On a quiet street in the heart of historic Florence, a 16th-century palazzo and former convent has been reimagined into The James Suite Hotel, a luxurious 14-room boutique hotel that manages to feel as exclusive as it does welcoming. It has been designed by James Cavagnari, an interior designer from Florence and the namesake of the hotel. He has an emotional connection to the building that goes back many years, as his parents owned the palazzo and the family lived there for a time.
James is a trained architect who turned to interior design in his mid-thirties, founding his studio, Prima Design, in 1995, which today has a 25-strong team that works alongside James on a range of residential and retail projects, including the design of several Ferragamo shoe shops. He describes the renovation and redesign of his family's palazzo as the most personal project he has ever undertaken. His hope was to craft an alternative, unique vision of luxury that offers something different to the high end chain hotels where each room is identical. At The James, each room has its own distinct design and colour identity. He describes them as small sets or cabinets of curiosities, each one with a different story to tell.
Design notes
The preservation of the history of the building, incorporated with contemporary design elements is striking throughout the hotel. On the ground floor, the walls and vaulted ceilings are decorated with pastel blue cloud murals in the lobby, then covered with a sage green velvet in the bar area. Elsewhere, historic frescoes have been preserved. The glass-roofed atrium restaurant, where breakfast is served each morning, is one of the most beautiful spots. Decorated with wicker bistro chairs, Fortuny lanterns and vast potted plants that bring the outside in, it has an airy, open feel.
Old and new also coexist in the rooms, with luxurious fabrics and modern accessories coming together with curated antique and vintage furnishings. We stayed in the Chaplin Suite on our visit, which includes a living area with sofa and chairs to relax in, a charming balcony, a generous bathroom that comes complete with a standalone bathtub and double vanity unit, as well as a separate shower room.
Why stay here
It's a special thing to stay in a place that holds so much history in its walls, while at the same time offering all the modern comforts and extra touches you expect from a small luxury hotel. The James is also perfectly placed for discovering the treasures of Florence, though remains just secluded enough that it is deeply relaxing.
For a unique insight into Florence's design history, ask reception if they can organise a private tour of Antico Setificio Fiorentino, an historic silk factory dating back to 1786 where time-honoured techniques and ancient machinery are used to craft unbelievably luxurious textiles. It's a highly memorable experience offered by the hotel and something that you may not otherwise have the opportunity to do.
Rooms and facilities
Because of the way each of the 14 rooms and suites has been individually designed, they vary in style and size, so make sure to check the photos and descriptions online before booking. Enjoy an expertly mixed twist on a classic cocktail at the opulent lounge bar, where on certain evenings there are DJ nights, buzzing with locals. In the warmer months of the year, the terrace offers atmospheric views across the rooftops of Florence. The hotel's very own restaurant serves fine dining versions of Florentine classics, though make sure you set some time aside to discover the many great, authentic food options spread across the city, many of which are just a short stroll from the hotel.
What’s around
The Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio is a stone's throw from the hotel: it is a great spot for people watching and picking up some fresh produce. Wander over one morning and book a table for lunch at the cosy Cibréo Caffé, where you can sample the famed Florentine steak, and their indulgent signature pasta, tagliolini cacio e burro. Though The James is in a calm and quiet neighbourhood, Florence's bijoux size means that most of the essential spots are easily walkable from the hotel, including the Uffizi gallery, Ponte Vecchio and the vast terracotta dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral. Don't miss the Santa Maria Novella flagship perfumery for a memorable shopping experience, where you can buy candles, fragrances and more, all housed in the original convent and chapel where the apothecary was founded over 800 years ago.
