Santa Maria Novella Florence, Italy
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage ClassicOutside the door
Modernist piazza beacon
Italian modernism anchors this historic palazzo, giving a classic piazza address an easy, design-conscious rhythm.
“It’s a family-run affair, and staff offer recommendations for less touristy things to see and do.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Carlo Scarpa's geometric marble floors anchor the preserved mid-century breakfast salon.
Notable
A nineteenth-century palazzo facing Santa Maria Novella, once a historic monastic hostel.
Notable
Welcoming travellers to Piazza Santa Maria Novella continuously since its 1869 opening.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The 97 rooms and suites are elegant, some vibrantly colorful, others pleasingly monochrome, predominantly contemporary in style but with little flourishes…
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The front doors open directly onto pedestrian Piazza Santa Maria Novella, a short stroll from the central train station.
The rooms
Wood floors and marble bathrooms keep interiors calm, while select suites preserve original nineteenth-century ceiling frescoes.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Sun loungers line the heated rooftop pool, which looks out across Florence's terracotta roofs toward the Duomo.
The caldarium and gym
A mosaic caldarium houses a whirlpool hot tub, and gym cardio machines look directly down over the piazza.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Scarpa Breakfast Room
Floor-to-ceiling glass looks onto the brick courtyard, and walls display original artwork by Giuseppe Chiari.
This four-star favorite offers a heated rooftop pool with 360-degree views of Florence’s skyline and Art Deco-influenced rooms in a stately 13th-century palazzo
At the table
La Buona Novella serves Tuscan fare on the piazza terrace, and the rooftop bar pours sunset aperitivi.
How it began
American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow stayed here while translating Dante, back when the building served as a pilgrims' hostel.
Good to know
Stay here
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.