T+L’s hotel review of The James Suite Firenze Hotel 1564

You can easily walk past the front door of The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564. Set on a narrow, mostly residential street, a few blocks from teeming Piazza del Duomo amid Florence’s sea of arched doorways, green-painted shutters, and stoic façades, its modest exterior appears fairly unremarkable. The anonymity of the building is lost once you enter. The James This is the most sexiest and interesting address in the entire city.

The hotel quietly opened its doors in May. the Manfredi CollectionThe list includes the most luxurious stays in Italy, including Palazzo Manfredi in Rome Clifftops and other cliffside views Punta Tragara Hotel on the island of Capri.

The James has a small, intimate feel and is a lot like a private home. It was that way for many years. The Palace that houses the Hotel was built by the Cavagnaris in 1564. Today, family scion James Cavagnari, an award-winning architect, transformed the childhood home of his parents into a place that feels like it’s still a private residence. The owners, however, have exquisite taste, and they know how to blend eclectic design elements. The result? A sense of refined luxury that is both thought-provoking and inviting. (So yes, that might be a €20,000 couch in your suite, but it sure is comfortable enough for a nice afternoon nap.)

Florence was right outside my door but I still wanted to linger in the room. Who would want to leave a sprawling super king–size bed fitted with crisp sheets, a sea of pillows, and a cushy topper, or rush out of a bathroom so beautifully designed? When I returned from a trip, I always felt at home. This must have been what Cavagnari intended.

The James Suite Firenze Hotel 1564 is reviewed in full.

The Rooms

Each of its 14 suites has been thoughtfully designed. The furnishings in the hotel are unique pieces, either from the Cavagnari Studio, antiques that the architect acquired during his travels abroad, or bespoke designs. Vintage posters, prints, and even Hermès scarves are framed as wall art. Cavagnari is known for his eye to mix midcentury modern furniture, Moroccan vintage lighting, and older pieces with a story, like a portable desk or a chair which folds up into its own leather trunk.

Suites begin at 366 square foot Deluxe Rooms. One of the rooms I visited had original frescoes dating back to the 1600s. My 645 square foot Chaplin Suite had a large petroleum blue couch with contrasting ochre drapes that led to a terrace looking out over the terracotta tiled roofs of Florence.

Suites are equipped with freestanding tubs and walk-in rain showers. Other amenities include Ortigia products and Dyson hairdryers. The king size beds are equipped with thick mattress covers that encourage late morning snoozes. Welcome amenities for all guests include a free bottle of sparkling wines and a variety of confectionery. These are replenished each day.

Food and Drink

The James Restaurant’s quirky ground floor dining area features chevron-patterned upholstery and tassel-style lampshades. The open kitchen prepares a small selection of dishes, including pasta, meat and fish main courses, as well as starters. The service was prompt and courteous the night I ate there. The restaurant is also used as a breakfast area where guests can choose from a variety of classics.

The most welcoming public space is also located at the lobby level. This bar has been named 1564 for the construction year of the palace. It is located in several vaulted atriums and vaulted ceiling spaces. It’s an atmospheric, sensual space—I couldn’t resist running my hand over the crushed velvet chairs—that echoes The James’ aesthetic of artfully mixing old and new. The imposing stone fireplaces, exposed travertine doors frames and low-slung lounges and sofas share space with pink beaded glass chandeliers. Mixology is a big part of the atmosphere. The bar has a variety of wines and cocktails. But it’s a shame to not try the 13 signature drinks, which are all based around a Florentine motif. I tried the pornstar cocktail (don’t be judged) made with gin and passion fruit and vanilla. Also, a smoky version of the nero, which is a mix of gin and vermouth and Martini Vibrante and black tea lapsang souchong, all served under a dome of smoke.

The James’ rooftop terrace is open in fine weather. The menu of the 1564 lounge bar, as well as 360-degree panoramic views of Florence, are available. In both bars you can enjoy aperitivo with your drinks. A more extensive food menu will be available soon.

Activities and Experiences

The James offers a variety of off-site activities that will allow you to explore Florence’s culinary, design, and artisanal heritage. The team can lead guests on a market visit and cooking class. CibrèoThe renowned trattoria is located in Sant’Ambrogio.

Visits to Florence’s legendary leathermaking workshops, or a tour at Antico Setificio Fiorentino, the historic textile mill which still produces textiles on original 18th-century weaving looms. Fashion enthusiasts can arrange a guided tour at the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum. They can also schedule private access to Emilio Pucci’s archives or private shopping sessions with the best tailors of the city.

The Spa

The James Suite Hotel Firenze is not equipped with a gym or spa.

Family Friendly Offerings

James Suite Hotel Firenze has a number of suites which can accommodate two adults with a small child. It’s a quiet, mature hotel. If you are traveling with your children, a bigger hotel will be more suitable. There will be more entertainment for them.

Accessibility, Sustainability and Sustainability

The hotel is accessible by two small steps from the street. No ramp. The 1564 Lounge Bar, located on the lobby level, and The James Restaurant can be accessed by wheelchair. The majority of suites can be reached via elevator. However, a few may require a set of stairs. Roof terraces can only be reached by stairway.

Sustainability is promoted by the small size of the hotel and its vintage furniture. The rooms are equipped with glass bottles and refillable containers for toiletries. Plastics of single use are not used.

Location

The James Suite Hotel Firenze1564 is located at Via di Mezzo, in Sant’Ambrigio. This neighborhood is known for the colorful produce and food market. Just two blocks away, you’ll find the Jewish Museum of Florence and the Synagogue of Florence. The city’s main attraction, Piazza del Duomo is just a 10 minute walk away. Within 15 minutes, you can reach the Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Galleries.

Aeroporto di Firenze Peretola is the closest international airport, located 20 minutes away from the hotel. Pisa International Airport, about one hour by car away, is also a service to Florence. The majority of flights here originate from Europe. It is also a hub for the budget airline RyanAir.

Santa Maria Novella train station is located 25 minutes away from the hotel. If you book a junior suite or suite, the hotel will pick up or drop off guests at Peretola or Florence’s main train station for free.

Book Now

Small Luxury Hotels of the World is a collection of hotels that are small and luxurious. SLH Club loyalty programMembers receive special rates and flexible check-in/check-out times. Hilton Honors Members can also book a stay in The James using points and receive a variety of benefits depending on their status.

Rates for nightly stays at The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564 start from €470 ($551) for a Deluxe Room.

Each hotel reviewed by T+L is chosen based on its alignment with our values. core values.