The Ponte Vecchio, with its storied history and jumble of shops, is undoubtedly one of Florence’s key tourist attractions. While most visitors join the throngs on the banks of River Arno to view and photograph the medieval stone bridge, there is a better way to enjoy the view: from your own private vantage point at Hotel Lungarno.

Perched on the south bank of the Arno, Hotel Lungarno is situated in the city’s vibrant Oltrarno neighbourhood, surrounded by a mix of boutiques, shops filled with souvenirs and antiques, cafés, restaurants, bars and gelatarias. And while the luxury hotel offers unrivalled views of the river, bridge and even the Duomo in the distance, its sophisticated interiors have been designed with a distinctly vintage feel, making them just as striking as the hotel’s historic surrounds.

For more than 50 years, the hotel has been a firm favourite of stylish travellers thanks to its charming 16th century architecture, much of which survived bombing during World War II. In 1995, it was acquired by the Ferragamo family, and became the first gem in their Lungarno collection of hotels around the Arno. The fashion dynasty renovated the hotel in 2017, with the modern Hotel Lungarno infusing a sleek modernism into its old-world charm.

In its current guise, Hotel Lungarno’s 63 luxury rooms and suites, including two executive floors for larger groups, are designed by celebrated Florentine architect and interior designer Michele Bonan. Each is crafted to resemble a cosy residence, with nautical themes throughout paying homage to the hotel’s riverside location. Think pale blue walls with cream accents, blue and white striped carpeting, and curtains trimmed with sailing prints lining the common areas.

While the overarching maritime theme could easily veer towards tacky, Bonan offsets it with decidedly fashionable touches, including plush furnishings and antiques. Then there’s the hotel’s impressive art, one of the largest privately owned collections of 20th century art, that adds an elegant touch. Take, for example, the series of drawings and prints by historic Italian artists hung throughout the hotel alongside retro fashion sketches.

40 rooms boast stunning river views from Juliet balconies, but the best rooms are inarguably the ones with vast terraces on the river, perfect for a morning caffè as you watch the sun rise over Florence. In-room amenities include Nespresso machines for the aforementioned coffee, alongside Bose speakers and mini iPads. Gleaming marble surfaces and warm tones grace the sleek bathrooms which are equipped with (what else?) signature Ferragamo toiletries.

Marrying modern design flourishes with antique touches, Hotel Lungarno toes the line between an elegant townhouse and stately museum. Take for example, the Picteau Bar. A host of Picassos and Cocteaus grace the walls inside the cocktail bar and bistro, while an outdoor section floats above the water with spectacular views of the river. In the kitchen, Michelin-starred chef Claudio Mengoni whips up light Tuscan and Mediterranean fare for a quick bite; highlights include a moreish burrata ravioli with pumpkin cream and a hearty dash of black truffle and the herb-marinated beef carpaccio. The bar’s talented mixologists can recommend a great post-dinner digestif or whip up a decadent vintage cocktail, such as a classic Manhattan made with 1980 Four Roses bourbon and 1970 Carpano Punt&Mes Vermouth.

For more upscale dining, head to the hotel’s Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo. Boasting a Michelin star, the romantic venue overlooks the Ponte Vecchio and offers Tuscan classics with creative twists. Chef Claudio Mengoni uses fresh seasonal ingredients to craft two innovative tasting menus while sommelier Salvatore Biscotti makes for a trusty guide through the 900 plus labels on the wine list.

The hotel’s local and well-informed staff are highly professional and can curate wonderful exclusive experiences should you wish to explore the city in style. Ferragamo-family perks also mean free access to the Ferragamo museum across the street and a discount at the Italian brand’s boutiques.

Whether you spend your days exploring Florence’s cultural sites or lounging under the Tuscan sun on the warm honey-hued terraces, Hotel Lungarno offers every modern comfort imaginable within its charming, old-world spaces. In fact, you arguably couldn’t ask for a more quintessentially Florentine experience.

Rooms from £486 per night, visit lungarnocollection.com

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