Why guide?
A classy newcomer on Florence’s hospitality scene, The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, blends up to date magnificence with basic Florentine allure. Perfectly positioned within the metropolis heart but quietly tucked away, it gives the very best of each worlds—quick access to landmarks, procuring, and eating capped off by a quiet night time’s sleep. For vacationers looking for consolation, comfort, and design-forward luxurious, The James is town’s latest must-stay.
Set the scene
Upon getting into the far-from-traditional foyer, I used to be instantly captivated by the handpainted sky and backyard mural that stretched throughout the partitions and ceiling. It felt as if I had stepped into an inside designer’s personal lounge—each floor curated with intention, each nook extra beautiful than the final. At The James, it’s these meticulous particulars that seize you from the very first second.
The backstory
Originally a Sixteenth-century palazzo that housed a convent, The James resort opened towards the top of the summer time in 2025 inside what was as soon as the childhood dwelling of its personal architect, James Cavagnari. His imaginative and prescient? “I set out to create more than just a boutique hotel—a narrative retreat where each suite whispers its own story.” Cavagnari labored intently with native artists to weave collectively basic and up to date design, celebrating the constructing’s Renaissance soul by way of authentic arches, hand-painted frescoes, and meticulously restored marble flooring.
The rooms
All 14 distinctive suites masterfully mix historical past and up to date design, inviting visitors to expertise Florence’s wealthy previous by way of a contemporary lens. The Chaplin Suite, the place I stayed, showcases its authentic uncovered ceiling beams, one quaintly shortened toilet door—a relic of the constructing’s authentic codes—and vintage furnishings paired with a luxurious cerulean-hued mattress and hanging trendy accents, from vibrant toilet tiles to geometric lighting fixtures. Across the opposite suites, this juxtaposition of previous and new continues with assertion items starting from the genuine mahogany wardrobe of late Queen Elizabeth II to a framed Hermès scarf.
Food and drink
On the principle degree, the velvet-clad 1564 Lounge Bar (with a pink crystal chandelier I’ll always remember) and semi-indoor restaurant beckon—distinct but linked areas that delight each the eyes and the palate. At the bar, mixologists craft an creative cocktail menu impressed by the Thirteen Mysteries of Florence. Standouts embody their signature Negroni Metamorphosis and a Different Espressotini that’s astonishingly clear and accommodates no espresso but tastes precisely as if it does.
After cocktails, I moved to the eating room for dinner, the place we savored a multi-course expertise masterfully ready by Chef Axel and graciously served by Alberto—a duo whose concord outlined the night. Alberto guided us by way of every dish, sharing that the younger head chef’s ardour for cooking was impressed by his late mom. Every plate was spectacular in its personal proper, however the bottoni and steak had been really unforgettable. Honorable mentions go to the eggplant and the house-made pastas and breads, every a testomony to Axel’s expertise. Together, Axel and Alberto delivered an intimately memorable expertise that ended completely—with Alberto presenting us a farewell bottle of the very olive oil we had raved about all night.
The neighborhood/space
Ideally located within the coronary heart of Florence, The James gives easy entry to the city’s most celebrated landmarks—all only a brief stroll away. From the world’s greatest leather-based shops to the Duomo to the Statue of David, you’ll be able to stroll to and from nearly every little thing inside minutes. Plus, it’s not removed from the airport and the practice station to make journey days stress-free. Despite its central location, it’s discreetly tucked alongside a tranquil avenue, providing a serene retreat from the colourful bustle past. It’s the right place to unwind after a day of procuring, sightseeing, and savoring town’s timeless allure.
The service
Feeling at dwelling in a resort is not any simple feat, however at The James, the workers make it really feel easy. Thanks to the property’s intimate scale, each interplay feels private, as if I had been coming and going from my very own house constructing, greeted every time by a doorman genuinely invested in making my day slightly brighter. From reception to housekeeping, the servers and bartenders to the chef himself, each member of the workforce radiated heat and attentiveness. Their dedication went above and past—even answering my WhatsApp message at 1:30 a.m. after I couldn’t work out modify the thermostat in our very heat room.
Accessibility
As a historic property, The James retains a lot of its authentic Sixteenth-century structure, which presents sure accessibility challenges. Just a few steep steps lead as much as the foyer, and there’s not a ramp in place; the constructing’s authentic structure permits just for a compact elevator. For visitors capable of navigate these first few steps, a number of ground-floor rooms can be found upon request.