That's an unusual name for a hotel...
Yes - art is central to the hotel, with new exhibitions of modern art and photography every few months. For instance, in December we are hosting a show by young British artists: I would love to admire Damien Hirst's work here. The art shows we select at the Gallery really stand out, just like the Renaissance art in Florence. It is always interesting to see how guests used to more traditional hotels are fascinated by the Gallery. A British guest once described the feel of the hotel as contemporary but warm, which is perfectly right.
Any unusual requests?
Tuscans are quite mad and love to joke. A guest who had stayed before the Ferragamo family renovated the hotel returned and asked if there was now a pool at the hotel. The staff replied that there was indeed a new pool: it was under the small historic square in the front. They told him the flagstones could be removed every morning if he would like a swim. They could not believe it when, early next morning, he turned up in his swimming trunks and towel to move the stones - it was hilarious! I think he was American.
What about a day out?
If you are in Florence for the first time you have to see the Uffizi gallery, the Academy and the Palatina gallery at the Palazzo Pitti, and monuments such as the Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio. Don't miss the Chianti area, Siena, the Medici Villas and Fiesole's enchanting views of Florence. For those that have seen it all, I would suggest an excursion to the Maremma area, a hot air balloon trip over Tuscany or shopping on Via Tornabuoni which, like Bond Street in London, hosts the well-known showrooms: Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada, Versace.
What about a night out?
Our new bar, Shozan, opens in October and will bring something completely new to Florence. I recommend the seafood at Ristorante Lungarno or, for traditional but creative Italian and Tuscan cuisine, try Cavolo Nero or Trattoria 14 Leoni, where Sting had dinner. There are plenty of good bars and clubs in Florence: Dolce Vita, Capocaccia, Zoe, Lido, Rex Cafe.
• Gallery Hotel Art Reservations: 00 39 055 272 63. Rooms from £175.
