Living la Dolce vita at Four Seasons Firenze

Last September, we spent a long weekend in Florence, where we lodged at Four Seasons, a hotel facility which I strongly recommend for those who are traveling with children and who wish to enjoy a unique experience.

We particularly loved the hotel’s location. Talking of the location, Four Seasons Firenze is nestled in the city’s largest private park. Therein, you’ll feel like you are living in the countryside, whereas it is only a 10-minute walk from the city center and the famous Duomo.

This majestic park is embellished by many sculptures, all of which are very impressive. This natural environment is very safe because children can safely stroll through the aisles and gardens. Bicycles and golf carts with drivers are made available for guests to move around the park.

He particularly liked the shady playground and the sports activities offered to children such as football, basketball and archery

The hotel’s rooms are partitioned into two buildings situated at each end of the park. Our room found in La Villa and had a wonderful view to the century-old treetops. Our room was very spacious (about 50sqm) and had a comfortable sofa bed for our 4-year-old son. The bathroom was very large and kids’ welcome products (moisturizing cream, shower gel and shampoo) were arranged therein. Slippers and a child-sized bathrobe had been provided for our son.

Being built by the famous Medici family, the hotel is a real museum that is full of hand-painted frescoes, precious woods, marble and works of art.

During our check-in, Achille received a nice stuffed animal in the image of Pinocchio. Since the fable of Pinocchio was written in Florence, Four Seasons puts it in the spotlight in most of its cares dedicated to children: breakfast buffet, restaurant menu, games, etc. In the room, a puzzle and a basket of fresh fruit were also offered to our son.

At breakfast, our son really liked serving himself at the buffet whose height is suitable to children’s size.

What’s equally worth commending is the small mailbox in which children are invited to slip in a postcard with the image of Pinocchio, a card which we decided to address to Mamy.

The hotel’s swimming pool has a separate pool that is perfect for children, as it is heated to 36 degrees and has a height of 50cm. Sunscreen, swimming armbands, boards and even large inflatable unicorn- and donut-shape buoys are available for the little cherubs. Several times a day, the waiters go from sunbeds to sunbeds to offer water, cold towels and fruity granitas.

Tuscany is synonymous to local products: Chianti, exceptional cheeses and sausages, sun-drenched fruits and vegetables. Four Seasons buys from the nearby farms and small local producers. The result is an authentic and healthy cuisine. At lunchtime, we mostly ate at the poolside restaurant. On the menu, homemade pasta, pizzas, meat and fish served in a relaxed atmosphere.

We did not try the hotel’s award-winning restaurant nor the Japanese restaurant. However, we savored the picnic formula and we loved it! An intimate table was set up for us under a small wooden pavilion hidden in the park. The Chef had prepared us delicious Italian dishes accompanied by Tuscan wine. A friendly experience that I strongly recommend. In addition, the picnic is offered to children under 5 years!

Florence is the ideal destination for a family trip. Being smaller and less crowded than Rome, the city is characterized by its historic center where most of the street are pedestrian. Toddlers can walk around safely.

This destination combines cultural riches, shopping, cuisine and sunbathing. Everyone can find his happiness.

While staying at Four Seasons Firenze, we felt like spending a few days in a different era. Although we arrived tired and tense, we left the hotel in a state of total lightness, relishing the luck we’ve had by spending a few days in the dolce vita rhythm …

Jérôme