There are countless luxury hotels in Florence promising ‘authentic Renaissance grandeur’ but Hotel La Gemma does something far more creative. Rather than leaning into heavy brocades, faux-medieval opulence and endless references to the Medici, La Gemma reimagines Florence through the lens of Art Deco-inspired glamour. More Alida Valli, less Mona Lisa. Hidden away on a discreet side street just moments from Piazza della Repubblica, the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, this deeply atmospheric five-star boutique hotel – housed within the restored 19th-century Palazzo Paoletti has the feel of an impeccably curated private residence belonging to an impossibly chic Florentine family and Alison from The Luxury Editor recently checked in, so read on to find out more.
Tuscany, Florence, Santa Maria Novella
La Gemma Hotel Florence
(5 stars)Designed by sisters Elena and Giulia Sella of Milan-based studio DesignByGemini, the spaces are drenched in emerald and moss-hued velvets, brushed brass, veined marble, smoked mirrors and dusty blush tones. With only 39 rooms and suites, La Gemma feels wonderfully personal – there’s a warmth beneath the polish that many luxury hotels lack. Dining and wellness are the focus, with La Gemma perfectly capturing the hotel’s seductive blend of Italian glamour and intimate Florentine elegance. Luca’s restaurant, overseen by Michelin-starred chef Paulo Airaudo, offers refined cuisine that feels lighter and more internationally influenced than traditional Tuscan fine dining – all served within a cinematic setting of emerald velvet banquettes, marble tables and softly glowing mirrors. The adjoining cocktail bar continues this mood with an atmosphere that mixes private Milanese salon with screen-siren sophistication. Next to the bar, the secluded courtyard offers one of the hotel’s most romantic spaces, while above the city, the rooftop terrace delivers sweeping views across Florence’s terracotta rooftops and iconic skyline – perfect for sunset aperitivos or an intimate dinner a deux. Beneath the hotel, the intimate Allure Spa provides a tranquil retreat of steam rooms, sauna, sensory showers and deeply restorative treatments. The Luxury Editor checked in. . .
History
La Gemma occupies Palazzo Paoletti, an elegant Florentine residence built in 1895 and designed by architect Tito Bellini during Florence’s period of urban renewal following its brief role as the capital of unified Italy. Positioned near Piazza della Repubblica on Via Calimala, the building became part of Florence’s late-19th-century architectural transformation – a period when the city was evolving beyond its medieval identity into something more cosmopolitan and European. For many years, the palazzo housed the headquarters of Florence’s historic Hoteliers’ Guild before being acquired in 2018 by the Cecchi family, one of Tuscany’s most respected wine dynasties. Known for their estates across Chianti Classico and Maremma, the family approached the hotel less as a commercial luxury project and more as an extension of their own identity and understanding of Italian hospitality. Following the death of patriarch Luca Cecchi in 2020, eldest son Massimiliano led the transformation alongside his mother Alessandra and siblings Ginevra, Edoardo, Maria Sole and Andrea. The hotel’s name itself is deeply personal – ‘LA’ references Luca and Alessandra, while ‘Gemma’ alludes to the initials of the siblings themselves. This familial spirit quietly dictates the decidedly non-corporate atmosphere throughout the property. The Cecchi family plans to expand this concept into a collection of luxury boutique hotels across Italy with future openings planned in Milan, Rome, Venice, Capri and Lake Como.
Location
The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery are all within easy walking distance yet the hotel somehow manages to feel removed from the bustling crowds outside. Step beyond the front doors and Florence immediately surrounds you – elegant cafés spilling onto piazzas, designer boutiques lining Via Tornabuoni, tiny wine bars hidden down narrow streets and church bells echoing across terracotta rooftops. Returning to La Gemma after a day exploring the city feels like slipping back into a quieter, more polished version of the city. The location also works exceptionally well logistically. Florence Santa Maria Novella station, around a 15-minute walk or five-to-10 minute cab drive away, offers direct high-speed connections to Milan, Rome and Venice, while Florence Airport can be reached in approximately 20 minutes by car. Pisa Airport is an hour away by train.
