Hotel Lungarno
 

We checked into this hotel earlier today. I booked it using the Amex travel portal because there was no points availability booking through Hyatt. I was able to use the "Pay With Points" feature. It did cost a bit more (67K MR points vs. 40K Hyatt points). It did come with several perks though, which somewhat offset the increased cost. Free breakfast (which I would not have received booking with Hyatt points since I'm not a Globalist), a room upgrade, and the $100 resort credit, which at this hotel is used to be transferred by "sedan" to the Airport (although I'm traveling by train back to Rome, so they told me they could transfer me to the train station instead). I am interested to see what the sedan is. If it is on par with the rest of the hotel, it should be very nice.

The room upgrade was pretty good. I was able to book the lowest category room that had a river view. The upgrade was to the highest floor. I have a great view of Florence on the north side of the Arno River. I have an unobstructed view of the dome of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the massive dome that dominates the Florence skyline). The windows to the room open as well, which is a great addition.

Service has been top notch. The FHR terms let you check in at noon if available. We arrived at the hotel at 10:30, dropped off our bags, and our room was ready by noon. When we came back to the hotel, we were escorted up to our room. We had a bottle of Champagne waiting for us as a welcome gift.

I would highly recommend the hotel, and I would definitely return.

Except from the $100 credit, you could have received all other benefits, plus elite night, had you booked via WoH.

The OP said there was no points availability booking via Hyatt.

^ This, plus I was almost positive that I remember reading somewhere that unless you ate globalist, free breakfast is excluded at SLHs if you book with points.

WoH status is generally immaterial at SLH properties and some properties claim they can't even see a guest's status. The WoH benes are as posted by PG.backpacker, and include a continental breakfast for 2 persons. I don't think the FHR breakfast is as limited.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm debating on whether to book St Regis Florence vs Lungarno. Once of the considerations is generosity with upgrades as I will be booking the lowest tier non river view room. Any idea if they would bump me up to river view room with SLH benefits? How'd you like the location?

I used to stay at The Lungarno back in the 80's and early 90's, pre-remodel by the Ferragamo's. I even was UPG'd to the top floor apartment, that had a large balcony/patio overlooking the river. Unfortunately, with the remodel, the rates skyrocketed, though I occasionally walked by and checked on any special rates they might have had. The location is great for the usual tourist adventures, just a short walk to the Ponte Vecchio and the pedestrian area that runs up to the cathedral. There are great restaurants just about everywhere in Florence, and most are an easy walk, with the St Regis being only about a 11 minute stroll to/from the Lungarno, SR being two bridges to the northwest. I've stayed at the Westin, across the street from the St Regis, and found it very ornate, so I'd assume the SR would be more of the same. Higher rates though. I used points for award nights for my younger son and his new bride, on their honeymoon, at the Westin and they loved it; that was about 3 years ago though. My last trip to Florence, I stayed at a small pensione on the river, just a little east of the SR/Westin. It's a little bit more of a walk to the Palazzo Vecchio pedestrian areas, but nothing too difficult in nice weather. The SR is also closer to the train station, as well as the Mercato Centrale, one of my favorite lunch places, close to the stall shops, but still a little bit of a hike.

Headed to Florence and making the same decision if any one has had recent experience between these two properties.

I've stayed at both and have a slight different feel. I am top status with both Marriott and Hyatt, but seemed to get treated a bit better at the St Regis, or even the Westin across the way. I've not used FHR to book these hotels though. My opinion is go for the best rate and perks, I don't spend much time in the rooms anyways, both are in great locations.

We just got back and opted for Hotel Lungarno (more by choice at StR sold out). Overall we had an excellent experience. Upgraded from a standard room to a Studio Suite that was in the rebuilt 13th century tower. Room had a ton of character with 20+ ft high ceilings and a loft living room. Breakfast was delicious and the hotel staff was attentive. Would highly recommend. Very small hotel and felt that way.