During our time in Florence, we stayed at the Westin Excelsior Florence. We also stayed there during our trip to Italy in 2007 and had absolutely loved the beautiful suite we had for three glorious days.
And while we didn’t have a suite this time, our room, as well as the hotel in general, is in a really great location, the rooms are amazing and the views of the Arno river are gorgeous.
Would you agree?
Since the last time we stayed, they have opened up the rooftop with a bar and restaurant. It is one of the best places to see sunsets in the city and it is a popular location for tourists and locals.
Our first evening after misadventures flying to Italy, we went to the roof to have a glass of champagne to celebrate our arrival. After our journey, we felt we deserved it and it was a great way to kick off our vacation!
Like all apéro in Italy, drinks come with small snacks which are perfect for a pre-dinner snack!
Despite the fact that it was overcast and grey, it was warm enough to enjoy the view and the clouds made it super dramatic!
Over the week we went at various times to capture different sides of the roof in the various different light.
We enjoyed apéro there several evenings and on our last afternoon we took a rest there as well, that is actually the perfect time to go to get photos of the city as there aren’t too many people (but do make sure you check out at least one sunset there).
Mr. Misadventures had a ball trying to catch different angles from the buildings in Florence.
While I held down the fort enjoying drinks!
I have said it many, many times. Mr. Misadventures are long-time members of Starwood Hotels SPG Program and have enjoyed nights in amazing hotels all over the world from the far corners of Moorea, to Japan, to Italy and always in Paris. The Westin Excelsior Florence is located at 3Piazza Ognissanti. Interestingly enough, the hotel is directly across the courtyard from The St. Regis. Photographer Kirsten Alana of Aviators and a Camera stayed in both properties and you can see more detailed photos of the Westin and the St. Regis in her post about her trip.
Things to do in Florence
- Want an excellent itinerary for 3 days in Florence? Check out my friend Laura of The External Expats post.
- Eat your way through Florence with this Foodie Tour.
- My favorite place for an afternoon snack in Florence, Procacci.
- My favorite restaurant in Florence, Obica Mozzarella.
- While you are staying in Florence, adventure out into the Tuscan countryside and do a 1-day road trip.
- My friend Katie did an amazing farm tour, wining and dining in the Tuscan countryside.
- Florence is SO photogenic, so here are more Florence scenes.
How about you? Have you returned to a hotel you really like? Do you have a favorite rooftop terrace?
Like it? PIN it!
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June 4, 2015
Beautiful! I didn’t catch views like that the whole time I was in Florence.
June 15, 2015
@Katie, bummer, a good reason to go back!
June 4, 2015
I’ve never done the rooftop terrace thing which makes me sad. Florence looks AH-MAZING too and the perfect place for it!
June 15, 2015
@Amanda, aren’t you in Sydney? They must have rooftop restaurants or bars there!
June 4, 2015
What divine views from the rooftop! I loved Florence when I visited (a few years ago now) but I cannot wait to return, and I’ll be keeping the Westin in mind for our accommodation for sure! Thanks Andi 🙂
June 15, 2015
@Amy, it is a great property, we walked conveniently from everywhere and enjoyed our stay immensely!
June 5, 2015
We stayed there for an anniversary years ago, in either 2006 or 2007. We also had a suite, as loyal SPG Platinum members, and our suite had a balcony overlooking the river. I swear I have a very similar photo of prosecco glasses out on the balcony.
June 15, 2015
@Amber, we stayed in 2007 as well and had a great suite, but not looking at the river, this time we had a view of the river, SPG rocks!
June 5, 2015
That sounds like such a lovely place to stay! Florence is definitely one of those places on my bucket list that I hope to get to someday.
June 15, 2015
@Robin, it is lovely and I highly recommend it if you do get to mark Florence off of your bucket list!
June 5, 2015
My heart literally skipped looking at the photos they are so beautiful. I loved, loved, loved Florence the one time I’ve been and this location and property looks amazing. I’m also a fan of Starwood properties, and not just because I can get friends and family rates 😉 That picture of you on the rooftop terrace is amazing, you need to frame it just to reflect back on that moment. It looks like bliss.
June 14, 2015
@Tamara, SPG has been amazingly good to us over the years, nothing but good times!
June 5, 2015
OMG, what a view! I’ve always wanted to see Italy! If I ever get there, I’m staying at the Excelsior!
June 14, 2015
@Stacie, you’ll love it!
June 5, 2015
Italy is on my list, desire is there, time has not been, but when I get there it sounds like The Excelsior is the place to stay! Your photos are beautiful! 🙂
June 14, 2015
@Tracy, it most definitely is – great location, great staff, great roof!
June 5, 2015
The only thing more high end than that hotel is the view! What a gorgeous place!
June 14, 2015
@Melissa, agree! Times two!
June 5, 2015
Those pictures are so beautiful! When my kids were little, we went to a hotel several times in Ocean City, MD because it was so family friendly.
June 14, 2015
@Christy, that is sometimes hard to find, hotels that cater to kids and pets, when you find a good one, stick with it!
June 5, 2015
Florence holds my heart. It was my fav destination when I toured Italy. The photos you captured were absolutely breathtaking.
June 14, 2015
@Cia, glad that I could help you relive fond memories!
June 5, 2015
Whata beautiful place and that voew is just gorgeous! We have never been there yet but hopefully someday we can.
