Florence may be famed for Renaissance masterpieces and palatial hotels, but 25hours Piazza San Paolino brings something altogether different: a bold, playful take on luxury that feels both indulgent and refreshingly fun.
A Divine Setting
Housed in a former convent and bank, the hotel takes its cue from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Rooms are themed “Heaven” or “Hell”: serene whites and soft lighting for angelic calm, or moody reds and sensuous fabrics for a touch of temptation. Whichever you choose, expect rain showers, indulgent beds and quirky design touches that make every stay feel like an escape.
Eat, Drink, Indulge
The hotel’s beating heart is San Paolino Restaurant, set beneath a soaring glass dome. By day, it’s a sunlit haven for leisurely breakfasts of rustic breads, cheeses and fruit; by night, locals and guests gather for Tuscan classics with a modern twist – think hand-rolled pastas, wood-fired meats and a perfectly charred bistecca alla Fiorentina.
For pre- or post-dinner drinks, the Companion Bar offers inventive cocktails in jewel-box surroundings, while the leafy courtyard is made for a coffee or aperitif.
More than a Hotel
This is a place designed to linger. There’s a concept store for Italian design lovers, a cinema for private screenings, even a quirky “Love Library” filled with romance novels. Wellness seekers can hit the gym or borrow bikes to explore Florence like a local – though wandering cobbled streets with a gelato in hand is just as appealing.
In the Heart of Florence
The location couldn’t be better: Santa Maria Novella station is a short stroll away, while the Duomo, Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio are all within easy reach. The neighbourhood is alive with artisan shops and tucked-away cafés, offering a more authentic slice of the city.
The Verdict
Stylish, witty and wonderfully relaxed, 25hours Piazza San Paolino isn’t your typical luxury hotel. Instead, it delivers a fresh, contemporary Florence experience – playful yet sophisticated, indulgent yet approachable. A little slice of heaven and hell, rolled into one unforgettable stay.
