Florence: A City of Timeless Beauty and Bold New Stays from The Hotel Guru
Where to say in the stunning city of Florence
Florence doesn’t need an introduction. The Renaissance city remains one of Europe’s great treasures, a place where every street corner tells a story and even the morning light feels artistic. You come for the Botticellis, the Brunelleschis, the sense of history that clings to the stones. But Florence isn’t just for time travellers. There’s a fresh energy here, a new confidence. Its hotels reflect that shift with reinventions, restorations, and arrivals that feel exciting and very now.
The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564
History with a Modern Soul
Designer James Cavagnari has brought new life to his family’s Renaissance palazzo with this intimate hotel, named after the year Michelangelo died and Galileo was born. It’s a personal project, full of stories and striking contrasts — vaulted arches, hand-painted details, rich velvets and clean, contemporary lines. There are just 14 suites, each with its own character and views over Florence’s rooftops. The restaurant is quietly confident, serving Mediterranean dishes with local flair, while the lounge bar mixes history with aperitivo hour style. Don’t miss the extraordinary 20th-century travel wardrobe once belonging to Queen Elizabeth II.
The Place Firenze
An Elegant Townhouse with a Local Heart
Set on Piazza Santa Maria Novella, The Place feels like a private Florentine home, and a luxurious one at that. It’s warm and welcoming, yet impossibly refined, the sort of hotel where books are chosen with care, and the concierge remembers your name and coffee is served in the best Ginori cups. Bedrooms are dressed in soft tones, bespoke furniture and thoughtful touches. There’s a peaceful courtyard for breakfast, an open fire when the weather turns, and a team, run by Claudio Meli, who has been here since the word go, who knows exactly where to send you for the best bistecca or vintage finds. It’s discreet, stylish, and full of heart.
Casa Howard
Stylish and Personal, Just Like Florence Itself
Tucked behind an unassuming door near the station, a few steps from Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Casa Howard has long attracted the in-the-know crowd. Each room is different, some boldly patterned, others more classic, all with an individual spirit. Breakfast arrives on a tray, and the atmosphere feels more like a private apartment than a hotel. There’s no restaurant, but you’re just a stroll away from some of the city’s best trattorie. It’s unpolished in the best way - relaxed, quietly glamorous, and full of charm.
Helvetia & Bristol
A Grande Dame Reimagined
Once a favourite of artists and aristocrats, Helvetia & Bristol has been elegantly reworked for today. The bones are still grand – think parquet floors, chandeliers, fine antiques, but the feel is fresh and modern. The highlight is La Spa, set within the remains of Roman thermal baths, where centuries of Florentine wellness meet slick, contemporary design. Cibreo, the in-house restaurant and bar, draws both locals and guests with its lively atmosphere and authentic Tuscan classics done properly.
Stella d’Italia
A Creative Hideaway in the Centre of Town
Design lovers will be drawn to Stella d’Italia, a small but striking hotel that’s all about mood and detail. Think mid-century pieces, bold colours, terrazzo bathrooms and quirky artwork. It’s tucked just off the beaten path, close enough to the action but away from the crowds. The rooftop terrace is made for sunset Negronis. This is Florence with a bit of bite, original, thoughtful, and full of personality, like all of owner Betty Soldi’s creations.
Hotel Calimala
Where Drama Meets Design
Florence might be known for its old masters, but Hotel Calimala proves there’s space for a little theatre. Located in the buzzy Via Calimala area, the hotel is colourful and confident, all jewel tones, patterned fabrics and eye-catching art. The rooms are playful yet polished, and upstairs, Angel Roofbar & Dining is the place to be when the sun goes down. It’s lively, young at heart and effortlessly stylish.
Why Now?
Because Florence is shifting. Yes, the Duomo still stops you in your tracks. Yes, the Uffizi is still worth queuing for. But in between the history, there’s a new generation of hotels changing the rhythm of the city, places that feel personal, passionate, and deeply rooted in Florence and its people. Whether you’re after something grand or something small, Florence is ready for you.
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