Photo Essay: The Hidden Treasures of Hotel Albion

My husband and I finally decided to unplug and get a few days of relax, so we booked a room at Hotel Albion in Florence, Italy. I had already seen the hotel from my previous trips to Florence and its architecture had always made me curious.

While checking in we met Massimo, the owner of hotel, who made us feel right at home. After freshening up we were off to see the city. Although we’ve been to Florence many times before we always enjoy rediscovering all the beautiful things it has to offer.

After running around trying to see as much as we could in a short time, our minds were relaxed but we were really tired from all the walking we did. We would return to the hotel only to prepare ourselves to do some more running around and Massimo and his lovely daughter Sara were always there to greet us with a smile. During our short pauses at the hotel we started paying more attention to our surroundings and we noticed that it was very rich in art. There were contemporary paintings throughout the hotel on every wall. They also have a paper money collection from all over the world which covers all the walls in the dining area along with other types of collections.

Our short get-away vacation was coming to its end and it was time to check out. Sara was so kind to order our train tickets for us and have them delivered while we were out taking care of some last minute errands before our departure. We had been so busy sightseeing in these past few days that I forgot about my curiosity about the architecture of the hotel. When we went back to pickup our tickets and our luggage we got into a conversation with Sara and I decided to ask about the building.

Sara told us that it was built in 1840 and designed by the Milanese Sculptor Ignazio Villa. She said that the building is the most unique example of neogothic architecture in Florence and it was originally a school of sculpture. Then she asked us if we would like to see a part of the hotel that hasn’t yet been restructured. Of course we would! There they were, the hidden treasures of Hotel Albion. There was a beautiful staircase and sculptures dating back to the time when the building was a school and that were left behind. The area was dimly light it and it was already time for us to catch our train, but I did try my best to get some pictures to share with you. Imagine how many stories this building would have to tell.

First class service, comfortable accommodations and a lovely surprise at the end of our stay, thanks to Massimo and Sara, our friendly hosts.

Hotel Albion
Via il Prato, 22r
50123 Florence, Tuscany, IT

Tel. 055214171
info@hotelalbion.it

http://www.hotelalbion.it/