Luxuriously elegant with a contemporary design, La Gemma in Florence is the epitome of a cool boutique hotel. A property that drips with iconic chicness and 007 sex appeal, get ready to stash the room key somewhere secret and stay forever, says editor Sophie Ritchie
Situated smack bang in the centre of Florence and set within the stunning 19th-century Palazzo Paolett, five-star La Gemma is the epitome of a cool hotel. Opened last spring, it’s stylish from tip to toe – featuring flawless interior design, attentive staff and that sophisticated air of Italian chic that’s simply impossible for others to imitate.
With so many sultry details and sleek spaces to explore within the 39 bespoke rooms and suites, La Gemma is as romantic a destination as Florence itself. Emulating green emerald hues from its furnishings and walls all the way through to its website and Instagram branding, think Wizard of Oz… but so much sexier.
The Room
My fifth floor Loft Suite feels more like an apartment from the moment I step inside – and whilst there’s plenty to explore and sightsee nearby, it’s so serene I could happily map my way around this detail-rich space for days instead.
The vast studio-like room is split into a living area and bedroom, cleverly divided by a large TV headboard. On one side, a bookshelf lined with stylish reads – and on the other, an enormous plasma screen TV for when your brain cells are ready for a break.
Velvety sofas, soft furnishings, beautiful artwork, vases and lights all add to the ambience – I want to sweep all of it into my suitcase and take it back to the UK with me.
This isn’t just a standard hotel room. There’s so much careful thought behind every door and fixture at La Gemma, as if someone contemplated the meaning of hunkering down for the weekend and what supplies the modern bon vivant might require to do so efficiently. It’s unsurprising therefore, to learn that the spaces have been meticulously crafted by top Italian interior designers.
The bed for example, is vast in size and topped with oodles of pillows, which makes getting up rather a challenge. Even with an early flight, I contemplate the consequences of just five more minutes and another snooze delay.
As well as a Faber coffee machine for the caffeine addicts, the room also includes a mini fridge stocked with a varied selection of complimentary soft drinks, including fruit juices, mineral water and Coke. There’s also a number of mixers for the more grown up tipples waiting back over on the drinks trolley.
With lavish Votary toiletries (also presented in coordinating green packaging, of course), fluffy spa robes and so many spaces to perch, this is certainly a space designed for escaping the crowds and unwinding instead – usually with a glass of something delicious from the in-room bar trolley.
The spacious bathroom is equally incredible, featuring a walk-in shower encased in white marble and gold fittings throughout.
The Food & Drink
All meals are served in La Gemma’s first floor restaurant, Luca’s – featuring a fine dining menu courtesy of Head Chef Paulo Airaudo. Unsurprisingly, interiors follow the same emerald-hued colour palette – with velvety banquet seating, green walls and white cloth-draped tables, offset with the occasional pastel pink.
Airaudo has worked in kitchens around the globe – from Mexico to Peru – and gained his experience in legendary restaurants including Arzak in San Sebastián, The Fat Duck in London, and Magnolia in Italy.
He’s not exactly a stranger to stars either. In 2015, Airaudo opened his first restaurant in Geneva’s historic centre, which was awarded its first Michelin star within just four months. His flagship restaurant, whose name pays homage to his daughter, Amelia, received its first Michelin star within seven months of opening and today boasts not one but a duo of Michelin stars.
The welcoming staff will leave you feeling at ease as you devour your way through the set courses – and with so many intimate snug spaces within the design-led room, this is an ideal spot for a date night restaurant.
Breakfast is also served at Luca’s, presented as a simple but sophisticated selection of freshly-baked croissants and pain au chocolate, jugs of orange juice and breads. There’s also an a la carte menu for those feeling more peckish. The delicate pastries are particularly divine, so save room for sinking your teeth into something buttery before the day’s adventures begin.
Things To Try
1 Down in the cellar awaits a small spa to be explored – kitted out with a sauna, steam room and small whirlpool area, as well as a small welcome area for lounging. The jets are strong but the space itself is quite tiny – avoid visiting during peak hours to make the most of it without feeling cramped.
2 Location-wise, you couldn’t be more spoiled. La Gemma is incredibly central, positioned just steps from Florence’s main shopping streets and Duomo. Stroll along the water for a selfie on the Ponte Vecchio or take to the pavements to see all the famous city sights – either way, it’s all within an arm’s length here.
3 Cityscapes await. Head up to the top floor for a visit to the property’s petite but mesmerising rooftop, where panoramic views of Florence can be devoured at leisure.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Luxuriously elegant, contemporary style and a design that simply drips with Bond Girl-like sex appeal. Put simply, I want to stash the room key at La Gemma Florence somewhere secret and stay forever.
When you step across the threshold here, it’s impossible not to notice the immediate tones of green. Not only the overarching shade within these walls, it’s also the main colour eternally associated with envy, jealousy and of course, greed. All of the emotions you can expect to feel flooding through your veins when checking out of your room and saying ciao to all things La Gemma. At least until your next Italian escapade.
Make it happen
How: Find out more and make a booking via lagemmahotel.com
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
