New boutique hotel opens in Florence, fusing English heritage with Tuscan tradition

This week a new boutique property, The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564, opened its doors in the heart of Florence, Italy. It’s a personal project by designer and architect James Cavagnari, who transformed his childhood home – a Renaissance-era palazzo – into a 14-suite luxury property. Located within the historic centre, the hotel aims to offer an experience that merges English heritage with Tuscan design traditions.

The building dates back to 1564, a year notable for the death of Michelangelo and the birth of both Galileo and Shakespeare. Originally constructed as a convent, the palazzo retains many of its original architectural features, including a modest façade, vaulted ceilings and a secluded inner courtyard. These elements have been preserved and incorporated into the hotel’s design.

Cavagnari, who was born in London in 1964 and raised in Florence, has extensive experience in luxury design, having created over 200 boutiques for Salvatore Ferragamo and led the global redesign of Bulgari’s retail identity. This new project in Florence is described as his most personal endeavour: “The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564 invites guests not just to stay, but to feel a connection to history, to place and to a story told quietly through space and design.”

The accommodation is decorated with a mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings, including rich velvets, ceramics and antique chandeliers. Each suite offers views of the Tuscan skyline and is designed to evoke both comfort and historical ambience. A notable feature within the hotel is Queen Elizabeth II’s original mobile wardrobe, crafted from mahogany and accompanied by a portrait of the late monarch. The property also includes The James Restaurant, which serves Mediterranean-influenced dishes, and the 1564 Lounge Bar that offers a selection of cocktails made with rare spirits and house-made infusions. The interiors of these spaces are similarly considered, incorporating natural wood, brass accents and curated lighting to create an atmosphere intended to be both intimate and refined.

With room rates starting at €600 per night for double occupancy, the hotel is positioned as a high-end option for travellers seeking a blend of historical context and contemporary design in Florence’s city centre.

Food Desk

For further information or to book a room at The James Suite Hotel, Via di Mezzo, 20, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy, call +39 055 745 0036 or visit the hotel’s website here.