The James Suite Hotel 1564 Firenze
Florence, Italy
Santa Croce
Vibe
Stepping inside reveals a tranquil residential sanctuary, moving past vaulted stone arches to drinks in the secluded cloistered garden.
“Renaissance curio retreat”
Architect James Cavagnari layers global antique curios, cerulean velvet, and hand-painted murals against historic Florentine stone.
A restored 1564 convent where original Renaissance arches and angelic ceiling frescoes surround a secluded cloistered courtyard.
Boutique residential pampering with attentive doormen, tailored in-room spa treatments, private suite saunas, and Ortigia amenities.
In Sant'Ambrogio along Via di Mezzo, a short walk from Piazza Santa Croce and local trattorias.
“Designer James Cavagnani has layered the high-ceilinged rooms with pieces collected from decades of travel: antique furniture, global textiles, unexpected objects, all set against original frescoes and vaulted stonework.”
Rooms
Suites pair original stone archways and preserved frescoes with plush cerulean beds, while Court Suites add private outdoor patios.
Wellness
Select suites include private integrated saunas, and personalized body treatments can be arranged directly in your room upon request.
“Upon entering the far-from-traditional lobby, I was immediately captivated by the handpainted sky and garden mural that stretched across the walls and ceiling.”
Backstory
Founded as a sixteenth-century convent, the historic palazzo later served as a family home before its meticulous hospitality revival.
Eat & drink
The 1564 Lounge Bar serves botanical cocktails beneath vaulted ceilings, alongside rotating regional Italian menus in a sunlit winter garden.
The neighborhood
Tucked into the quieter Sant'Ambrogio district, lively market stalls and historic basilicas sit just minutes from your front door.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.