Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection

In the U.S., the Auberge Resorts Collection is known for managing some of the country’s best luxury hotels—several of which have made appearances in Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards You can also read about the It List. Auberge is relatively new in Europe. After having stayed in several Auberge properties (including Maine’s), White Barn Inn, The Vanderbilt Newport, Rhode Island is a city that has a lot to offer. Mauna Lani When I was in Hawaii, I went to Florence and saw the first Italian hotel.

It is, after all, a big deal for both the city and the company—most of the high-end hotels in Florence are located in the dense city center. These hotels usually are in old townhouses (palazzi) dating from the 15th and 16th century and have very limited amenities. What I found at Collegio Alla Querce was a completely different experience from Florence’s other hotels.

After a 15 minute taxi ride from Santa Maria Novella (the city’s main station), I saw the property for the first time. If you’ve ever stayed at the center of Florence, you will immediately notice the difference: The upscale residential neighborhood with hillside villas gives way to a long gently sloping driveway, lined with cypress, that reveals a beautiful 16th century building surrounded in greenery. Collegio alla Querce used to be an all-male school for sons of wealthy families. The south-facing side of the property offers a panoramic view of the Renaissance-style buildings in the historic city center. On its other side are hills dotted with villas. There’s a large swimming pool on the opposite end of the entrance—it’s reportedly the longest outdoor hotel pool in the city at 115 feet.

Apart from the stunning exterior renovations, I was most impressed by the quietness of the place. Birdsong provided the main soundtrack and the Centro Storico was less than 2 miles away. It felt far away. Interiors were designed by a local studio ArchFlorenceIt was a sleek and palatial version of the Tuscan countryside aesthetic.

This property is anything but rustic. As I walked through the hallways, common areas and rooms, all of which were adorned with polished terrazzo flooring, glossy marble and creamy limestone, it struck me that this hotel would have been a wonderful set piece for a TV show. Succession. The atmosphere was warm and lively, and the staff were unfailingly courteous. Collegio alla Querce, however, will appeal to American tourists who are used with luxury resorts, and seamless service that “no request too large”.  

What’s it like to stay at Collegio alla Querce?

The Rooms

The Collegio Alla Querce has 83 rooms and suits. The design of my 1,600-square foot one-bedroom suite was thoughtful and beautiful. The suite had coffered ceilings, a shower with glazed ox-blood tiles, a TV hidden behind a large mirror in the living area, parquet floors, and an independent soaking tub. Ceramics from local designers were used throughout the space. Studio Ceramica GiustiMilan-based Paolo Castelli. 

During my visit, I toured several accommodation and noticed a few interesting things. Each unit was unique, but still felt like it belonged to a common aesthetic. One of the walls in the standard room I visited was covered with exquisite hand-painted wall paper depicting the Tuscan landscape. Suite Giardino felt like an apartment and featured restored frescoes as well as a fountain. The seven-bedroom Palazzo Moderno is a three-story space measuring 6,258 square feet, accessible via a private elevator and driveway. The apartment has a number of rooftop terraces with views of the Duomo and a plunge pool. 

Food and Drink

Collegio has four options for food and beverages, with the main venue being the first. La GamellaThe building’s former dining hall is now a spacious space with patio seating. Formerly the dining room of the building, this space is now a meeting area. The day began with a beautiful buffet of bread, pastries and yogurts, as well as fresh fruit and meats such bacon and sausage. There was also an à la carte menu for more elaborate egg dishes, brioche French toast, ricotta pancakes, and the like. 

La Gamella’s best moments are at dinner. Chef Zamperetti has created a menu based on Italian classics. Produce is sourced locally and the pasta is made on-site. The Mediterranean bluefin tartare, served with spring potato and shallots as well as the wood-fired, chicken cacciatore, were among my favorites. Millefoglie for dessert—caramelized puff pastry embellished with a rich vanilla cream and a dash of apricot sauce. If you’re looking for a special treat after dinner, visit Conservatorio. You can enjoy a glass wine while listening to live music.

