Hilton has today announced plans to open Anglo American Hotel Florence, Curio Collection by Hilton in autumn 2022. The 115-room hotel, which will undergo a full renovation prior to opening, is located in the historic centre of Florence, symbol of the Renaissance and renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hilton said, “Anglo American Hotel Florence is a stunning addition to Curio Collection by Hilton, joining almost 50 Curio Collection hotels trading or under development in Europe. Across the continent, we’re seeing growing owner interest in our Collection brands, which allow hotels to maintain an independent look and feel, while benefiting from Hilton’s commercial systems and global customer base. We look forward to welcoming guests in the historic centre of Florence.”
Westmont Hospitality Group added, “We are excited to strengthen further our relationship with Hilton following our highly successful collaborations both in Italy and around the world. Originally built in 1792 as one of the first hotels in Florence that has also hosted Leo Tolstoy and Maria Callas among its former guests, the fully renovated Anglo American Hotel Florence will retain its historic and elegant grandeur while enjoying the added consistency and global recognition of the Curio Collection brand.”
Hilton joins a strong consortium including US-based fund, Oaktree; Westmont Hospitality Group, a strategic investment partner and operator and Unicredit S.p.A., the project’s senior lending bank. The project is held by a newly established real estate investment fund managed by Milan-based Castello SGR, one of Italy’s premier real estate management companies. The renovation will follow the parties’ commitment to ESG investment, with a particular focus on sustainability. The main emphasis will be on the restoration of the property in keeping with its architecture and history; the restoration of original finishes and utilisation of existing materials will make up a key part of the sustainability strategy.
The hotel will feature distinctly local offerings in a stunning setting, exemplifying the Curio Collection flair for authentic, curated experiences. Situated in the historic city centre, two blocks from the famous Arno River in a tranquil neighbourhood of central Florence, the elegant hotel reflects the history and the charm of the city with romantic Tuscan shutters and a sun-drenched interior courtyard typical of classic Italian villas.
Anglo American Hotel Florence, Curio Collection by Hilton is less than 15 minutes by foot to renowned palaces, churches, and museums — all replete with Renaissance art, including the works of the great masters such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, and Michelangelo, and the beautiful architecture that Florence is famed for. Top nearby attractions include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza Duomo, the Uffizi Palace and Gallery, the Accademia Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio, the beautiful bridge spanning the Arno river.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel and a day exploring all that Florence has to offer, guests may relax and enjoy a drink in the hotel’s outdoor courtyard, and dine at the hotel’s elegant restaurant, with Tuscan menus inspired by local flavours, traditions and seasonal ingredients. The hotel is also equipped with a bar, gym, and three meeting rooms able to accommodate up to 90 people.
The Florence train station is within walking distance from the hotel and connects the city through high-speed trains to Bologna, Rome, and Milan. The hotel is also located close to foreign consulates including the U.S., the Polimoda Fashion School and numerous corporate firms.
Anglo American Hotel Florence, Curio Collection by Hilton will join the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme, allowing more than 123 million members who book directly with Hilton to earn Points for hotel stays and experiences. In addition, instant benefits include Digital Key, enabling Hilton Honors members to use their smartphone to book their stay, select their room, check in, and unlock their door.
Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of more than 100 hotels and resorts each hand-picked for its distinct character, appealing to travellers seeking one-of-a-kind discoveries and an independent hotel experience.