Sleep with Rolex & Patek Philippe at Florence's Luxe L'O - Hotel L'Orologio

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Apr 16th 2011 at 9:01AM

Under the patronage of new Italian luxury hotel group Whythebest, one of Florence's hippest and best-hidden boutique hotels is getting set to welcome the fashion crowd to the city this summer during the Pitti Uomo men's shows.

L'O - Hotel L'Orologio is unique in being inspired by the prestigious world of international high-end watchmaking as well as by owner Sandro Fratini's personal collection of over 2,000 vintage timepieces. If you appreciate haute horlogerie – and what man of style doesn't? – it's hard to imagine wanting to stay anywhere else.

Inside, some of the most beautiful timepieces have been transformed into decorative elements and design themes. Each floor of the 54-room hotel is dedicated to a specific luxury watch brand from Fratini's collection: Rolex, Vacheron-Constantin and Patek Philippe. The interior design by architect Marianna Gagliardi is evocative of a traditional men's club, employing materials such as leather, parchment, burnished bronze, mahogany and velvet along with the colors and aromas of tobacco. Duplex rooms are particularly plush, while a restaurant, bar and library all offer cozy sanctuaries. And they can always give you the time.

Gallery: L'O - Hotel Orologio