Check-In
Entering the lobby felt less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping inside a private, exquisitely decorated residence. Gorgeous floral arrangements spilt across marble tables while emerald-green walls, black-and-white tiled floors, brass detailing and velvet seating created an atmosphere somewhere between subtle, old-world glamour and contemporary Milanese elegance. There is an immediate cinematic quality to the interiors – as though you’ve wandered onto the set of an impossibly stylish Italian film set. Sophia Loren in her prime absolutely belongs here. Check-in itself was seamless. Formalities seemed to disappear almost instantly while a welcome drink appeared in my hand, and luggage quietly vanished upstairs. The staff strike a rare balance between polish and warmth. At one point during arrival, I discovered the impeccably tailored man with the film star looks who was welcoming guests was actually Edoardo, one of the Cecchi siblings. This perhaps explains why the atmosphere feels so warm, personal and welcoming.
Rooms & Suites
Entirely furnished by Tuscan artisans, the interiors of the 39 rooms and suites reject almost every predictable Florentine luxury-hotel cliché imaginable. Instead, the aesthetic channels something far more sensual, atmospheric and modern. The palette travels through celadon, olive, ivory, dusty blush and warm cream shades, layered with velvet upholstery, silk-finished walls, sculptural brass lighting and herringbone parquet floors. Even entry-level Deluxe Rooms possess an intimacy and atmosphere many larger suites elsewhere lack entirely. Warm ambient lighting softens the marble bathrooms while plush headboards and polished surfaces in the bedrooms create spaces that feel designed for lingering – think morning espresso in bed (courtesy of the in-room Faber Slot coffee machine). Prestige Rooms introduce more scale and stronger Art Deco references through curved silhouettes, geometric detailing and layered textures in boucle, lacquer and velvet. Meanwhile, the Junior Suites and Signature Suites feel elegantly residential, with separate sitting areas, custom cabinetry and rooftop views across Florence’s terracotta skyline. The Signature Suites are especially striking, with some featuring private balconies. Plush textiles, curated artwork and statement lighting combine to create spaces that feel uber chic and deeply luxurious.
My Room
Stepping into my Signature Suite felt like arriving inside the Florence apartment of someone who divides their time between Milan fashion week and summers on the Amalfi Coast. Entry was via an exquisitely decorated private lobby and on opening the doors into the suite itself, I was struck by late-afternoon light drifting across high ceilings, herringbone floors and olive-toned walls while velvet, marble and brushed brass surfaces glowed softly under the lamps. I instinctively knew this was the sort of residence that changes character beautifully throughout the day. In the afternoon, elegant and airy, by evening entirely cinematic – but serene and tranquil whatever the hour. The sitting room quickly became my favourite part of the suite. Framed by rooftop views across Florence, the tower of the Duomo almost felt close enough to touch, and I flung open the tall windows, barely able to believe that my room had such a view. Enjoying a Negroni from the brass cocktail trolley, I lounged on the emerald-green velvet sofa and felt I was experiencing the essence of La Dolta Vita. Embracing my inner Anita Ekberg, I only wished I’d had her closet. The bedroom itself was wonderfully cocooning. The oversized velvet-headed bed layered with crisp white linens became even more inviting once the lighting softened after dark. Meanwhile, the marble bathroom – all veined stone, brushed brass and softly illuminated mirrors – delivered exactly the right level of understated indulgence. The Votary bath products felt perfectly aligned with the suite’s polished and quietly luxurious mood.
