Where? In the illustrious quarter of San Frediano in Florence, Italy, near the Lugarno and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Sounds like a traditional number: On the contrary, the newly opened Vittoria is flagrantly flamboyant, although its exterior has hardly changed since the early 1900s, when the building served as a warehouse for a removal company. But inside it's hyper-glamorous, right? Indeed. From the moment you set foot in the lobby, which has a mosaic floor that sweeps towards the ceiling and loops the loop before morphing into the reception desk, you know you've entered an arena of breathtakingly theatrical proportions. Tell us more: Although the public spaces are reminiscent of monastic crypts, the design is far from morbid. The mosaic tiles are outsized versions of traditional needlepoint designs, the low-level seating resembles a giant spring, and materials such as leather and lame warm the whole thing up. Are the guest quarters equally exotic? Absolutely. The door to each of the 84 rooms masquerades as a different painting, depicting a full-length gilt-framed portrait of a society lady or nobleman (reproductions of those hanging in the Uffizi Gallery), while inside, rich hues ranging from indigo to onyx are reminiscent of a ritzy nightclub. Seductive, then? Combining macho details with more feminine touches, the rooms are illuminated by fibre-optic lights that shine through gaps in the black leather wall panels. As well, the end of the bed doubles as a bar flanked by two stools; the bathrooms are a neon haze of glowing gentian-violet tiles; and the wardrobes are equally atmospheric, with blue, red or white lighting. Is there a restaurant? Delicious Italian fare (prosciutto, risotto, carpaccio, ravioli) is served at a spectacularly long S-shaped table that snakes across the room. A similarly serpentine light box hangs above, while computers on curving mosaic ledges mean you can access your e-mail between courses. Anything else we should know? Nervy types take note: maximum impact is the name of the game here, so if soothing white spaces are your thing, stay away for sanity's sake. Classic single from Euro139 (HK$1,345); classic double from Euro149; superior room from Euro149; executive room from Euro165. Via Pisana 59, 50143 Firenze, tel: [39] 055 22771, www.unahotels.it
