered for you. Best regards, The H&B Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne S wrote a review May 2023
4 contributions
Beautiful hotel room. Bathrooms were small but very pretty. The room was very comfortable and the staff answered every need. Incredible location to the center of Florence and around the best shopping. Access to nice restarants was very easy
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Very noce beautiful hotel
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Helvetia Bristol, Guest Services / Front Office at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear K639KXannes, Thank you very much for this beautiful review. We strive to deliver exceptional service to our guests and we are delighted to learn you had an exquisite stay. We will share your review with our Team with the hope to welcome you back at the earliest. Best regards, The H&B Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ursula B wrote a review Apr 2023
2 contributions
First time at the helvetia bristol hotel florence today was an experience that makes me want to come back often. This will be my hotel of choice in the heart of florence. I arrived for tea in the lobby and was instantly charmed by everything: ambiente, exquisit furniture and decor, impeccably mannered but personable waiters, food and drink of the highest quality. I returned a few hours later for aperitivo and was equally convinced that i had found a treasure: amazing appetizers with my aperitivo, then i ate a to-die-for pasta followed by the panna cotta con caramelo, perfect in every way. The waiters poured generously and were perfectly attentive. What wonderful discovery of an old world, classy, elegant hotel right between piazza della republica and palazzo strozzi.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Helvetia Bristol, Guest Services / Front Office at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione
Responded Apr 26, 2023
Dear Ursula, We cannot thank you enough for this beautiful review! We strive to deliver exceptional service to our guests and we are really proud that we could deliver this experience to you. We will share your review with our Team with the hope to welcome you back at the earliest. Best regards, The H&B Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
xiaocai wrote a review Apr 2023
Berlin, Germany283 contributions176 helpful votes
We highly recommend Hotel Helvetia & Bristol which is a very historic hotel (but completely refurbished and with modern amenities) occupying a series of palazzi in what I would describe as the best location in town: in the middle of centro storico, just off Via Tornabuoni with its luxury shopping, opposite Cartier and Louis Vuitton, facing the impressive Palazzo Strozzi and other significant buildings, a minute away from lively Piazza della Repubblica and walking distance to Duomo, Accademia all other sights of the city, but still somewhat hidden and with a very quiet breakfast/restaurant terrace to a side street. They have a very efficient valet parking service. So just let them park your car and explore Florence by foot! The welcome was very warm. The bellhops were fantastic and immediately took care of luggage and the car, check-in was super smooth, we received an upgrade to one of their signature junior suites facing Palazzo Strozzi (very intense red/pink walls) and other treats in the suite. Everything in the hotel is so chic and oozes history, and is immaculately maintained/restored so it does not feel worn or stuffy at all and blended with some bright colours. Service in general was very professional but warm and also did not feel in any way stuffy, the concierge team was super, always super responsive. Only the breakfast service on the terrace was a bit erratic at times, but everyone was super nice. Please do check out their new phenomenal Roman Spa in the basement which is free for hotel guests. It’s huge with pools and showers and steam baths and relaxation areas, you can experience a full Roman bath experience here. Never ever would one expect such a gigantic Spa in such a location. It really was very relaxing after a day of sightseeing and shopping! We also used their restaurants to host a dinner for friends which went very well and they arranged for a very nice setting for our party of eight. We have stayed at several other luxury hotels in town. The St Regis is nice, but location is a bit off and it lacks a proper SPA and pool; Four Seasons is also totally out of the way; the Place Firenze cannot compete. If we were to return to Florence, we would choose Helvetia & Bristol again in a heartbeat.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: The hotel offers valet parking with a nearby garage. So simply have your car parked and explore...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Helvetia Bristol, Guest Services / Front Office at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione
Responded Apr 20, 2023
Dear xiaocai, We cannot thank you enough for this beautiful and comprehensive review. We strive to deliver exceptional service to our guests and we are really proud that we could deliver this experience to you. We will be waiting with open arms to welcome you back at the earliest. Best regards, The H&B Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashley K wrote a review Mar 2023
4 contributions
+1
I cannot say enough good things about Helvetia and Bristol Hotel. I’ve been to 5 star hotels around the world and in my opinion they’re better than The Four Seasons. The staff exuded kindness and went above and beyond even before our arrival. My husband and I were there as part of a delayed honeymoon. We got married in January, but had to post-pone our honeymoon due to us finding out that I have cancer. I never mentioned this to the hotel. I only mentioned that it was our honeymoon and they upgraded us to a gorgeous suite upon arrival. Every staff member goes above and beyond and are genuinely nice. The location is perfectly located within walking distance to everything and so close to all the popular shops and museums. House keeping is the best I’ve seen by far. Our room was always flawless and they took so much care into cleaning our room. The amenities are top notch, the food and beverages were really good, and they called a taxi for us each day that only took a couple minutes to arrive (in a city where it can take 20 minutes to get one on your own). The top notch service didn’t stop until our last step out of the door on our last day. My only complaint - if even a complaint- is that I wish the hotel had an online boutique for their bedding, robes, slippers, etc. I fell in love with the “Buonanotte” pillow and wish that I could buy one and my husband loved his robe. We can’t wait until we can go back to Florence and stay at Helvetia and Bristol again!