Dining
Dining at La Gemma is woven seamlessly into the hotel’s glamorous, design-led identity. At its heart lies the Michelin-starred Luca’s, where the acclaimed Argentinian-born chef Paulo Airaudo brings a contemporary perspective to Florentine and Tuscan cuisine. The setting is every bit as memorable as the menu – a richly atmospheric dining room dressed in jewel-toned velvet, gleaming marble and softly diffused lighting that lends the space an intimate quality. Here, inventive seasonal dishes are served with precision and flair, while attentive, unhurried service encourages guests to linger long into the evening. Whether enjoying a leisurely breakfast, an indulgent tasting menu or a perfectly judged wine pairing, dining at La Gemma feels less like a hotel restaurant experience and more like an invitation into one of Florence’s most stylish private addresses. Beyond the Michelin-starred dining room, La Gemma’s food and drink offerings spill effortlessly into a series of beautifully designed spaces. The elegant cocktail bar – a seductively intimate yet cinematic space complete with mirrored ceilings, emerald-hued velvet seating and glossy lacquered surfaces – serves Airaudo’s gourmet pintxos. These are small, highly refined Basque-style bites traditionally served in San Sebastián. The elegant verandah and secluded courtyard provide a stylish setting for leisurely lunches while the rooftop terrace offers one of the hotel’s most alluring experiences – relaxed aperitivi and light dining against a backdrop of Florence’s iconic rooftops.
Breakfast
Breakfast at La Gemma quickly became a favourite ritual of my stay. Served in the elegant surroundings of Luca’s Restaurant, it offers a gentler, sunlit counterpart to the glamour that defines the hotel after dark. Rather than the usual rushed hotel breakfast experience, this felt like a meal to be savoured. Alongside an impressive selection of pastries, artisan breads, granola, yoghurt and fresh fruit juices, the menu also includes everything from eggs prepared to order and indulgent pancakes to lighter continental options, ensuring there is something for every appetite. I opted for smoked salmon and avocado served on what was described as a crumpet, although this was no ordinary crumpet. Light, fluffy and beautifully textured, it provided the perfect base for silky slices of salmon and creamy avocado. The dish was a work of art in addition to being one of the best breakfasts I have ever eaten. Attentive service, excellent coffee and the sense that nothing is too much trouble elevate the experience further. Like so much at La Gemma, breakfast combines impeccable attention to detail with effortless elegance, setting the perfect tone for a day exploring Florence.
Pintxos & Cocktails in the Bar
I had never heard of Pintxos (pronounced peen-chos) before encountering the Basque Country’s answer to tapas at La Gemma. The name comes from the Spanish word pincho, meaning ‘spike’ or ‘skewer’, because traditionally the ingredients were pinned to a slice of bread with a cocktail stick. I hadn’t quite known what to expect when I ordered a selection but what arrived was far more refined than I’d expected. A delicate crudo of amberjack came dressed with translucent slices of Chioggia beetroot and bright citrus notes, while a tiny crisp tartlet filled with burrata and sweet datterini tomatoes delivered the flavours of an Italian summer in a single bite. Another standout was the battered artichoke, impossibly light and golden, served with citrus mayonnaise and thin ribbons of Colonnata lard that melted almost instantly. Veal sweetbreads with black garlic and parsnip foam were rich and deeply savoury, balanced by the sweetness of the vegetables. Each dish arrived looking almost too beautiful to eat.
The cocktail programme itself is equally polished. Alongside excellent Negronis and seasonal spritzes, the bar serves inventive signatures such as the ‘Don’t Look At Me’ made with pisco, sake, green apple and passionfruit, and the ‘Droog Penicillin’ combining bourbon, ginger, honey and fig leaf liqueur. A cocktail masterclass with Marta, La Gemma’s head bartender, was one of the highlights of my stay as she guided me through the making of a classic Negroni, explaining the origins of the cocktail and the importance of achieving the perfect balance of flavours. Along the way, she shared fascinating insights into Florence’s aperitivo culture and the premium spirits used throughout the bar. What made the experience so memorable was Marta herself. Knowledgeable, engaging and clearly passionate about her craft, she transformed a simple cocktail demonstration into an entertaining and immersive experience that offered a deeper appreciation of Italian cocktail culture.
Wine-Paired Tasting Menu at Luca’s
Dinner at Luca’s felt entirely in step with the rest of La Gemma – glamorous, intimate and deeply atmospheric without ever becoming overly formal. Airaudo’s culinary background gives the restaurant a far more international perspective than many traditional Florentine fine-dining addresses. He has built an impressive reputation across Europe through his Michelin-starred restaurants, including Amelia in San Sebastián, and his cooking here reflects that same combination of precision, elegance and restraint. Rather than relying heavily on dishes channelling traditional Tuscan nostalgia, his menus feel lighter, more contemporary and globally influenced while still remaining rooted in exceptional Italian produce. We opted for the tasting menu with wine pairing, which unfolded with a pace that felt indulgent yet beautifully controlled.
