Introducing The James, Suite Hotel Firenze 1564: Your New Hidden Residence in the Heart of the City

Nestled in the heart of Florence, the new opening of James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564 is the latest addition to the city's luxury hospitality scene. This intimate boutique hotel is the vision of designer James Cavagnari, who has transformed his childhood Renaissance palazzo into a refined retreat that seamlessly blends English heritage with Tuscan charm. The building's unique character is the result of Cavagnari's creative vision, realised in collaboration with master artisans and the finest local materials. The property comprises 14 distinctive suites, the elegant 1564 Lounge Bar, and The James Restaurant among its highlights.

Heritage and History

The number 1564, carved into the hotel's building, holds great significance for the property. It marks the year this historic palazzo was built, a moment in time when Michelangelo passed away and both Galileo and Shakespeare were born. Originally a convent, the building still retains many of its Renaissance features: a modest façade, an off-centre doorway, vaulted ceilings, and a quiet inner courtyard that has remained beautifully preserved through the centuries.

Today, these timeless spaces have been reimagined with a fresh approach to hospitality, one that is elegant, intimate, and rooted in beauty. The entrance sets the tone: soft tones of sky and moss hand-painted on the walls, with climbing greenery that hints at the secret garden beyond. From the moment you arrive, time seems to slow, inviting you into the true heart of Florence.

At the centre of this vision is James Cavagnari; architect, host, and storyteller. Born in London in 1964 and raised in Florence, Cavagnari has designed over 200 boutiques for Salvatore Ferragamo and led the global redesign of Bulgari's retail identity. His design work spans Tuscany, Sicily, Central Asia, the South of France and Londo, but The James Suite Hotel is his most personal project to date. Every detail, from the textures to the proportions, is carefully curated. The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564 invites guests not just to stay, but to feel a connection to history, to place, and to a story told quietly through space and design.

The concept and design

Surrounded by the beauty of Florence, The James offers guests a unique blend of art, design, and intimacy. Each suite is thoughtfully crafted with refined materials, soft lighting, and carefully chosen details that create spaces both theatrical and deeply personal. Rich velvets, glossy ceramics, contemporary artworks, and vintage furnishings combine to transform each room into a living stage where memory and imagination intertwine. From welcoming living areas to tranquil bedrooms and bathrooms that sparkle like hidden gems, every element exudes elegance, comfort, and thoughtful vision.

Inspired by James Cavagnari's English heritage, the British influence is woven throughout the palazzo's interiors. A standout feature is the hotel's remarkable royal artefact: the late Queen Elizabeth II's original mobile wardrobe. Crafted from mahogany wood with exquisite compartments for garments, scarves, and accessories, it offers a rare glimpse into royal life, complemented by a striking portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth.

Under Cavagnari's vision, the property has been transformed into a beautiful historical treasure. Curated objects, bespoke furnishings, and rare fabrics tell stories in every corner, while the Renaissance charm shines through soaring arches, original frescoes, and restored marble floors, all seamlessly paired with modern comforts. The 14 suites offer panoramic views of the Tuscan skyline, scented with fresh flowers and adorned with antique chandeliers, capturing the essence of Florence.

Beyond the suites, guests can enjoy The James Restaurant and the 1564 Lounge Bar, where traditional dishes are reimagined with a Mediterranean twist in a relaxed yet distinctive setting. Natural wood, artisanal flooring, brass accents, earthy tones, and a striking multi-tiered pink chandelier combine to create a space that is both elegant and inviting, where design and cuisine come together.

The 1564 Lounge Bar, named after the year the palazzo was built, offers a captivating mixology experience. Its signature cocktails showcase rare spirits, house-made infusions, and rare botanicals, all served in an intimate setting enriched with velvet furnishings, soft candlelight, and carefully curated playlists.

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