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Helvetia Bristol, Guest Services / Front Office at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione
Responded Mar 27, 2023
Dear Ashley, We cannot thank you again for this beautiful and comprehensive review. We strive to deliver exceptional service to our guests and we are really proud that we could deliver this experience to you. We do wish you a speedy and healthy recovery with the hope of welcoming you back at the earliest. Best regards, The H&B Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
japac1 wrote a review Mar 2023
Southlake, Texas4 contributions2 helpful votes
What an outstanding property. Centrally located. Everything is close by and walkable. The staff goes out of their way to make you comfortable. We were in the Helvetia wing with a gorgeous antique-filled room with a balcony overlooking the piazza. Breakfast each morning is a perfect way to start your day in Florence. The spa is beautiful and we had great massages. We can't wait to return.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Helvetia Bristol, Guest Services / Front Office at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione
Responded Mar 23, 2023
Dear japac1, It is an absolute pleasure to receive your fantastic feedback, especially regarding our staff! We can't wait to welcome you back again soon! Best regards, The H&B Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rubia wrote a review Dec 2022
Cancun, Mexico10 contributions4 helpful votes
I have the opportunity to meet Andrea Rameta at the front desk. He is one of the best person that makes your stays as you dream. He has outstanding organization on your dinner reservations during 6 days that I’m visiting the hotel. Very good and tasteful restaurant he recommended me. I have the chance to eat ossobuco in Florence. He helped me in finding good rate for next coming trip. He tried to confirm my flight back to Madrid and he was on the lines for almost 15 minutes. Any question you ask him he help you immediately. He is one of the person that loves his job and showing passion, respect and amazing professionalism. I also would like to thank Carlos, Alexandro and all the staff in the breakfast restaurant. I love the SPA and the staff kindness .I would like to come back again soon
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Please take your time and book in this hotel amazing customer service . Close by all the shopping...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Helvetia Bristol, Guest Services / Front Office at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione
Responded Dec 30, 2022
Dear Rubiaanders, Thank you for your wonderful review! We are very proud to learn that we have exceeded your expectations with our services, Spa, restaurant, and above all the staff and service. We will compliment on your behalf Andrea, Alexandro, and Carlos, they are true assets to our Hotel. We hope to welcome you back soon again in the near future. Best regards, The HB Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John wrote a review Nov 2022
San Francisco, California4 contributions
Location and access are primary in selecting a hotel and the Helvetia Bristol has a ground zero location. Beautiful, spacious rooms, excellent front desk, comfortable lobby, excellent food in both the restaurant and breakfast room. This was our 4th stay. Would not even consider another hotel.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Helvetia Bristol, Guest Services / Front Office at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione
Responded Nov 3, 2022
Dear Tourist, Thank you for your wonderful review! It is indeed our pleasure to know we have exceeded your expectations. We will share your review with the team with the hope to welcome you back soon again in the near future! Best regards, The HB Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
$595 - $1,417 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
helvetia and bristol hotel, helvetia bristol hotel, helvetia bristol florence
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Helvetia & Bristol Firenze
LOCATION
ItalyTuscanyProvince of FlorenceFlorenceDuomo / Florence Historic Center / San Giovanni
NUMBER OF ROOMS
64
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HELVETIA & BRISTOL FIRENZE -STARHOTELS COLLEZIONE - Updated 2023 Prices & Hotel Reviews (Florence, Italy)

Frequently Asked Questions about Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione
Which popular attractions are close to Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione?
Nearby attractions include Piazza della Signoria (0.2 miles), Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (0.2 miles), and Ponte Vecchio (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a bidet.
What food & drink options are available at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione?
Yes, paid private parking nearby, street parking, and valet parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione?
Conveniently located restaurants include Gustarium Firenze, I' Girone De' Ghiotti, and Angelesi Pizza & Panozzi.
Does Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione have airport transportation?
Yes, Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the center of Florence.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
Are there any historical sites close to Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (0.2 miles), Florence American Cemetery (4.8 miles), and Basilica San Miniato al Monte (1.0 miles).
Does Helvetia & Bristol Firenze -Starhotels Collezione have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the city view available here.