In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Hotel Savoy – part of the Rocco Forte Hotels collection – has introduced two newly reimagined spaces on Piazza della Repubblica…
The recent transformation of Florence’s Hotel Savoy centres on the reopening of its Irene Restaurant and the debut of Bar Artemisia, each offering a distinct visual and spatial narrative that reflects the soul of Florence through design, materials, and ambiance.
Following an extensive renovation, the Irene Restaurant reopens with an interior that pays tribute to Lady Forte, Sir Rocco Forte’s mother. The design balances refined elegance with a sense of home, echoing Lady Forte’s belief in simplicity and authenticity. A palette of rich walnut panelling and graphic black-and-white marble flooring is punctuated by red accents, creating a warm yet sophisticated dining environment.
Image credit: Rocco Forte Hotels
Details such as bespoke furnishings, luxurious textiles, and hand-selected Venetian chandeliers enrich the space with tactile and visual depth. The dining room flows seamlessly into an outdoor veranda overlooking Piazza della Repubblica, extending the restaurant’s atmosphere into Florence’s historic urban fabric.
Lighting, curated for mood and intimacy, further defines the space, while the overall layout fosters both conviviality and quiet reflection. The culinary direction, helmed by Fulvio Pierangelini, reinforces this ethos – each dish is composed with minimal yet expressive ingredients that highlight the region’s gastronomic traditions.
Adjacent to Irene, Bar Artemisia emerges as a concept bar rooted in artistic reference and spatial drama. Inspired by Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi and the chiaroscuro of Caravaggio, the design features immersive wallpaper treatments that evoke frescoes, layered with sculptural lighting effects developed in collaboration with design studio C14.
Image credit: Rocco Forte Hotels
Under the creative direction of Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels’ Head of Design, materiality becomes central: the bar’s entrance and counter are carved from the same dense wood, offering continuity and architectural cohesion. Furnishings and finishes are chosen not only for form and comfort but for their historical and cultural resonance within the Florentine context.
Mixology takes on a similarly curatorial tone. Developed by Salvatore Calabrese and Federico Pavan, the menu integrates local ingredients and artisanal techniques. Offerings include leather-aged and wine-infused cocktails, complemented by a food program that mirrors the Tuscan inspiration behind Irene – again crafted by Chef Pierangelini.
Since its establishment in 1893, Hotel Savoy has served as a landmark of refined hospitality in Florence. Located steps from the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, the hotel merges historical architecture with contemporary Italian design. Its 79 rooms and suites, curated by Olga Polizzi, draw from both regional craftsmanship and modern sensibilities.
In its renewed spaces, Hotel Savoy continues to position itself not merely as a place to stay, but as an immersive design destination – where form, function, and Florentine culture converge.
Main image credit: Rocco Forte Hotels