Bar Bertelli is another lounge that has a very atmospheric atmosphere. This was the old headmaster’s offices. It’s a library and a sitting room with dark wood, antique rugs and richly-patterned textiles. For those who want to indulge, a small cigar room is located just outside the entrance. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails in the circular bar. The poolside Cafe Focolare, which is surrounded by olive trees and a garden, will soon offer wood-fired pizza. 

Activities and Experiences

Collegio has a number of facilities, such as a pool, spa, fitness center, and yoga studio. offers an array of experiences, Both on and off property. During my visit, I went on two. The first tour was of the Florence Cathedral, also known as Duomo. It was built in 1436 by architect Filippo Brunolschi. For over two hours, my group had up-close access to this incredible feat of engineering—we even got access to the elevated walkways, so we could see the interior of the intricately painted dome. On the rooftop, we had a stunning view of Florence. It is not recommended for those who are afraid to heights. In fact, I had no choice but to leave when we were climbing to the top of Duomo (which is over 375 ft high). 

The second was an educational and entertaining 90-minute pasta-making class Chef Zamperetti at Cicchetti. She discussed the many types of Italian pasta, gave insights into how the restaurant sources ingredients and produce, and answered Italian cooking questions with the expertise of an expert. After practicing kneading tortellini and filling them with different ingredients, I learned new skills that I can use at home. 

The Spa

AeliaThe hotel’s spa is unusually set up: It’s an individualized experience and there aren’t any locker rooms. Instead, guests are led from a lounge that overlooks an outdoor terrace and garden into one of four treatment rooms—two single rooms with private changing areas and showers, or two larger suites, each with their own soaking pools and steam showers. You will need to make a reservation if you want to use the sauna. There is no shared sauna. The setting includes murals of olive trees across the walls, while an actual olive tree acts as the centerpiece—a nice touch.

The spa is partnered with Italian skincare company Furtuna Skin. My therapist has used their products to perform my facial and massage. These products are made with wild-foraged botanicals, olive extract and other ingredients from Furtuna’s organic farm on 800 acres in Sicily. In addition to spa treatments, you can also take classes in yoga, pilates or meditation. You can also get personal training and use the gym, which is equipped with modern equipment.

Offers for Families

The property even has a wellness program for children aged 5-12. There are also yoga classes for children, as well as a workshop on sound baths where participants will be able to explore gongs, singing bowls, and chimes. There are many other kid-friendly activities, such as a pastry-making class or the “My Happy Florence”, a tour geared towards families. The tour includes a 16th-century house where you can learn about Renaissance Florence’s traditions and everyday life. You’ll also visit Museo Galileo Visit the Science Museum for interactive exhibits, gelato sampling and local artisans.

Accessibility, Sustainability and Sustainability

This hotel is a renovated historical property rather than a brand new construction, so sustainability is a feature that’s built in. I have never seen any plastic bottles and the water bottles in my room were all made of glass. 

The hotel has made most of its pathways wheelchair accessible, including the routes to the restaurant, swimming pool, spa and all of the guest rooms. The self-parking area has accessible parking spots, and there are also a number of accessible rooms.

Location

Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station is the closest to the hotel. The taxi ride takes 15 minutes. There are no direct flights from the United States to Florence. Most visitors fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci International Airport or Milano Malpensa Airport. They are both less than two hours’ distance via high-speed rail, or a three or three-and-a-half-hour drive, respectively. 

Location is a key characteristic of this property. Nearly all comparable hotels in this price range are located in or near the city centre. This quiet residential area on the north side of Florence has its advantages. It is still possible to get into the city by walking, and I did this one day. This allowed me to explore places off the tourist trail and poke my head in to little shops, cafes, parks and other attractions. A complimentary shuttle leaves Florence every hour, taking guests into and out of the city center.

The Best Value for Your Stay

Auberge Resorts has no loyalty program, and rooms at Collegio Alla Querce can be some of the most expensive in Europe. Collegio alla Querce is a part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts programThe package includes a $100 resort voucher, an early check-in and late checkout (when applicable), as well as a room upgrade. You can receive a third night free if you book before May 23.

Rates for the night at the Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection Starting at $1,600 a night

T+L’s hotel reviews are written by an experienced editor or reporter, who has personally stayed in the hotel. Each hotel is selected to align with our values. core values.