Hot Hotels 2024 : Florence
Where to stay, where to shop and where to eat.
By boutique hotel guru Lulu Townsend
Soprarno Suites
Just a few minutes’ walk from the river Arno in Oltrarno is a hidden little gem in Via Maggio, Soprarno Suites. So discreet is it you may miss the entrance. Created by graphic designer and calligrapher Betty Soldi and husband Matteo Perduca, Soprarno Suites is one of their four small boutique hotels; three are this side of the river and new for 2024 the joyful Stella d’Italia on Via Tornabuoni. Soprarno Suites is a magical place to stay; crammed full of eclectic pieces from Betty’s travels and her life it’s a colourful, happy place with huge rooms, roll top baths, frescoes and wonderfully high ceilings. Breakfast is served in the bar downstairs where the walls are dotted with menus from Betty’s favourite restaurants. Coffee is served from bespoke porcelain adorned with Betty’s swirls; pretty plates also showcase Betty’s instantly recognisable calligraphy skills. Not yet for sale I hope they will soon be available on Betty’s new online shop inkvisible.store . The location of each of her hotels is fabulous; Soprarno Suites certainly is one of the best places to stay in Florence if you’re after somewhere fun, creative and great value. New from Matteo and Betty for 2024 is Stella d’Italia (named after Italy’s oldest national symbol) on Via Tornabuoni, the beating heart of fashion and culture where history, noble palaces and fairy tales come together as one enchanting story. Sitting directly above Prada, it’s hard to imagine a better location. Spread across three floors of the palazzo, many of the 24 rooms look directly on to Via Tornabuoni and across the Florentine rooftops, ancient, cobbled streets, church towers and hills beyond the city.
The Place Firenze
Owned by the Babini family this townhouse hotel sits on Piazza Santa Maria Novella. It is a sentimental place for me as I was the first person to stay when it opened in 2003 - there have been a lot of changes since then but what set it apart from other boutique hotels in Florence then still sets it apart from them today; attention to detail is like no other - handblown crystal glasses from Moleria Locchi porcelain from Richard Ginori, silver and crystal salt mills, organic olive oil from the country estate, different hand-embroidered coasters by Julia B for each cocktail (which will set you back around €26), hot, frothy cappuccinos (no need to ask for no chocolate)… GM Claudio Meli has been here since the start and has put together a team of knowledgeable, friendly, beautiful people to look after you during your stay. Many hotels claim to be a home away from home, well The Place really is; the interiors are smart, chic and modern, the service impeccable and the smiles infectious. Lorenzo on concierge has been here for years and, along with Claudio knows how to unlock the secret doors in their beloved Florence for you to experience the real Florence and its artisans including Sartoria Vanni who makes the team’s beautifully fitting suits. The 20 rooms and suites have been totally refurbished and fitted with reclaimed parquet floors, high tech lights, TV’s that rise up from the foot of the bed, plenty of gorgeous bathroom and body products, complimentary soft drink mini bar and crisp, hand embroidered linen sheets from Julia B. The first boutique hotel in Florence and still the best.
With the help of Claudio, The Place of Wonders foundation, founded by the Babini family, hoteliers behind The Place Firenze and Londra Palace Venezia, aims to preserve and promote the disappearing tradition of Italian craft. Through education and special access to skilled artisans, the foundation supports scholarships and initiatives for Italian students. Collaborating with schools and centres of excellence in Florence, Venice, and other cities, their work ensures the preservation of Italy's craft heritage for future generations.
Casa Howard
You’ll find all things bright and beautiful at Casa Howard in Florence - a gorgeous small boutique hotel just off Piazza Santa Maria Novella a few steps from Farmacia Santa Maria Novella - attention to detail is everything here from micro filtered water in recycled glass, recycled bamboo loo paper, silk duvets, goose down pillows, handmade leather bottle holders, homemade Florentine biscuits… the list goes on, you’ll just have to visit! And visit soon as it’s about to undergo a huge renovation project with the addition of six suites and expansion of others. Small, bespoke and simply beautiful.
Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni No.1
For the best breakfast with the best views this friendly hotel on the famous Via Tornabuoni is unbeatable. Rooms are traditional and a little tired but no matter, you are on Via Tornabuoni! The roof terrace has magnificent views across to the Duomo, Palazzo Pitti, the Arno, Boboli Gardens and more. You could spend the entire morning soaking up the magic of Florence directly from here. Breakfast (included in the room rate) is a feast with a selection of fresh pastries, hams, cheeses, organic jams, eggs, bacon and of course daily changing freshly baked cakes. Linger over breakfast and just when you think you’ve lingered long enough, linger some more, the views are the most romantic hotel views in Florence, never has life felt so vibrant.
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Let’s talk about food, an essential ingredient for your trip to Florence!
Where to eat:
Angelino’s
An absolute must when coming to Florence and a short walk from Soprarno Suites. Angelino’s is a Florence institution and is the best trattoria in town. Take a walk down Via Santo Spirito until you reach 36 R. Simple, delicious food, a great wine list, friendly staff and always, always busy with a mix of Italian couples, friends and families. Everything on the menu is delicious, so if you’re here for more than a couple of days return again to sample as many dishes as you can!
Via Santo Spirito – Tel: +39 055 239 8976
The Place Florence
Asso Migliore is the chef behind the food at The Place. He has a love for simplicity and authenticity which is evident in his colourful Tuscan dishes which include ‘Lo spaghetto’ slow cooked organic spaghettoni Fabbri, with pecorino and Asso’s tomato sauce.
Piazza Santa Maria Novella – Tel: +39 055 26 45 181
Enoteca Spontanea
New, small and cute this wine bar is on the same street as Soprarno Suites. Run by husband-and-wife team this is the place to come for a long, leisurely evening of slow drinking and slow eating. Booking essential. Open Monday to Saturday.
Via Maggio – Tel: +39 055 049 8258
Some of Matteo and Betty’s favourites include:
Cantinetta Antinori – Housed in a 15th-century, Renaissance palace, Cantinetta Antinori serves refined versions of classical Tuscan dishes.
Regina Bistecca – This restaurant, owned by Matteo and Betty, is a few steps from the Duomo is a go to for Bistecca alla Flotentine.
Trattoria Sostanza – A classical Florentine trattoria and one of the best in the city . Best to book ahead and expect to share a table.
Shopping in Florence:
@pineider - gorgeous leather goods
@vivoli_il_gelato - ok not strictly shopping but we still think is the best ice cream (the rice and yoghurt are delicious)
@juliabhandmadeforlife - anything and everything bespoke
@pegnafirenze - beautiful grocery store that sells everything you didn’t know you needed
@hearttoheart_inflorence - velvet shoes
@ginori1735 - the best porcelain in the world
@bettysoldistudio - calligraphy book and online store
@laviadelte - fantastic selection of teas
@cinziaviamaggio – handmade rafia bags, personalised slippers
