260965 Mon Feb 25 22:24:46 -0800 2002 12 58 Italy 0 1379068 My son is getting married in Florence in late June and we are looking for a special place in or immediately outside of the center of Florence to have a reception and dinner for approximately 25 people. The ideal location would be in the centro, although that is not necessary, but we are looking for a courtyard area that perhaps has a fountain. A restaurant that has these facilities, or similar special features in a private room or area, would also be a great choice. Naturally if we are not in a restaurant setting we would need a caterer, etc.,whereas the restaurant would presumably have a high level of excellent food and related services that would be appropriate for the occasion. As you can imagine, we are all quite excited about the wedding and looking forward to celebrating in Florence; your collective insights and knowledge could help make it that much more special. I thank you for your time and thoughts, and look forward to receiving any suggestions you might have. Mon Feb 25 22:24:46 -0800 2002 0 Italophile 1 1379083 I contacted a friend of mine in Florence, who advises that there's a hotel called the Continental, sadly closed for refurbishment at the moment but perhaps they'll be finished by the time your son gets married. Apparently it has a beautiful roof terrace that would be perfect for 25 people but not many more - it has views on the river, the Palazzo Vecchio, etc. It may have some indoor common rooms too. Also The Gallery Hotel may have something suitable, like penthouse rooms with roof gardens, but these may not suit 25. You may want to post a message to a food or food&travel magazine website (or even send this as a question to their Q&A section)... Good luck and auguri! Tue Feb 26 09:04:44 -0800 2002 1379068 0 magnolia 2 1379131 Thanks for the suggestions. I had not heard about the Continental, but the Gallery is supposed to be a very cool place. Wed Feb 27 13:37:51 -0800 2002 1379083 0 Italophile 1 1379087 I recommend the roof garden restaurant of the Hotel Baglioni. We just stayed there in September. The building is an old palace and has been a hotel for almost 200 years and is really charming, but still has all the facilities you need. It has very nice, fully renovated rooms and is a four star hotel. The view from the roof garden restaurant is spectacular. I have no idea how the roof restaurant is rated, since I never go to hotel restaurants, but I am sure you will go there and get a personal opinion yourself ;-) Link: http://www.hotelbaglioni.it/ Image: http://www.hotelbaglioni.it/img.html Tue Feb 26 11:11:15 -0800 2002 1379068 0 Michael 2 1379130 Thanks for the suggestion; the picture looks good, and though I generally share your disinterest in hotel food, on this occasion the setting is at least as important as the food. I will pursue this possibility. Wed Feb 27 13:32:55 -0800 2002 1379087 0 Italophile 1 1379092 the only place i know of is in greve which i think is abt 90 mins drive away ....i assume that is too far ?? if u r interested i will look up the deatils Tue Feb 26 12:20:26 -0800 2002 1379068 0 swaraj mainee 2 1379129 Although a 90 minute drive is too far for the wedding reception, I would appreciate the details of the place in Greve, which I will certainly visit at another time. Thanks for the suggestion. Wed Feb 27 13:28:48 -0800 2002 1379092 0 Italophile 3 1379143 well ur request forced me to get my guide book out ...as i have not been there since 1987. but a grt place actually it is a small hotel with a restaurant on the first floor overlooking the triangular piazza which is the centre of the small town only 20 km south of firenze so my 90 mins seems an exagerration ....giovanni da verrazzano ..055 853189 i have wonderful memories of this town and the food at this place if u do visit let us know if it is of the same high standard, as i would like to go back there soon Wed Feb 27 18:02:07 -0800 2002 1379129 0 swaraj mainee 3 1379167 don't limit yourself to greve which while it still retains its charm has become horribly touristy in the last few years there are heaps of wonderful places to eat in that area. if you want some recs let me know. Fri Mar 01 04:57:54 -0800 2002 1379129 0 ham 4 1379198 I am most interested in your suggestions, including hotels that you know. Thanks Fri Mar 01 14:56:19 -0800 2002 1379167 0 Italophile 1 1379409 One of the most beautiful Hotel in Florence with one of the most romantic restaurant is Hotel San Michele in Fiesole. It is not far from center town and has one of the most spectacular view over Florence. It is an very ancient monastery converted in Hotel in the most elegant area of Florence. Another beautiful place is Torre di Bellosguardo, not far from Porta Romana. It is a very ancient noble house converted in a Hotel with a wonderful view over Florence and a beautiful garden with swimming pool, but I never tried their restaurant. I leave in Chiusi, just 100 km south from Florence so if you need any help please don't hesitate to email me. Auguri for the wedding! Simonetta http://www.zephyrus.it Wed Mar 06 05:37:50 -0800 2002 1379068 0 Simonetta 1 4238125 Dear Italophile, I realise your post was some years ago now. But I am curious did your son end up marrying in Florence and did you find an appropriate venue? I ask as my fiance and I have decided to do the same thing and I just wondered where you went. In advance, many thanks for your reply. PeChing Thu Dec 11 05:53:17 -0800 2008 1379068 247611 PeChing 1 5027659 I have recently partecipated to a 'little' but fine party of some firends of mine at this http://www.poggioaimerli.com villa that is quite near Florence: good food and wonderful location... Sun Sep 13 21:34:43 -0700 2009 1379068 1085821 vagabond888