Weekend Special Headlines / The Place Firenze, Florence in Italy / By Sarah Highfield / Publisher LLM Reporters

Conveniently positioned in the historic centre of the city, The Place Firenze looks over the famous Santa Maria Novella Piazza and is within walking distance of numerous tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants such as the Ponte Vecchio bridge, Duomo di Firenze and the Uffizi Gallery. Florence International Airport is 10km away, Pisa Airport is 70km away, and the city’s main train station is just a few minutes’ walk away.

The Place Firenze is a luxurious boutique hotel owned by the Babini family. Renovated in 2024 by Luigi Fragola Architects, the hotel blends refined design, local cuisine, and cultural experiences that celebrate the very best of the city. With serene spaces, stylish suites, and sweeping rooftop views of the Duomo di Firenze, it offers an intimate and authentic taste of Italy.

Hotel

Positioned in the historic centre of the city, The Place Firenze looks over the famous Santa Maria Novella Piazza

Set within an ultra-chic townhouse, the property features 20 tastefully designed rooms and suites alongside elegant communal spaces.

With its warm, personal ambience, it feels like a true home away from home. Stepping inside, guests are greeted by high painted ceilings, panelled walls, and a striking Louis XV fireplace; a seamless blend of classic grandeur and contemporary style.

Instead of a traditional reception desk, you are welcomed in a serene library, where check-in takes place over an antique desk; it feels more like arriving at a private residence than a hotel. Attentive and genuinely warm, the staff ensure every detail is effortlessly taken care of.

At the heart of the hotel is Claudio Meli, its charismatic general manager, and the only five-star hotel GM in Florence who was born and raised in the city.

Claudio embodies the essence of true Florentine hospitality, sharing his passion for the city, local knowledge, engaging stories, and thoughtful recommendations.

Beyond its interiors and people, The Place Firenze gives back through its philanthropic foundation, The Place of Wonders, dedicated to preserving Italy’s centuries-old craftsmanship.

Offering exclusive access to Florentine artisans, cultural landmarks, and scholarship programmes with the renowned goldsmith school LAO, it invites you to experience Florence authentically while supporting the city’s artistic heritage.

Room

Luxury accommodation includes the panoramic loft suite which overlooks the piazza

The hotel comprises 12 rooms and eight suites, which are spread across four floors around a tranquil courtyard.

You can choose from intimate doubles to expansive suites overlooking the piazza and Alberti’s iconic 15th-century façade.

While many rooms retain the original palette of soft whites, creams, and blond oak, every feature feels refreshed: from the parquet wooden floors to hand-embroidered linens and cashmere throws.

Luxurious travertine marble bathrooms include plush towels, heavy robes, and premium Floris bath products. Evening turndown and same-day laundry services add an extra layer of convenience.

I highly recommend the Duomo penthouse suite for what must be one of the best bathtub views in Florence, along with its stunning altana balcony overlooking Brunelleschi’s cathedral dome.

Food and drink

The Kitchen and The Bar serves a seasonal menu inspired by Tuscan specialities

The Kitchen and The Bar offers both indoor and outdoor dining, and is open all day, every day; serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.

Under the direction of chef Asso Migliore, the restaurant serves a seasonal menu inspired by Tuscan specialities, featuring ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside: olive oil and wines from San Gimignano, vegetables from a nearby organic farm, buffalo mozzarella from Campania, and freshly baked house breads.

Highlights include signature dishes such as slow-cooked truffle cacio e pepe pasta and perfectly grilled Calvana beef, all beautifully served on chic Ginori 1735 porcelain.

The warm hospitality of food and beverage manager Zaccaria and brothers Paolo and Diogo ensure every visit is as joyful as it is memorable.

To do

For lovers of art and architecture, the Uffizi Gallery is unmissable. Image credit: Bigstock/vvoevale

The concierge team go above and beyond to help guests, whether securing a last-minute restaurant reservation or museum ticket, or arranging a private Chianti wine tour. Bespoke activities such as cooking classes or indulgent in-room spa treatments are available.

For lovers of art and architecture, the Uffizi Gallery is unmissable – it houses masterpieces by Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Caravaggio. At the Accademia Gallery, Michelangelo’s David awaits, while the nearby Museo Novecento, just steps from The Place Firenze, offers a quieter gallery, showcasing modern Italian works from 20th-century artists.

A leisurely stroll along the Arno River leads to an unforgettable dining experience at Saporium Firenze, the city’s only restaurant to hold both a Michelin Star and a Green Michelin Star.

Here, chef Ariel Hagen creates inventive, locally inspired tasting menus featuring organic produce from the Borgo Santo Pietro farm.

In a nutshell

The Place Firenze captures a true sense of home in the heart of the Tuscan capital – stylish, yet relaxed and intimate. It is the perfect retreat after a day spent exploring the city, with a dedicated team whose local insight and thoughtful service make every stay feel special.

Factbox

From €500 per night including breakfast and a complimentary non-alcoholic mini bar, in a superior double room.

Address: Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 7 50123 Firenze, Italy
Phone: +39 055 264 5181
Email: info@theplacefirenze.com
Website: theplacefirenze.com

Thank you to The Hotel Guru for organising this stay at The Place Firenze. Known for selecting unique and beautiful hotels worldwide, The Hotel Guru is a trusted guide for travellers looking for something different.

Hotel images courtesy of The Place Firenze