T+L’s Lodge Evaluation of The James Suite Lodge Firenze 1564

It’s straightforward to stroll proper previous the door of The James Suite Lodge Firenze 1564. Set on a slender, largely residential avenue, just a few blocks from teeming Piazza del Duomo amid Florence’s sea of arched doorways, green-painted shutters, and stoic façades, its modest exterior seems pretty unremarkable. However any hint of anonymity vanishes when you cross its threshold. The James is kind of presumably the sexiest, most attention-grabbing new deal with within the metropolis.

The lodge quietly opened in Could as a part of the Manfredi Assortment, which incorporates a few of Italy’s most unique stays, together with Palazzo Manfredi in Rome and the clifftop Punta Tragara Lodge on the island of Capri.

The James is intimate, and its scale is extra akin to a non-public residence; that is what it was for hundreds of years. The palace that now homes the lodge was inbuilt 1564 as the house of the Cavagnari household. Immediately, household scion James Cavagnari, an award-winning architect, has remodeled his childhood house into an area that also appears like a non-public residence, albeit one the place the homeowners have beautiful style and a mind for mixing eclectic design parts. The result’s a way of refined, thought-provoking luxurious that’s nonetheless delightfully inviting. (So sure, that is likely to be a €20,000 sofa in your suite, however it certain is snug sufficient for a pleasant afternoon nap.)

Though Florence was simply exterior the door, I discovered myself eager to linger inside. Who would need to depart a sprawling tremendous king–dimension mattress fitted with crisp sheets, a sea of pillows, and a soft topper, or rush out a WC so superbly designed? Each time I returned to my room from an outing, I felt the comforting vibe of house. And that have to be a few of what architect Cavagnari had in thoughts.

Learn on for my full assessment of The James Suite Lodge Firenze 1564.

The Rooms

Every of the lodge’s 14 suites are designed thoughtfully. Nothing is cookie-cutter right here, as furnishings are both bespoke designs from the Cavagnari studio, antiques the architect collected throughout his worldwide travels, or one-off items acquired for the lodge. Classic posters, prints, and even Hermès scarves are framed as wall artwork. Significantly noticeable is Cavagnari’s eye for mixing midcentury fashionable furnishings, classic lighting from Morocco, and older items that carry a narrative with them, akin to a conveyable writing desk and a chair that folds into its personal leather-based steamer trunk.

Suites begin on the Deluxe Room class, which measures 366 sq. toes. A room I toured included authentic frescoes from the 1600s. My 645-square-foot Chaplin Suite was a sprawling magnificence, with an outsized petroleum blue sofa and contrasting ochre curtains that opened to a terrace overlooking Florence’s terracotta-tiled rooftops.

Most suites characteristic freestanding soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers, Dyson hairdryers, and Ortigia tub facilities. The king-size beds have thick mattress toppers that encourage late morning sleep-ins. For all visitors, welcome facilities embrace a complimentary bottle of glowing wine and a number of confectionery, that are replenished each day.

Meals and Drink

With its tassel lampshades and chevron upholstery, The James Restaurant is the lodge’s whimsical ground-floor eating space. It affords a small menu of starters, pasta, and fundamental programs of meat or fish, all ready in an open kitchen. On the night time I dined there, service was quick and courteous. The restaurant additionally doubles because the breakfast space, the place visitors can order from a menu of morning classics.

Additionally on the foyer stage, 1564 Lounge Bar is the lodge’s most inviting public space. Unfold throughout a number of vaulted and atrium areas, the bar is known as for the yr the palace was constructed. It’s an atmospheric, sensual area—I couldn’t resist working my hand over the crushed velvet chairs—that echoes The James’ aesthetic of artfully mixing outdated and new. Hefty stone fireplaces and uncovered travertine door frames share area with chandeliers of pink beaded glass, in addition to low-slung lounge chairs and settees. Mixology is unquestionably a central theme right here. And whereas a menu of wine and conventional cocktails is out there, it’s a disgrace to not attempt one of many bar’s 13 signature cocktails, all created with a vaguely Florentine leitmotif. I sampled the pornstar martini (don’t decide) of gin, ardour fruit, vanilla, and prosecco, in addition to a smoky nero of gin, vermouth, Martini Vibrante, and lapsang souchong black tea, served underneath a smoke-filled dome.

In good climate, The James additionally opens its nice rooftop terrace, the place the 1564 Lounge Bar menu can be accessible, alongside 360-degree views of the Florence skyline. Aperitivo snacks are provided with drinks in each bars, and a extra substantial meals menu is forthcoming.

Actions and Experiences

The James can prepare greater than a dozen off-site experiences that discover the culinary, artisanal, and design heritage of Florence. Friends can go for a market journey and cooking class led by the crew at Cibrèo, the celebrated trattoria within the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood.

Different choices embrace visits to Florence’s storied leathermaking workshops or a tour and demonstration at Antico Setificio Fiorentino, the historic silk mill that also produces textiles with authentic 18th-century looms. Style hounds can schedule a guided tour of the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, personal entry to the Emilio Pucci archives, or personal procuring and fittings with the town’s greatest tailors.

The Spa

The James Suite Lodge Firenze 1564 does not have a spa or a fitness center.

Household-friendly Choices

The James Suite Lodge Firenze 1564 has a number of suites that may accommodate two adults and a small youngster. Nevertheless, it’s a quiet lodge with a mature vibe. So these touring with youngsters could also be extra snug in a bigger lodge with extra diversions for little ones.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Two shallow steps lead into the lodge from avenue stage, and there’s no ramp. The lobby-level 1564 Lounge Bar and The James Restaurant are wheelchair accessible. Most suites are reachable by way of elevator, although just a few require climbing a flight of stairs. The roof terrace can solely be accessed by stairs.

The lodge’s small scale and sourcing of classic furnishings favor sustainability. Rooms are stocked with refillable toiletries containers and glass water bottles. There aren’t any single-use plastics.

Location

The James Suite Lodge Firenze 1564 is situated on Through di Mezzo within the Sant’Ambrigio district, a neighborhood recognized for its colourful meals and produce market. It’s house to the Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence, which is simply two blocks from the lodge. Piazza del Duomo, the town’s point of interest, is a 10-minute stroll. The Uffizi Galleries and the Ponte Vecchio are inside a 15-minute stroll.

The closest worldwide airport is Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR), a 20-minute drive from the lodge. Florence can be served by Pisa Worldwide Airport (PSA), which is about 1 hour away by automobile. Flights listed here are largely from inside Europe, and it’s a hub for finances airline RyanAir.

Florence’s fundamental practice station, Santa Maria Novella, is a 25-minute stroll from the lodge. Friends who e-book suites or junior suites can benefit from free pick-up or drop-off on the practice station or Peretola airport.

Ebook Now

The lodge is a part of the Small Luxurious Inns of the World’s SLH Membership loyalty program, the place members obtain particular charges, versatile check-in and check-out occasions, and complimentary WiFi. Hilton Honors members may use factors to e-book a keep at The James and luxuriate in numerous perks primarily based on their standing.

Nightly charges at The James Suite Lodge Firenze 1564 begin from €470 ($551) for a Deluxe Room.

Each T+L lodge assessment is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed on the property, and every lodge chosen aligns with our core values.