Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall, such as Grand Hotel Fasano.
Why we love it
In a covetable location of central Florence, Florence’s Hotel Brunelleschi is romantic through and through. A standout portion of the three-structure complex is the distinctive Pagliazza Tower, which is widely considered to be the oldest building in Florence.
What to expect
Enter Hotel Brunelleschi and you’ll feel immediately transported back to Renaissance Florence but with modern and multisensory touches. The lobby is filled with the signature scent of Dr. Vranjes, a born-in-Florence fragrance brand: “Rosso Nobile” sublimely captures the scent of Tuscan red wine and aromatic trees, plus hints of wild berries and orange blossoms. It all feels very essence-of-Tuscany.
Background
The hotel’s architectural credits are second to none. It’s named after Filippo Brunelleschi, a Florence-born architect, sculptor, mechanical engineer and goldsmith most famous for designing the dome for the Duomo, which today’s architecture students continue to learn from. The aforementioned Torre Pagliazza was built sometime in the 6th century and in the 12th century was converted into a women’s prison, when it took its name — “Pagliazza” comes from paglia (coarse straw), a reference to the pallets provided to the inmates.
The tower’s first turn as a hotel came in the 19th century, but it closed and was largely forgotten until 1980 when the National Insurance Institute renovated the structure back to its original grandeur.
Location, location, location
The hotel is located in a postcard-perfect position in the heart of old Florence (and in the very district where Brunelleschi himself resided). Views from many rooms and suites are spectacular, and include some of Brunelleschi’s dome and the Duomo. The host piazza is secluded and relatively quiet, despite being within a few steps of the Duomo and Florence’s busiest shopping streets. All other major sights are within easy reach, too.
Where you’ll sleep
The Brunelleschi’s 96 rooms — which include 12 suites, each with a private assistant — are soundproofed. All are exquisitely decorated with lovely contemporary furnishings custom made for the hotel. Each room is provided with toiletries by famed Florentine fragrance maker Lorenzo Villoresi.
The stunning duplex Pool Suite, a favorite with honeymooners and those on romantic getaways, has a jacuzzi on the terrace with jaw dropping views of all the Piazza del Duomo monuments. The Pagliazza Tower Suite — the bucket list pick here — has lovely Byzantine brick walls, oak wood parquet floors and touches of 18th-century furnishings but with all the modern comforts you’d expect.
Dining & drinks
The breakfast, which is served in the lovely Salone Liberty and in the Sala Stemma, was named the best in Italy in 2023 by the 50 Best Italian Restaurants in the World. Expect fresh juices and smoothies alongside cheeses, salumi, salads, sweet and savory Italian specialties, plus international favorites including waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage and more.
The hotel also has two exceptional restaurants: the exclusive seven-table, 14-seat, 2-Michelin Star Santa Elisabetta and the restaurant’s bistro Osteria Pagliazzo, both located inside the Pagliazza Tower and helmed by chef Rocco De Santis. When I stayed, I loved his riff on panzanella — the classic Tuscan summer tomato and bread salad — which he elevated magnificently with prawns, caviar and green olives. There’s also Tower Bar, which makes a great stop for a quick aperitivo or, if you’re up for it, a three-hour wine tasting guided by the hotel sommelier.
Service notes
Warm and exceptionally professional, the team at the 4-star Hotel Brunelleschi is eager to help you maximize your Florentine experience. It's service with a capital “S.”
You should know ...
A highlight of the hotel is the Pagliazza Museum in the basement, which offers the chance to explore the ancient Roman spa and archeological finds discovered during excavations. There’s also a collection of fine ceramics from the Renaissance.
The hotel is particularly popular with honeymooners, and staff are skilled at creating customized romantic stays. The Starry Dreams package includes dinner for two at the intimate Santa Elisabetta.
Accessibility
- The hotel has an elevator.
- ADA friendly rooms/bathrooms
Features & amenities
- Restaurant
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
- Fitness room
- Pets allowed
- Family friendly
Contacts
Hotel Brunelleschi
Piazza Santa Elisabetta, 3
Tel. +39 05527370
Website
