Florence, Italy, has always felt like a city suspended in time, but a recent stay at The Hoxton, Florence, has me seeing it through new eyes. This isn’t just about admiring the Duomo or Uffizi – though that’s always a must. It’s about experiencing the city’s evolution, from its Renaissance roots to its modern pulse. The hotel itself is a fascinating blend of old and new, spread across two distinct buildings that tell different stories of Florentine design.
The late Renaissance palazzo, with its original façade and arcade, feels like stepping back into history. Adjacent to it, a 1980s building designed by Andrea Branzi offers a striking modernist contrast. It’s this juxtaposition that makes the hotel so compelling. You’re right in the heart of the historic center, close to everything, yet stepping into the hotel feels like entering your own little world.
A Stay Brimming with Tuscan Spirit
The design throughout The Hoxton, Florence, by AIME Studios, is a real highlight. They’ve managed to preserve the rich history of the 16th-century Ricasoli family residence while injecting a contemporary flair. You see it in the lime-washed walls and the original frescoes dating back to 1611, but also in the vibrant colours, bold patterns, and luxurious finishes used throughout. It feels like a celebration of Florentine glamour, both past and present. I loved how they’ve incorporated bespoke Italian craftsmanship into every space, layering it with comfort that makes you feel instantly at home.
Rooms That Tell a Story
The rooms are carefully divided between the two architectural styles, each with its own unique design. A lush courtyard, complete with a fountain, connects the buildings and serves as a charming outdoor dining space. It’s a lovely spot to relax with a coffee.
Renaissance Reimagined Rooms
In the main palazzo building, the bedrooms feel like modern interpretations of the Renaissance. You can see references to classical Florentine architecture in the geometries and motifs, blended with mid-century Italian influences. Some rooms offer incredible views of the Duomo, which is simply breathtaking, especially at dawn. Others boast spacious terraces with outdoor bathtubs – such a treat. There are even dual-level rooms with a lounge area and a spiral staircase, adding a touch of fun. The colour palette draws inspiration from the Duomo’s tricolour marbles, and the headboard design is a nod to the Santo Spirito church façade. Flamestitch motifs on curtain edges and corridor carpets subtly reference the Medici family’s influence.
Bold Modernist Spaces
The Andrea Branzi-designed building is a complete contrast. Branzi was part of the postmodernist Memphis Group, and this influence is clear. The rooms here are a joyful explosion of bold colours, clashing prints, and interesting materials. Think asymmetrical wardrobes and striking monochrome lamps; it’s playful and full of personality. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to the historic feel of the main building.
House Your Own Florentine Apartment
The hotel introduces its first-ever “House” category, a self-contained three-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment. This felt like a game-changer for families or groups traveling together. It has its own state-of-the-art kitchen, dining area, and a comfortable lounge, plus an outdoor terrace and a private entrance. It truly offers a home-away-from-home experience with that extra sparkle. The offer of welcome treats from local suppliers and a dedicated House Manager available via WhatsApp to help with everything from arranging a private chef to booking exhibition tickets was a fantastic touch.
Perfect for Family Adventures
We found the “House” to be ideal for giving Lily and Ethan their own space to spread out. Having a kitchen meant we could easily prepare snacks for them, and the private entrance made coming and going with little ones much less stressful. Michael was particularly impressed with the setup for entertaining friends if we were to visit with another couple. The dedicated manager was invaluable for helping us navigate dinner plans and even suggested a wonderful artisan gelato shop nearby that the kids adored.
Flavours of Italy, The Hoxton Way
The dining options at The Hoxton are a major draw. They really capture the essence of Italian cuisine with a creative twist.
Alassio Coastal Italian Dining
Alassio, the hotel’s coastal-inspired Italian restaurant, is pure summer bliss. The menu focuses on Mediterranean plates and comforting classic dishes, evoking the food of the Italian Riviera, with a Ligurian influence. It’s perfect for those long, leisurely lunches and dinners that Italy is famous for. The seafood dishes were particularly memorable; the Focaccia Alassio with grilled zucchini and tuna tartare was a light yet flavourful starter. For a more substantial meal, the Pork Tomahawk was impressive. And of course, a Tiramisu that is truly a showstopper for dessert. The bar serves a great range of drinks, from excellent coffee to colourful cocktails like the Mediterranean Negroni.
Alfresco Dining Delights
The interiors at Alassio are a charming nod to the seaside town it’s named after, with vaulted ceilings and beautiful Italian artwork. We enjoyed dining in the 50-cover cobbled courtyard, especially on a warm evening. The open kitchen adds to the lively atmosphere, and the cosy spaces make it perfect for any mood.
Enoteca Violetta Wine Bar
For a more relaxed evening, Enoteca Violetta is the go-to. This laidback wine bar boasts an impressive selection of local and international wines, including some fantastic natural options. We tried a delightful Franciacorta Brut and enjoyed pairing it with their Italian snacks. The Panisse Frites and Rice Suppli Marinara were delicious little bites, perfect for sharing. They also offer a great selection of cheeses and cured meats. Aperitivo Hour starts at 5 pm, offering the perfect excuse to unwind with a glass of wine and some savoury treats. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time.
Hidden Pleasures Below
Beneath Enoteca Violetta lies La Riserva, an exclusive tavern perfect for private dining experiences, tastings, and masterclasses. It’s a wonderfully intimate space, ideal for a special occasion or a more private gathering. We heard great things about it and would love to explore it on a future visit.
Connecting with Local Florence
What I really appreciate about The Hoxton brand is their commitment to connecting guests with the local community, and Florence is no exception. They’ve built strong relationships with neighbours and local businesses, creating a more authentic experience.
Curated Local Treasures
The lobby features a ’Best Of’ shop, showcasing specially curated items like unique tees from Magarchivio and apparel from Natyf. There’s also a pop-up shop and lovely candles from Cereitaliane. It’s a great way to discover local artisans and find something special to take home. They even have sustainable and stylish items for our four-legged friends, which is such a thoughtful touch.
Active Explorations of the City
For those who like to stay active, the complimentary Sergio Bianchi bikes are fantastic for exploring the city at your own pace. We also took advantage of the special rates at Yoga Garage, which was a perfect way to start the day. The weekly runs with Runners of Florence, starting right at the hotel, followed by a light breakfast, sounded like a brilliant way to meet people and see the city from a different perspective. It’s great to see how they encourage you to get out and experience Florence beyond the typical tourist path.
Event Spaces with a View
The hotel offers two distinct event spaces. La Riserva, the moody vaulted wine cellar in the basement, is perfect for intimate gatherings with its own feature bar. Up top, the shaded rooftop terrace provides panoramic views across the city. It’s ideal for private hire events, offering a stunning backdrop for any occasion. The courtyard is also available for hire, presenting a beautiful open-air setting that could host anything from fashion shows to weddings.
Sustainable Travel Rewards
I was really pleased to learn about The Hoxton’s ‘Good Rate’ initiative. For guests who choose to travel more sustainably by staying at two or more Hox hotels and travelling by rail, they offer a £20 discount per location. With the train between Rome and Florence taking only about 1.5 hours, it’s a fantastic incentive to extend your Italian adventure and explore more of this beautiful country.
Our week in Florence was wonderful, exploring its art, history, and incredible food. Staying at The Hoxton made it feel like a truly immersive experience, connecting us with the city in a way I hadn’t fully appreciated before. It’s a place I’d happily return to, perhaps for a multi-city rail trip in 2026.