It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting than Florence at any time of the year, bustling with its Renaissance energy, golden hour light and the dotting of that eye-catching Aperol-orange around every corner. And when you’re checking into Hotel Regency, sleeping just a passeggiata away from the flocks of tourists in the city’s art-stuffed centre, it’s easy to feel like you’ve landed the best ticket in town.
Set the scene…
Understated opulence is the crucial phrase when describing Hotel Regency. From the moment you cross the marble threshold, there is no doubt that an old-world elegance lies within these walls. Designed with all the warmth and charm of a private home, from the deep velvet red sitting room to the old wooden bar and hidden courtyard, the hotel offers enough space to feel luxurious without feeling overwhelming or overly indulgent.
Tell us about the rooms…
The hotel rooms are spread across two buildings, centred around the sun-soaked courtyard — and where there is slightly less centrality in the Regency’s location, it allows for much more space. I’m shown to their newest top floor suite after sipping a Negroni at dusk, accompanied by swallow-song and the bubbling of a nearby fountain.
In between the antique-style Tuscan furniture and the modern bathrooms, the bedrooms of the Regency exude total comfort without losing any sense of Florentine authenticity. The heirloom writers’ desk, in particular, catches my eye, as well as what might be the dreamiest king bed in the whole city. And whilst guests might feel like they’ve landed themselves in a private suburb of Florence, the centre of town is only a 10-minute stroll away, making dinner options from the city and the hotel’s restaurant both easily available.
Style points?
Everything has been thought of, from the welcoming plate of macaroons to the scent of the hotel, a nod to the artisanal noses at Aquaflor Firenze who handcraft the Regency’s signature fragrance. In the morning, opening my draped curtains, I savour my coffee and succo d’arancia under the sheets overlooking the garden while basking in Florence’s morning light.
All too soon, it’s time to check out, and as I descend the ornate staircase, I’m comforted by the thought that you’ll find another perfect little corner of the Regency every time you return — a new gem to fall in love with, an unsampled drink from their extensive bar or a different piece of art to admire. I’m particularly taken by the old dial-up phone sitting next to the lush sofas in the former drawing room, which is now the reception area. What was once a normal household item, has become somewhat of a centrepiece relic.
Anything else to note?
On departure, I make note of how much I adore the Regency’s scent to Viviana, the hotel’s Director of Sales & Marketing. It reminds me of a dear friend’s perfume that I can never seem to find. Within moments, I am being whisked away in a taxi on one last stop — a private tour has been organised for me at the heavenly AquaFlor. It’s just that kind of thoughtful touch that keeps Hotel Regency in the hearts of all those who visit.
Latest stories
Considerate by nature
There is something oh-so-rewarding about falling for a boutique hotel that does its bit to save the world. That’s why I’ve made it my North Star to signpost travellers to greener getaways that pay it forward. Luckily, SLH’s Considerate Collection pulls this off with considerable aplomb, with a star lineup
From coast to coast: our top boutique stays for May
This month, we’re dreaming of far-flung destinations where sun, sea, and culture come together. We begin with Key West, an island off the coast of Florida at the southernmost point of the US, known for its natural beauty, excellent diving, and distinctive Victorian-era architecture. We then move on to a
Independent Minds: Daniel Shamoon
When your calling is to create the most sought-after boutique destinations on the globe, how do you define what makes a luxury hotel truly exceptional? Off the back of his major renovation of Hermitage Bay, a nature-immersed Caribbean escape on Antigua’s golden west coast, SLH co-owner Daniel Shamoon delves into
A wellness-boosting itinerary through Portugal: from the Algarve to Alentejo
Beyond the Algarve’s beach umbrellas and Lisbon’s tiled alleys lies a version of Portugal where nature leads and wellbeing follows. These wilder corners offer stillness, slowness and something that’s increasingly sought-after by today’s travellers — a deep and meaningful connection to nature.
