Westin Excelsior hotel's presence on Piazza Ognissanti is impressive, featuring newly refurbished guest rooms, a professional staff dedicated to impeccable service. Sitting high on the banks of the Arno River, the hotel also offers spectacular panoramic views of the city. The historical hotel is a member of the Starwood luxury collection.Magnificent 15th century building is centrally located on the banks of the River Arno in the heart of the historic centre, nearby the most famous works of art and elegant shopping streets. The hotels design express the riches of tuscany using tapestries, frescoes, stained glass, marble and walnut. In the 15th century the building was known as Casa Rucellai, home of a noble Florentine family. The building was purchased by Caroline Bonaparte in 1833. She commissioned the works to restructure the building completely in 1862 by Giuseppe Martelli. In 1925, Gerardo Kraft closed down the building which was re-opened in 1927 as the Excelsior Italie