There was no unnecessary theatre or performative explanation accompanying each course – just genuinely polished service and confidence in the food itself. The evening began with elegant snacks and warm house-made bread served alongside exceptional olive oil before moving into one of the standout dishes of the night – amberjack crudo with beetroot, tomato water and ume kosho. It was incredibly delicate and clean – balancing brightness and acidity in a way that sharpened every flavour without overwhelming the fish itself. Another memorable course was Luca’s now-signature tagliolini with goat butter, anchovies, Sorrento lemon and Oscietra caviar – a dish that somehow managed to feel simultaneously rich and impossibly light. It was one of those rare restaurant moments where conversation around the table simply stopped entirely.
A risotto with Mazara del Vallo red prawns and kumquat brought brightness and sweetness in equal measure, while veal with white onion and cardoncelli mushrooms introduced something deeper and more comforting without ever becoming heavy. Even dessert carried the same balance of restraint and indulgence, particularly a goat’s cheese flan with pumpkin caramel and balsamic that lingered long after the final course. The wine pairing elevated the experience even further. Rather than relying on obvious prestige labels, the sommelier leaned towards elegant Italian wines and smaller producers that genuinely transformed alongside the dishes. Crisp mineral whites evolved gradually into richer Tuscan reds paired with seafood, veal and earthy mushroom courses.
Spa
Hidden discreetly beneath the hotel, the Allure Spa provides a calm and deeply restorative contrast to Florence’s busy streets outside. Soft lighting, muted tones and natural materials immediately slow the pace the moment you step inside, while the facilities include a sauna, steam room, sensory showers and treatment rooms designed around personalised wellness experiences rather than large-scale spa rituals. Returning to La Gemma after a long day’s sightseeing, my Swedish massage in the spa was wonderfully restorative. Long, flowing strokes worked away knots and tension while the hushed atmosphere made it easy to switch off completely. Deeply soothing without being overly firm, the treatment left me feeling lighter, calmer and noticeably more refreshed, with an almost effortless sense of wellbeing that lingered long after I left the treatment room.
Concierge Service
La Gemma’s 24 Hour Concierge service is available to curate unique experiences, bespoke activities and VIP excursions both in Florence and further afield. The experienced team are also able to arrange exclusive access to private artisan workshops, cooking workshops, design studios, art collections, wineries, perfumers, and more. I spent a truly magical morning creating my own signature scent at Profumoir – a beautifully curated fragrance atelier in the heart of Florence, where the art of perfume-making is elevated into a truly immersive experience. Elegant and intimate, the space is lined with shelves of precious essences housed in apothecary-style bottles, filling the air with a subtle cornucopia of scents. Guided by an expert perfumer, I was introduced to dozens of exquisite essences – from delicate florals and citrus notes to rich woods and spices. I finally opted for neroli, oud rose, sugar and a touch of tobacco. Blending them together felt part chemistry lesson, part creative workshop. The process was fascinating, deeply personal and surprisingly emotional as the fragrance gradually became a reflection of my own tastes and memories. Better still, I left with a bespoke perfume – promptly named ‘Venus’ – that was entirely unique to me.
Final Thoughts
What makes Hotel La Gemma so memorable is not simply its location, level of luxury and Michelin-starred restaurant but the absolute clarity of its identity. In a city overflowing with Renaissance nostalgia, La Gemma offers something far more seductive – a contemporary vision of Florence built around glamour, atmosphere and understated Italian sophistication. Everything feels beautifully edited – from the tranquilly verdant palette to velvet-lined suites, candlelit cocktails to softly glowing marble bathrooms. Yet beneath all the polish lies genuine warmth and personality, something increasingly rare in luxury hospitality. By the end of my stay, it became clear that La Gemma understands something many Florentine hotels overlook – that in the city celebrated as the Cradle of the Renaissance, contemporary glamour can be every bit as seductive as history itself.
