Florence, ItalySanta Maria Novella
Leone Blu Suites
Patrician Renaissance palazzo
Santa Maria Novella Florence, Italy
Opened
2015
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Design LocalOutside the door
The house
UNA Italian HospitalityPatrician Renaissance palazzo
Nine suites occupy the noble floor of a fifteenth-century palace, surrounded by Ricasoli family heirlooms and original frescoes.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Original Pietra Serena masonry and historic salons across the Ricasoli dynasty's noble floor.
Notable
Lofty frescoed ceilings meet Pantone-colored glass floors and massive marble headboards.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
With a mere nine suites it’s still more palazzo than hotel, and each one is stylistically entirely distinct from the others, combining modern luxuries with antique furnishings, objects, and artworks.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Piazza Goldoni sits on the Arno riverfront, steps from the Ponte alla Carraia and the streets of Santa Maria Novella.
The rooms
Massive marble slabs serve as headboards beneath painted ceilings, and antique furnishings come from the family estate in Chianti.
At the table
Breakfast is served in the Salone degli Specchi, looking out over the Arno beneath frescoed ceilings.
How it began
The name comes from the blue lion on the Ricasoli coat of arms. The family began building the riverside palazzo in 1474.
Florence
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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.