Tivioli Palazzo Gaddi Review | Hotels Above Par

"An artful sanctum just around the corner from the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and a short walk from most of the city’s attractions, this regal small hotel is forged from two side-by-side 15th-century palaces—now connected as one—and bedecked in original frescoes, stucco-work, paintings, lush fabrics, and statuary, living up to its past life as the 16th-century residences of distinguished aristocrats. With maximalist flourishes and period lashings, cleverly designed common-area nooks feel like wunderkammer-like displays, yet it never reads stuffy or old school; rather, contemporary and cosseting, it feels like a private party with just a few lucky souls and hepcats on the guest list. Choose from 86 rooms, including 8 suites, spread between the two blended houses and six stories; more modern than the lobby and bar areas, they retain some original elements, and many face the Duomo. The Presidential Suite, reached by private elevator, opens to an expansive personal terrace. Breakfast carries the cabinets-of-curiosity theme with dramatically festooned tables of fresh-baked breads, homemade jams, Prosecco, and perfectly brewed coffees. On-site, taste creative cuisine at Terrae overseen by Chef Iside de Cesare (of Michelin-starred La Parolina) and executed by Chef Salvatore Canargiu from seasonal bounty; two standouts are roasted lamb with preserved lemon and sardines, and risotto with black chanterelles. The Milton Bar & Bistrot, with masculine vibes, nods to the famed English poet who visited in 1638 and was inspired to write Paradise Lost; expect stunning cocktails (try the Paradise Lost, awash in floral notes from the hotel’s Secret Garden) and comfort food from burgers to ravioli. A Tea Room with delectable offerings makes for a civilized place to sit and study guidebooks. Up top, Aria Rooftop—our favorite for vibe and view—frames the Duomo so closely it looks touchable; reserve for sunset and sip craft cocktails as the sky turns candy marshmallow pink. Classic five-star amenities include special turndown gifts and twice-daily housekeeping, plus standout concierge suggestions, immersive in-house activities such as cooking classes, and VIP off-property outings from helicopter rides over Tuscany to Chianti wine tastings. Meeting rooms are atmospheric and historic, there’s a centuries-old ballroom with majestic frescoes by Giacinto Fabbroni (ideal for weddings), it’s pet-friendly, and the verdant indoor/outdoor Secret Garden is an outstanding city refuge. Set in the Centro Storico, you can walk to everything, including the Ponte Vecchio and the city’s most prominent galleries." - Becca Hensley