Aug 3, 2019, 7:37 am
Westin Excelsior - Florence, Italy [Master Thread]
Jan 4, 2020, 8:28 pm
#196
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Ambassador, AA Platinum, Avis Pres Club, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 564
Feb 11, 2020, 6:18 am
#197
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: Marriott Titanium, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Gold, United Silver, BA Bronze
Posts: 322
Just finished a 4 night stay. Upgraded as a Titanium to the highest level regular room, Arno River Premium. It was as large as some junior suites I have stayed in, with 2 small balconies overlooking the river. It had a separate bath tub, shower and toilet alongside 2 sinks.
I had toyed with using SNAs but the highest category available was a junior suite without a view. I am glad I didn't. All the river view suites, on the same floor as us, appeared booked out.
The breakfast spread is superb, very high quality and a large selection. The staff really go above and beyond with their service as well.
The location is ideal for exploring either side of the river on foot.
A great stay and I definitely recommend the property.
I had toyed with using SNAs but the highest category available was a junior suite without a view. I am glad I didn't. All the river view suites, on the same floor as us, appeared booked out.
The breakfast spread is superb, very high quality and a large selection. The staff really go above and beyond with their service as well.
The location is ideal for exploring either side of the river on foot.
A great stay and I definitely recommend the property.
Feb 21, 2020, 2:37 pm
#199
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: Marriott Titanium, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Gold, United Silver, BA Bronze
Posts: 322
When I was there 2 weeks ago, the St Regis had scaffolding up the entire building on the side which faces the Westin and part of the river facing side. So you may want to check TripAdvisor reviews to see if that is causing disruption.
The rooms certainly look a higher spec at the St Regis but I couldn't justify the extra cost. You are after all in essentially the same location.
The rooms certainly look a higher spec at the St Regis but I couldn't justify the extra cost. You are after all in essentially the same location.
Mar 3, 2020, 11:42 pm
#201
Join Date: Oct 2000
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Ambassador/Lifetime Titanium, Accor Silver, Club Carlson Gold, BW Diamond
Posts: 2,432
https://marriott-re-2019ncovc.com
Mar 4, 2020, 12:01 am
#202
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Ambassador, AA Platinum, Avis Pres Club, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 564
Currently only stays through March 31 can be cancelled without penalty.
https://marriott-re-2019ncovc.com
https://marriott-re-2019ncovc.com
May 29, 2021, 10:26 am
#203
Join Date: May 2003
Location: TLL
Programs: OZ Diamond, BA Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador, HH Gold
Posts: 4,412
Just had a fantastic stay here - the staff were excellent and extremely helpful navigating Florence in Covid. The lobby bar is closed, but Sesto on the roof is open. This may change as of June 1 when indoor dining in Italy is supposed to come back.
May 30, 2021, 6:29 am
#204
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: DFW
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/Lifetime Platinum, AA EXP, UA Gold
Posts: 719
Do you know if St. Regis has reopened yet? It was looking like maybe June 1 return, but also saw it might be end of June. They haven’t publicized anything.
May 30, 2021, 8:47 am
#205
Join Date: May 2003
Location: TLL
Programs: OZ Diamond, BA Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador, HH Gold
Posts: 4,412
So, when I looked at our dates, they were not an option. As we were there (last weekend) all of the shutters reopened on the hotel and there were signs of life. If they're not open again, it definitely looked like they were moving toward opening.
Jul 5, 2021, 5:49 pm
#206
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA 1K | Marriott Ambassador (LT Plat) | National Exec Elite | Global Entry | HH Silver
Posts: 419
What other COVID restrictions were in place during your stay?
Jul 6, 2021, 1:54 am
#208
Join Date: May 2003
Location: TLL
Programs: OZ Diamond, BA Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador, HH Gold
Posts: 4,412
So this was back in May, so I am sure things have changed since then. They checked everyone's temperature as you entered the hotel and you had to wear masks in the common areas of the hotel. Beyond that, everything was normal - breakfast was up in Sesto, there was daily housekeeping, only the bar was closed. Given that on June 1, Italy allowed inside dining once again, my guess would be that the bar is open again as well.
Nov 6, 2021, 1:48 pm
#209
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Programs: AC SE100K MM, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Accor Diamond, National Emerald Club Exec Elite
Posts: 1,085
My wife and I just finished a wonderful 4 night stay last week. I've stayed at this hotel a number of times previously (pre-Covid) and just love it. We were upgraded using SNAs to a premium room with Arno view, but when I arrived we were further upgraded to a penthouse level premium room, Arno view with a giant terrace. The terrace had a table and chairs as well as two lounge chairs. The penthouse level is on the 5th floor, one level below the restaurant. There was a nice complimentary bottle of red wine brought up to the room soon after we arrived.
Updating from the previous posts, the bar is still not open. Breakfast has now moved back to the lobby level. It is a buffet, but not self-service. You point to what you want and they put it on your plate. There is also an egg station with a chef who will prepare eggs/omelets to your specifications.
One option that I didn't have during previous stays was to have room service breakfast in the room rather than in the restaurant. Although I am a Titanium member, I was also booked by a virtuoso agent, so I'm not sure this option is offered to every elite member or was provided as a result of the virtuoso benefits. Either way, we did this on a couple mornings and they set us up on our terrace for breakfast. They told us we could order whatever we liked from the room service menu and it would be covered.
While masks are required in public spaces throughout the hotel and proof of vaccination is required to eat in the breakfast restaurant and Sesto, the hotel is offering daily housekeeping and turndown.
Updating from the previous posts, the bar is still not open. Breakfast has now moved back to the lobby level. It is a buffet, but not self-service. You point to what you want and they put it on your plate. There is also an egg station with a chef who will prepare eggs/omelets to your specifications.
One option that I didn't have during previous stays was to have room service breakfast in the room rather than in the restaurant. Although I am a Titanium member, I was also booked by a virtuoso agent, so I'm not sure this option is offered to every elite member or was provided as a result of the virtuoso benefits. Either way, we did this on a couple mornings and they set us up on our terrace for breakfast. They told us we could order whatever we liked from the room service menu and it would be covered.
While masks are required in public spaces throughout the hotel and proof of vaccination is required to eat in the breakfast restaurant and Sesto, the hotel is offering daily housekeeping and turndown.