A sumptuous urban Palace, the hotel was founded more than a century ago by a
Swiss family and its name also commemorates its popularity with aristocratic
British connoisseurs and art collectors on tour.
HistoryThe Helvetia & Bristol Hotel has existed since the late 19th century,
in the very same building in which it resides in today.
The entrance can be found in Via dei Pescioni, however the main façade overlooks
Piazza Strozzi.From the very beginning, the Helvetia & Bristol has been an
important meeting point for the cultural and historical figureheads of their
time. Amongst others, we recall Enrico Fermi, Gabriele D’Annunzio, Luigi
Pirandello, Eugenio Montale and Eleonora Duse who adopted the Hotel as their
Florentine residence.
Throughout the years, the Helvetia & Bristol has remained the undisguised
favourite Hotel of the most prestigious international clientele, including the
Danish Royal Family, Igor Strawinsky, Giorgio De Chirico and Betrand Russel.
In 1990 the Helvetia & Bristol underwent a careful and detailed
renovation, returning it to its original splendour and timeless charm, offering
its clientele elegant surroundings and refined atmosphere combined with today’s
modern technology.
All these different aspects make the Helvetia & Bristol the perfect place
for you to experience Florence.
Hotel Helvetia & Bristol in Florence could hardly be more central:
five minutes from the Duomo and in easy strolling distance of all the
must-see monuments that fill this historic art city.
The Helvetia & Bristol Hotel is situated in the very heart of
Florence’s historical centre, between Piazza della Repubblica and Via
Tornabuoni, Florence’s most exclusive shopping street. The Ponte Vecchio, il
Duomo and Piazza della Signoria are only a few minutes walk away.
Distances:
- 9.5 km from Florence Airport
- 70 km from Pisa Airport,
- Duomo five minutes walk
The Bar and Restaurant “Hostaria Bibendum”
Hostaria Bibendum bar and restaurant, which is open all day and has a
charming al fresco terrace, available from April to October.
The interior style is art deco opulence, with two rare 1930s chandeliers
the focal point of the restaurant, whilst the atmosphere is surprisingly
contemporary.
A separate area of the restaurant is more informal and contemporary in ambience
and this leads to the terrace on Via dei Pescioni and a typical Florentine city
scene. The menu is typically Mediterranean and determined entirely by the
seasons, but the talent of Executive Chef Enzo Pettè (who obtained the Michelin
Star in his last restaurant – the Osteria del Vicario) transforms familiar local
dishes into haute-cuisine masterpieces. This is not a menu to write about, but
one to taste and enjoy.
It opens its doors for lunch, afternoon tea or a candlelit dinner, a truly
unique experience that is not to be missed.
