Coffee with Fabio from Hotel L’Orologio, Florence

The capital of Italy’s infamous Tuscany, Florence hosts many iconic masterpieces. From Renaissance art to spectacular architectural works like the Duomo. The city bustles with artistry and craft, culture and science, set amongst the enchanting rolling hills. We speak with Fabio, concierge at one of our favourite hotels in Florence, Hotel L’Orologio, about the must do 24 hours in the city!​ 

Tell us about Hotel L’Orologio, Florence

The Orologio hotel is the ideal location to choose in order to explore Florence due to the position and the comfort of our facilities. We can offer either superior rooms or deluxe and Junior suites that allow guests to enjoy a breath-taking views of the Santa Mari Novella Cathedral and Square. The Orologio displays an enthusiastic bar called Bar de L’O where neighbours and locals love to pop in and enjoy the famous “aperitivo”. While the history of the Palace is dated back into the sixteenth century, each floor is dedicated to a prestigious watch brand such as Rolex, Vacheron-Constantin and Patek Philip and therefore each room is then dedicated to a specific model. You can feel the sensation of staying in a historical palace that blends and puts together an elegant and contemporary style at the same time.

What’s the perfect 24hour in your city ?

The breakfast that you can enjoy from our roof terrace lounge on the 4th floor overlooking Santa Maria Novella Square is the best way to start your day, inspiring you every morning to go out and explore!

First stop is the nearby “Officina del Profumo of Santa Maria Novella” located at only two minutes’ walk from the Hotel L’Orologio, where the Dominican friars during the 13th century started to cultivate and prepare medicines and herbs for the infirmary of the monastery. Besides visiting this historical laboratory, you will be able to purchase items such as herbs, soaps, essences perfumes that are an emblem of Florence.

Five minutes walking distance from the Officina you can then reach one of the most important palaces of our city, the “Palazzo Medici Riccardi” located in Via Cavour, the so-called San Lorenzo district. The Palace was built as the first residence of the Medici family and has been the workplace of Michelangelo, Donatello, Botticelli and Benozzo Gozzoli. Nowadays it hosts periodic exhibitions as well as the very precious artwork that by itself is worth the visit – “The procession of the Magi “masterfully frescoed by Benozzo Gozzoli that portrays the Medici family and illustrious personalities.

It’s lunch time and why not head into our wonderful “Mercato Centrale” the central food market that is only five minutes walking distance from the Palazzo Medici. Do not worry, you don’t need a reservation here, but get ready to taste some incredible street food. It’s your chance to taste one of our traditional “Paninos” or sandwiches made of our local bread that can be filled of any delicacy of our territory. The right place to do this is “Nerbone” located on the ground floor of the Market; a place where it is better to be on spot by noon or half past otherwise you will be standing in line for quite some time.

Right after the gourmet experience in the food market I suggest making a visit in one of the most fascinating museums of Florence, “Museo dell’Opera“, just behind the Brunelleschi Dome. You can purchase your ticket online ahead of time on the official website: www.duomo.firenze.it. It is important to know that this ticket will allow you to explore all the monuments and sites of the Duomo that are on the square for 48 hours from when you initially enter. Why should you visit this Museum? Three very important masterpieces are worth the visit, as well as a life size model of the Cathedral, the Original Gate of Paradise of Ghiberti that has been completely restored. These were the original doors facing the Duomo and can now be admired in all their incredible brightness. At last an incredible wooden sculpture the Donatello’s Penitent Saint Mary Magdalene.

It’s time for a break and to relax. Return to the Hotel L’Orologio to enjoy our wonderful aperitive in our Bar de L’O. We start it every day at 6PM and our bartenders will be glad to serve you a fresh drink, glass of wine or a cocktail in order to get ready for dinner time.

Florence has so many choices for dinner. The end of a perfect day means having the opportunity to taste the best we have to offer from our Tuscany cuisine. Book ahead of time so as not to miss the out at 13 Gobbi, located just at a five-minute walk from Hotel L’Orologio. You can finally end the day in a more than unique environment, immersed in a rustic and family atmosphere, the 13 Gobbi is furnished with particular attention to history and regional tradition.

Visit Florence on our suggested Florence itinerary, or as part of one of our Small Group Tours including Tuscan Villages or Highlights of Italy, North.

 

Fabio Menta, Les Clefs d’Or Italia Concierge, Hotel L’Orologio, Florence	xx	What is Les Clefs d’Or Italia? Fabio Menta is a member of Les Clefs d’Or Italia (aka the International Union of Hotel Concierges “The Golden Keys”), which was founded in Paris in 1952. Les Clefs d’Or is an association of professional hotel Concierges that aims to help improve and maintain the quality of service provided by concierge staff across hotels worldwide. You can recognize Clefs d’Or Concierges by the keys displayed  on the lapels of their uniforms. These crossed golden keys are more than just the symbol of the association; they are the symbol of guaranteed quality service. While encouraging friendship and solidarity among its members, Les Clefs d’Or also teaches members to continually improve their professional abilities. It is the very solidarity of its members that gives Les Clefs d’Or great power on an international scale and allows its members to accomplish the impossible for their hotel guests: In Service Through Friendship.

 

Tags: Italy, travel tips, Florence, Tuscany, Great Hotels, Northern Italy