The Place Firenze, a luxury hotel located in Florence overlooking Piazza Santa Maria Novella, has reopened following an extensive renovation. Under the care of parent group, The Hospitality Experience; owners, the Babini Family; and General Manager Claudio Meli, the hotel has unveiled a new chapter in its history.
Designed by Florence-based Luigi Fragola Architectural Studio, The Place Firenze was inspired by the work of Italian Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti, known notably for the Santa Maria Novella Church, which sits directly across from the property. Fragola drew inspiration from the Church’s façade, vibrant color palette, and historical location. The property also has a curated selection of paintings, sculptures, and décor crafted by local artisans.
Public spaces, such as The Fireplace, Studiolo, and Glass Yard, are decorated with green and cream colors, tactile materials, and custom-made furniture. The Glass Yard features a pitched atrium which looks like a greenhouse, filling the space with natural light. In addition to greenery and wild plants, the room also has works of Florentine artists such as Lorenzo Brinati.
The Studiolo room pays homage to small artistic studios inspired by the modern “Studioli”—places historically dedicated to thinking. The hotel's eight suites and 12 guestrooms are adorned with wood paneling and bespoke textiles inspired by the curves of the iconic Piazza. With a range of duplex to open floor plans, the accommodations cater to families and independent travelers alike.
The property’s culinary program features an artisanal Tuscan restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and an intimate cocktail lounge, and rooftop providing dining and drinking experiences.
The hotel’s culinary offerings celebrate the region’s gastronomy with distinctive seasonal menus created by Chef Asso Migliore, complemented by a mixology program by Food & Beverage Manager, Zaccaria Medda. Ingredients are sourced from local purveyors with traditional Italian cooking techniques incorporated throughout, to create menu highlights such as the Il Filetto (filet of free range Calvana beef paired with mashed truffled potatoes and bok choy), Il Pacchero (Paccheri pasta with hand cut ragout of Grigio Casentino pork), and Il Pescato (fish of the day with potatoes, taggiasca olives, capers & tomatoes), alongside a diverse selection of local cheeses and cured meats. The restaurant also offers a unique Flambé dining experience that features an eclectic four-course menu prepared tableside by the hotel’s culinary practitioners, providing a contemporary take on a longtime hospitality tradition.
The hotel’s rooftop, the Alcova, overlooks Florence with views of the Duomo and Santa Maria Novella.
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