The St. Regis Florence

We picked the St. Regis for an anniversary dinner, and it made the occasion feel memorable. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere refined, in a truly breathtaking setting. Everything we ate was excellent, but the dessert especially stayed with me. With the ambiance at 10/10, it was a lovely way to celebrate. 💫

The River View Suite has character. Its classical arches and large murals bring out the feel of a historic Florentine palazzo, and the design clearly avoids feeling generic. I appreciated that the hotel included breakfast during my stay. Still, the atmosphere across the property felt so subdued that it was almost lifeless. For a hotel of this stature, I expected some quiet energy or social rhythm, and that was missing. The service was polished in a technical sense, but not always tuned to the moment. At breakfast, the host’s approach to seating and managing the counter felt theoretical and structured, while the waiter was at the other extreme, loud and overly stimulating for the morning. The overall effect felt choreographed rather than natural. I wasn’t uncomfortable, but the balance was off. The breakfast room is striking, though the food seemed average for the hotel’s standing, and the price didn’t match what was served. At the bar, I had a Caesar salad, a small fried mozzarella sandwich that was noticeably oily, and a brownie. With no drinks apart from water, the bill was 85 euros. The cooking was plain and unremarkable, with none of the detail, texture, or presentation I’d expect at this level. The hotel looks impressive, especially the suite, but the warmth and awareness that make luxury service memorable felt inconsistent. The execution may be polished, but the hospitality didn’t always feel instinctive or balanced.

My bag disappeared on the train with my passport, cards, and personal things inside, and I was panicking about police reports and the U.S. Embassy. I assumed the worst. Instead, after I told the front desk at check-in, they calmly connected me with their concierge, Francesco. With persistence and real care, Francesco Casini tracked the bag down while the train was still heading north, arranged to retrieve it, and got it safely back to me that very day. Everything was still inside. Thanks to him, I didn’t lose a day in Florence or something irreplaceable. The experience restored my faith in people as well as hospitality. That’s five-star service to me: empathy, taking responsibility, and acting when it counts. The St. Regis Florence will always mean a lot to me.

Breakfast was a highlight, thanks to Valeria, whose energy and thoughtfulness made each morning start well. Ask for the Valeria juice, it’s incredible! Sara and Petia at the front desk were gracious, attentive, and always glad to help. And a special thank you to Lucrezia and Gabriella from the Butler Team. Their warmth and care for the little details made us feel completely at home, and gave us moments we won’t forget. This was our first time at this St. Regis property, and the stay exceeded what we expected. We were celebrating a special moment, and the team made it feel meaningful in all sorts of small and big ways. The service throughout was heartfelt and personal, beyond the usual luxury experience. We’re leaving Florence with wonderful memories and so much gratitude. It feels like a home away from home, and we can’t wait to return. Thank you to everyone who made it unforgettable.