25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino — Photo by Accor
25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino — Photo by Accor

Designed by much loved Italian interior designer Paola Navone, the chic property inside a former monastery is inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, playfully blending scenes from 'Hell' and 'Paradise' in the heart of Florence .

December 2021 marks the official launch of the spectacular 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino set in the heart of Florence's Santa Maria Novella district and designed by Milan-based designer Paola Navone and her team at OTTO Studio who drew inspiration from Dante's Divine Comedy. Marking the first property in Italy for the growing 25hours Hotels brand first founded in Germany, 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino blends culture with creativity and community, drawing international visitors and locals alike.

Set in the most authentic yet lesser-known neighborhoods in the Italian city best known for its rich culture, the 25hours Hotel San Paolino spans across an entire block between the elegant Via de Fossi with its numerous antique shops and the popular Via Palazzuolo, connecting two neighbourhoods that have been largely insular until now. The design of the hotel is eclectic and full of allusions to Dante's work: scenes from heaven and hell are playfully alternated and guide guests through the virtues and vices of Dante's world.

Situated in the former premises of the Monte de 'Pegni - the lending company of the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze - the charming property is now home to two unique styles of guestrooms, themed 'Inferno' featuring intense red tones and 'Paradiso' which embrace cooler, ethereal colors. With a total of 171 accommodations on offer, 66 guest rooms are set in the original monastery next to the eponymous church of San Paolino whilst the remaining 104 guest rooms sit in a new annexe and feature balconies. For guests seeking optimum space and privacy, the Casetta del Giardino, a small apartment with a private garden and pool, completes the impressive offering.

The hotel's culinary theme is showcased through three vibrant food & beverage concepts including the lively San Paolino restaurant, which blends the best produce from all regions of Italy to offer the finest seasonal fare including select dishes from designer Paola Navone's very own personal recipe collection. An extensive Tuscan-only wine list complements the culinary offering with guests dining beneath a spectacular glass dome at the centre of the historic palazzo. In the warmer months, guests further have the option to dine al fresco in the courtyard garden.

Ideal for an aperitivo or nightcap, The Companion Bar serves Italian classics including the iconic Negroni alongside fresh cocktail creations whilst the traditional 'hole in the wall, the buchetta del vino, invites guests to enjoy a glass of wine al fresco at the front of the property. For those on the go, the hotel's 'Alimentari' located on the small Piazza San Paolino features a delicious menu of paninis, sandwiches and salads as well as a selection of wines, local products and specialities for gourmets including treats curated by S. Forno, a legendary local bakery.

The hotel is further home to a sauna with a relaxation room for those seeking a spot of R&R as well as a guest-only gym. Tapping into the city's culture, the dedicated film lounge, Cinema Paradiso, hosts a series of curated movies on a regular basis with screenings open to both hotel guests and local residents. For guests wishing to take a slice of their stay home with them, the on-site 25hours things shop features books, postcards, 25hours bed linen and the hotels own cuddly toy - the mouse Topetto.

Hotel website