Continentale

The Hotel Continentale in Florence, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently garners high praise for its chic design, prime location, and exceptional service. It's often described as a romantic and stylish retreat, offering a refreshing contemporary aesthetic amidst Florence's historic charm.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Continentale is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "wonderful." It is celebrated for its modern and vibrant atmosphere, standing out as a "breath of fresh air" compared to more traditional Florentine accommodations. The hotel has a high comfort rating of 9.5 and a staff rating of 9.7, indicating a very satisfying guest experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Continentale:

• Design & Vibe: The hotel is a "seriously stylish place," showcasing mid-century Italian glamour with a crisp, elegant interior design predominantly featuring a clean, white tonal color palette. Florentine architect Michele Bönan took inspiration from the optimistic Dolce Vita spirit of the 1950s and 60s, incorporating authentic and eclectic furnishings, along with splashes of pink, green, and lemon. Black and white fashion photographs from the 50s and 60s also adorn the walls, maintaining a vintage feel.
• Location: Its location is consistently highlighted as superb and central, situated at the foot of the Ponte Vecchio, directly overlooking the Arno River. This allows for breathtaking views and incredibly convenient access to major attractions like the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, and high-end fashion boutiques.
• Amenities: The "Sky Lounge Terrace," or La Terrazza rooftop bar, is considered the crowning jewel of the hotel, offering splendid views of the Arno, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's bell tower, and the city, especially at sunset. The White Iris Beauty Spa by Comfort Zone provides a range of services including massages and treatments. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
• Service: The friendly, professional, and accommodating staff are frequently mentioned as a significant highlight. The hotel prioritizes service over design, with staff often hired from outside the hospitality industry and trained to Lungarno's exacting standards.

3. Room Quality

The 43 rooms and suites are described as airy, beautiful, and comfortable. They follow a pure, light, and white-on-white theme with sheer-draped beds, light wood furniture, oak floors, and flowing curtains. Furnishings are authentic and eclectic, with custom-made trunk-style desks and captivating photographic images on the walls. Many rooms offer splendid views of the Arno River, the rooftops of Florence, or the Ponte Vecchio. Bathrooms are equally impressive, featuring Salvatore Ferragamo amenities and powerful showers. Deluxe rooms and suites may include Lavazza coffee makers and Technogym weight racks.

4. Dining Experience

While the Continentale does not have a full restaurant, it offers a "plentiful and delicious" breakfast, often served either in a breakfast room or via room service. Some guests noted the breakfast was served across a lane but remained convenient. The rooftop bar, La Terrazza, provides a unique backdrop for a sumptuous breakfast or delightful cocktails. Room service is also available from the neighboring Gallery Hotel Art, another Lungarno Collection property.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Continentale consistently receive exceptional feedback, with a high rating of 9.7 for staff performance. Guests describe them as professional, accommodating, helpful, and exceptionally charming. They are noted for going "above and beyond" to ensure a memorable stay and for being well-groomed, courteous, and refined. Privacy and courtesy are emphasized, and the staff are trained to high standards.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is considered ideal, being "totally central" at the foot of the Ponte Vecchio and overlooking the Arno River. It is a short walk from the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Pitti Palace, and numerous high-end fashion boutiques on Via Tornabuoni. The hotel is also within walking distance of Florence's main train station, Santa Maria Novella, making it easily accessible by train. Florence Airport (Peretola) is about a 20-minute drive away, with taxi and bus options available. Valet parking is offered for guests arriving by car, though it's important to be aware of Florence's restricted central zone (ZTL).

7. Value & Pricing

The Continentale is positioned as a four-star luxury boutique hotel. While Florence can be a pricey city, the entry-level rooms at Continentale are considered a "great value" for travelers seeking style that exceeds their budget. Typical prices for a standard room can range from approximately $344 to $696 USD, with suites ranging from $844 to $1,563 USD. However, some sources indicate an average price of around $678 per room, suggesting that while it offers luxury, it can be a surprisingly affordable option compared to other high-end establishments in the city. The cheapest month to stay is typically August, while September is usually the most expensive.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of feedback can be inferred:

