Florence: A City of Timeless Beauty and Bold New Stays from The Hotel Guru
Few cities in the world balance history and modernity with the grace of Florence. The birthplace of the Renaissance has always been a magnet for those who love art, culture, and la dolce vita. Wander through cobbled streets, gaze up at Brunelleschi’s majestic dome, and linger over an espresso in sun-dappled piazzas—Florence has an undeniable magic. But beyond the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio, the city’s hotel scene is making headlines, with a wave of openings and revitalised icons blending historic elegance with contemporary flair.
The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564
Florence’s newest gem, The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564, is an ode to heritage and design. Created by renowned designer James Cavagnari, this boutique property is housed within a Renaissance palazzo that has been in his family for generations. Its name honours the year 1564, when Michelangelo died and both Galileo and Shakespeare were born connecting the building’s history to a significant moment in time.
Step inside and time slows. The entrance, hand-painted in soft tones of sky and moss, hints at the hidden courtyard garden beyond. There are just 14 suites, each a curated masterpiece of texture and light: rich velvets, glossy ceramics, bespoke furnishings, and vintage accents. The English influence is unmistakable, from Cavagnari’s personal touch to the astonishing artefact in residence, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s original mahogany travel wardrobe, complete with compartments for scarves and accessories.
The hotel’s heartbeat is The James Restaurant and the 1564 Lounge Bar, where classic dishes are given a Mediterranean twist and cocktails are elevated to an art form. With soaring arches, restored frescoes, and views across the city rooftops, The James offers something rare in Florence: a boutique hotel experience that feels like stepping into someone’s exquisite private world because, in many ways, you are.
Helvetia & Bristol
A true Florentine icon, Helvetia & Bristol combines 19th-century grandeur with modern glamour. Moments from Via de’ Tornabuoni, this hotel has long been a favourite for those who adore old-world elegance without sacrificing contemporary comfort. Its luxurious rooms and suites are adorned with polished wood, silk fabrics, and marble bathrooms, while the Spa La Spa is a standout housed in ancient Roman thermal baths, it’s an experience steeped in history. Add the lively Cibreo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, and you’ve got a destination that feels both timeless and vibrant.
Stella d’Italia
For those who dream of staying in the beating heart of Florence, Stella d’Italia offers boutique intimacy with an artisan spirit. This stylish bolthole captures the city’s creative energy, with interiors that balance modern Italian design with vintage finds. Expect bold colour palettes, eclectic art, and thoughtful touches that make every room feel unique. The rooftop terrace is its crown jewel—a serene perch above the bustle, where sunset aperitivi are non-negotiable.
Hotel Calimala
If Florence had a fashion-forward address, it would be Hotel Calimala. Housed in a 19th-century building in the trendy district of Via Calimala, this design-led property is a feast for the senses. Rooms are a symphony of jewel tones, brass accents, and contemporary art, while Angel Roofbar & Dining offers panoramic views of terracotta rooftops, ideal for sundowners or a romantic dinner under the stars. Expect a cosmopolitan vibe, impeccable service, and Instagram-worthy corners at every turn.
Why Florence, Why Now?
Florence has never been short on allure, but this new chapter in its hospitality and hotel scene adds fresh excitement. From the classic elegance of Helvetia & Bristol to the avant-garde glamour of Hotel Calimala, the artisan and eclectic charm of Stella d’Italia, and the deeply personal vision behind The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564, this romantic, culture-rich city is offering stays as inspiring as its art.
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Lulu Townsend's love of hotels started when she was young; her first job was making breakfast in a small hotel in Pimlico, London. Having lived in Spain, France and Italy In 2000 she catapulted her parents Umbrian hotel into all of the major travel magazines around the world before starting a boutique hotel marketing brand in 2002 from her garden shed. Her love and passion for boutique hotels and their owners was evident in her choice of independent hotels, villas and B&Bs. Lulu lives in Suffolk with her two daughters. Her reviews are authentic, firsthand and made through her critical and experienced eye. Note to all you hoteliers out there for a hotel of any level to be truly loved by Lulu the bathroom must have flannels! To find our more about Lulu visit her website lulusluxurylifestyle or @lulusluxurylifestyle