June 14, 2015
@Chubskulit, it is amazing, hope you get there too!
June 5, 2015
This post is SO making me want to go to Italy! It is on my bucket list of destinations i’d like to travel to.
I am a Hilton Honor’s member and feel that I am never disappointed whenever I stay at a Hilton 🙂
June 14, 2015
@Winter, it is great when you feel like you are taken care of by the program that you have invested a lot of time and money in. What has been your favorite Hilton stay or memory?
June 15, 2015
Hands down the Hilton in Japan! The service, amenities, and beds were incredible.
June 15, 2015
@Winter, Japan is AMAZING for hotels! They really know how to make a guest feel like a king!
June 5, 2015
Gosh – what a memory maker. Loving your photos and that Hotel Westin Excelsior looks like a place for us to visit to be sure! I am so want to be there!
June 14, 2015
@Donna, thanks it really was very memorable!
June 5, 2015
We typically stay in a certain chain of hotel. It has been a while since we have gone on vacation. I would enjoy staying in a terrace or rooftop suite. The views would be amazing.
June 14, 2015
@Christy, it is good to be loyal to a particular chain, I hope it has a loyalty program so that you can take advantage of perks when you do stay.
June 5, 2015
This looks like an amazing trip and so beautiful. I love to eat on the rooftop. Here in Ottawa we have a few really nice rooftop restaurants.
June 14, 2015
@Ann, I didn’t think much of them before this trip, but my mind has definitely been changed!
June 6, 2015
I’ve gone to a hotel a few times and will keep going back! When I like one I enjoy and keep going back. No roof. Tip terrace though. This looks lovely!
June 14, 2015
@Jeanine, I am the same way, there is always a need to replicate good times!
June 6, 2015
What an amazingly gorgeous view!! I haven’t been to a rooftop terrace mainly because of my fear of heights but I think the glass of wine you had might help to quell my fears just so I could take in that view.
June 14, 2015
@Nicole, ha-ha I hear ya! If it is any consolation, the building isn’t very tall!
June 6, 2015
Oh my goodness, the Westin Excelsior in Florence is absolutely gorgeous! I love the photos that you took!
June 14, 2015
@Carly, thanks, glad they could inspire you!
June 6, 2015
Wow! What a beautiful place to stay. I really love those photos. I have never stayed at a place that looked that nice. Thanks for sharing your experience.
June 14, 2015
@Bonnie, it is beautiful, hope you get to stay in an equally beautiful hotel in the future!
June 6, 2015
What an amazing view and experience! I have always wanted to travel, this is definitely on my bucket list now.
June 14, 2015
@Jessica, it is a good choice, Florence is a wonderful place to visit – art, music, history, food, something for everyone!
June 6, 2015
WOW! What an absolutely gorgeous view. I’ve never been on a rooftop terrace before but your post makes me realize I need to!
June 14, 2015
@Christi, find one quick!
June 7, 2015
What an incredible view! This looks like it would be a wonderful place to stay!!
June 14, 2015
@Michelle, it is, tons of history, great location, awesome roof!
June 7, 2015
The views are undeniably gorgeous. Visiting Florence is on my dream vacation list. I hope we get to visit it someday.
June 14, 2015
@Lynndee, I hope you get there as well, it is such an amazing city!
June 7, 2015
I so want to visit Florence one day its on my bucketlist the view is spectacular. I do not have a fav hotel to stay at yet
June 14, 2015
@Miranda, an excellent choice, the city has so much to offer!
June 7, 2015
Wow! What a gorgeous view of sch an iconic city. I have never been to Florence but would absolutely love to go.
June 14, 2015
@Kelly, it is a great walking city and the people are incredibly friendly!
June 7, 2015
I love The Westin in general and the one in Florence is just gorgeous!!! I will make it there one day!!
June 14, 2015
@Ricci, I agree, I have stayed in some amazing Westins.
June 7, 2015
Wow, the view from your room was amazing! I would have been tempted to stay in, drink wine and admire the view.
June 14, 2015
@Paula, oh we did that at least one night! How could we resist?
June 7, 2015
That is amazing and honestly, loving the rain like I do, I would have loved the grey and overcast weather!
June 14, 2015
@Sharon, you and me both, I love the rain so it didn’t bother me!
June 7, 2015
I would LOVE to stay in this hotel in Florence. I love Starwood properties. My stepmom used to work for them, so we stayed at a few and of course loved every one of them.
June 14, 2015
@Jenna, I have stayed in some amazing properties over the decades, they are the best loyalty program out there in my opinion!
June 7, 2015
OMG what breath taking photos!!! I would absolutely love to make it to Florence one day! Definitely on my travel bucket list
June 14, 2015
@Courtney, keep it on that list, you must go there some day!
June 8, 2015
It looks like you had an amazing time. The views are just gorgeous. I have never stayed in a hotel like this but maybe some day I can. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous pictures.
June 14, 2015
@Rebecca, thanks, it is a magical place and I feel blessed to have been able to experience it!
June 14, 2015
jacob’s been a long time member of hilton since he always stayed with HH during business trips, while i definitely prefer SPG. 🙂 these are such pretty views of florence. We need to make it out to that side of Italy one day.
June 14, 2015
@Esther, for sure! Florence is so wonderful and such a walking town!