Gallery Hotel Art in Florence: A Truly Unique Experience in Italy’s First Design Hotel
Ever since I visited in 2008, Florence has long been one of my favorite cities in the world. Even after all the travel I’ve been able to do around Europe and Asia, it still remains among my top picks. From Michelangelo to Da Vinci, Florence has had a long relationship with great art dating back its role in the Renaissance. Today that culture extends to the Gallery Hotel Art, Italy’s first design hotel.
I was pleased to be able to learn more about the Gallery Hotel Art since I never had a chance to stay overnight in Florence on my first visit I just love how unique this particular place is. Designed by Michele Bönan in 1999, the luxury hotel celebrates contemporary art and creates a unique experience for its guests.
Near Lungarno Acciaioli and Ponte Vecchio, each room is filled with its own artwork, and each suite boasts gorgeous views of the city. The hotel also utilizes turquoise glass, linen, cashmere, Asian wood, and Tuscan stone to create an even more luxurious environment.
Guests can also enjoy actual modern art galleries ever-changing exhibits both inside and outside the hotel.
Outside in the Vicolo Dell’Oro square is the bright red “Wow. The Windmill for Energy” exhibit by Simone D’Auria. It’s meant to help bring awareness towards our need for sustainable energy.
Inside is Simone D’Auria’s “A Retrospective” exhibit. It looks into the artist’s work through twelve photographs he made in collaboration with Leica. The gallery is designed with quirky sculptures and maintains D’Auria’s upbeat red aesthetic to compliment the photos.
This is such an interesting hotel, and I’m glad I was able to learn more about it. I personally have it bookmarked for when I get a chance to visit Florence again. I can’t wait to go back and spend more than an afternoon this time around. I just love the idea of staying in a hotel that celebrates art within a city that has produced some of the most prolific artists throughout history!
What do you think? What are some unique hotels you’ve been able to visit?
Disclosure: This post was in collaboration with Lungarno Collection.
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my current favorites
I’m always grateful when friends and family as for ways to support. Really I’m just happy people are getting use out of my love of travel. But if you do want to support, here are my current favorites! Most links are affiliate and I make a small commission if you shop through them.
SUMMER MUSTS
- Caudalie Beauty Elixir– favorite face mist for hot weather. spray then fan
- Trader Joes Sunscreen Lip Balm – nicest for lip sunscreen and no cast
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun – best sunscreen for face; feels like cream.
- Wegmans Sport Sunscreen – favorite for working out outside
- Nuun Hydration Tablets – good for electrolyte loss from sweat
- Innisfree Primer – combats shiny forehead the best!!
- Black Sunnies – the same pair i’ve worn for like 10 years now
- Teva Midform Infinity Sandals – cutest and most comfortable travel sandals!!
TRAVEL
- Booking – for hotels in Europe & North America
- Agoda – for hotels in Asia
- Get Your Guide – tours in Europe & North America
- Klook – tours in Asia
- Away – for luggage. I’ve tried a lot of different luggage brands but this one is the most reliable I’ve found!! I need to get my original one (from 2016) fixed before I can use again.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – preferred travel credit card (combine with Freedom Unlimited to maximize points)
- Sony Alpha 7 IV – current camera!
- Sony 24mm Lens – current lens because it’s so small and compact.
BOOKS
- Bookshop – for buying physical books or finding local bookstores
- Kindle Paperwhite – when traveling & to connect to Libby; I’d had mine since 2018!
- Libby – how to use your library for e-books and audiobooks!!
BEAUTY & SKINCARE
- PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar – face wash when traveling, less liquid!
- La Roche Posay Double Moisturizer – favorite face cream for travel
- La Roche Posay Cicaplast – use in winter for extra protection.
- Lisa Eldridge Foundation – smoothest, lightest full coverage
- Ilia Concealer – nicest spot concealer
- Glossier Boy Brow – go-to for…10 years!
- Glossier Cloud Paint – favorite for blush
- Chanel Le Vernis – i hate it but this is, in fact, the best nail polish
- Secret Clear Deodorant – no marks, works, & isn’t a liquid!
HAIR
- Head and Shoulders Classic – only thing that works for dandruff on me
- L’Oreal Clarifying Shampoo – use 1x week for build or after swimming
- Tsubaki Hair Mask – favorite for occasional conditioner
- Dae Stargloss Shine – for when my hair needs some deep TLC
- Conair Infiniti Wet-to-Dry – Dyson Airwrap alternative, works really well.
- Innisfree Hair Serum – favorite finish on my hair
CLOTHING BRANDS
- Naadam – quality midrange cashmere
- Guest in Residence – truly high quality cashmere
- Doen – very pretty, unique pieces
- Damson Madder – quirky, feminine pieces
- JCrew – good for cotton and linen finds
- Madewell – excellent for leather shoes (and cotton/linen)
- Old Navy – good for basics and athleisure
- Popflex – most flattering workout leggings
- Lululemon – best sports bra support & quality leggings/shorts
- Michael Kors – very good for leather goods; I still own everything I bought back in college when I worked there!!
- HOKA – favorite all white running and workout sneakers