• No full restaurant on-site: The hotel primarily serves breakfast, with other meals available via room service from a sister hotel or by dining at nearby establishments.
• Room size: Rooms are described as comfortable, "if not enormous," which is a common characteristic for hotels in historic European cities like Florence. Standard bedrooms are sometimes noted as small but cleverly laid out.
• Breakfast location: Some guests noted that breakfast was served "across the lane," though it was still considered convenient.
• Rooftop Bar Reservations: The popularity of La Terrazza means the hotel team recommends booking reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.
• No gym: One review noted the hotel does not have a gym, though suggested that walking Florence would be the primary form of exercise. However, another source indicates a fitness area with a gym and sauna. This might indicate a small fitness area rather than a full gym.The Hotel Continentale in Florence, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently celebrated for its unique blend of contemporary style, prime location, and exceptional service. It's frequently described as a romantic and vibrant haven amidst the historical grandeur of Florence.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Hotel Continentale enjoys an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with many guests rating it as "wonderful" and highlighting its "modern and vibrant atmosphere" as a refreshing departure from traditional Florentine hotels. The hotel boasts high scores for comfort (9.5) and staff performance (9.7), reflecting a very satisfying guest experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the following aspects of the Continentale:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel exudes "mid-century Italian glamour" with an elegant and crisp interior design, predominantly featuring a clean, white tonal color palette accented by light wood and leather. Architect Michele Bönan drew inspiration from the optimistic Dolce Vita era of the 1950s and 60s, incorporating authentic, eclectic furnishings and touches of pink, green, and lemon. Black and white fashion photographs from the period further enhance the vintage feel.
• Location: Its "superb" and "totally central" location is a major draw, nestled at the foot of the Ponte Vecchio with captivating views of the Arno River. This offers unparalleled accessibility to iconic attractions such as the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, and high-end fashion boutiques.
• Amenities: The "Sky Lounge Terrace," or La Terrazza rooftop bar, is a standout feature, offering "splendid views" of the Arno, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's bell tower, and the city, particularly at sunset. The White Iris Beauty Spa by Comfort Zone provides a range of relaxation and beauty treatments. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property.
• Service: The friendly, professional, and accommodating staff are a recurring highlight, often cited for their exceptional hospitality. The hotel emphasizes service, with staff trained to high standards to ensure privacy and courtesy.

3. Room Quality

The 43 rooms and suites are described as "airy," "beautiful," and "comfortable." They adhere to a light and white-on-white aesthetic, featuring sheer-draped beds, light wood furniture, oak floors, and flowing curtains. Thoughtful design elements include custom-made trunk-style desks and captivating photographic artwork. Many rooms offer "unrestricted views" of the Arno River, the rooftops of Florence, or the Ponte Vecchio. The well-appointed bathrooms include luxurious Salvatore Ferragamo amenities and boast powerful showers. Higher-category rooms like Deluxe and Junior Suites may also feature Lavazza coffee makers and Technogym weight racks.

4. Dining Experience

The Hotel Continentale primarily focuses on breakfast, which is consistently described as "plentiful and delicious." While some guests noted it was served across a lane, it remained a convenient and enjoyable experience. The La Terrazza rooftop bar provides a "unique backdrop" for breakfast or delightful cocktails. For other meals, guests can utilize room service, which is provided by the neighboring Gallery Hotel Art, another property within the Lungarno Collection.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Continentale receives outstanding feedback, with a high rating of 9.7 for their performance. Guests frequently commend their professionalism, helpfulness, and accommodating nature, often highlighting their genuine kindness and refinement. The hotel prioritizes "privacy and courtesy," with staff undergoing specific training to meet Lungarno Collection's high standards.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is considered "ideal" and "incredibly convenient," situated directly on the Arno River at the foot of the Ponte Vecchio. This central position places guests within minutes of major Florentine landmarks such as the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, and the Pitti Palace, as well as renowned shopping streets. Florence's main train station, Santa Maria Novella, is within walking distance, offering easy connections to other Italian cities. Florence Airport (Peretola) is approximately a 20-minute drive, accessible by taxi or bus. For guests arriving by car, valet parking is available, though awareness of Florence's restricted traffic zones (ZTL) is advised.

7. Value & Pricing

As a four-star, Michelin Key Selected boutique hotel, the Continentale offers a luxurious experience. While Florence can be expensive, the hotel is often considered a "great value" for its style and amenities, especially for its entry-level rooms. Standard room rates typically range from approximately $344 to $696 USD, while suites can range from $844 to $1,563 USD. Some sources indicate an average room price of around $678, suggesting it can offer a competitive option within the luxury segment. Pricing tends to be lower in August and higher in September.

8. Common Complaints

While highly praised, some minor points of feedback or limitations have been noted:

• Limited on-site dining: The absence of a full-service restaurant means guests rely on the breakfast service, room service from a sister property, or dining out.
• Room size: While comfortable and well-designed, some standard rooms might be perceived as compact, which is common for hotels in historic European city centers.
• Rooftop bar popularity: Due to the popularity of La Terrazza, making reservations in advance is recommended to secure a spot.
• Fitness facilities: While one source mentions a fitness area with a gym and sauna, another explicitly states the hotel "does not have a gym," suggesting that fitness facilities might be modest or vary depending on the specific room category or sister property access.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. thecriticsguide.com
3. booking.com
4. fathomaway.com
5. travelplusstyle.com
6. michelin.com
7. agoda.com
8. travelweekly.com
9. expedia.com
10. kayak.com
11. mrandmrssmith.com
12. lungarnocollection.com