What it is

A luxe 20-room townhouse on Piazza Santa Maria Novella with over-the-top service.

What it isn't

Cramped. This may be a boutique hotel, but because it winds around an interior courtyard, it feels breezy as the Florentine air.

What we think

The entire design world sighed with exultant glee upon the opening of The Place Firenze, formerly J.K. Place Firenze. Even the most basic rooms are treasure troves of beauty worth hopping the pond for, with creamy wool drapes cozying up canopy beds, gleaming boiserie, and pressed bleach-white monogrammed linens. (Upgrade to a Master Room for a fireplace, comped mini-bar, and 500 square feet digs topped in plush gray carpet). Repeat guests wax poetic about taking their dinners by candlelight on the rooftop terrace overlooking the piazza, and the literally bubbly champagne bar with a resident mixologist.

You're here because

You’re always seeking out insider advice, and this stylish gem is a member of the in crowd and knows all the adored artisan workshops and Florentine favorite eateries.

The Moment

You’d always heard their Sunday Brunch was legendary, but you never imagined it would be as jaw-dropping as this. Set before a neoclassical fireplace in a room flanked with modern art, you sip your welcome cocktail and ponder your strategy at the bounteous buffet. Will you have a housemade tart? Pillowy pasta? Another bellini? Sì, sì, and sì.

Restaurants & Bars

Lounge Restaurant & Bar - Exquisitely crafted menu of seasonal specials paired with inventive and classic cocktails

Champagne Bar - Organic coffee by day, cocktails and champagne by night

Terrace - Light snacks, Italian aperitifs, after-dinner cocktails or dinner by candlelight. The organic menu features home-made specialties from Tuscany and Italy

Location

Just across the square from the circa 1420 Santa Maria Novella Church, and within a quick walk of the 13th century Palazzo Vecchio and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, home to models of his many inventions.