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This gorgeous hotel, in an elegant townhouse on the dilapidated (but soon to be smartened up) piazza Santa Maria Novella, is the work of architect Michele Bonan. With just 20 rooms, it has the dimensions and discreet atmosphere of a luxurious private house. A real fire burns in the cosy sitting room, and cashmere throws are draped over comfortable armchairs; a sideboard is laid with hot and cold drinks and home-made cakes to which guests can help themselves. The decor is traditional-meets-modern, soft creams and greys contrasting with dramatic black; and the walls are hung with huge mirrors, drawings and engravings.
All the rooms are furnished with fine antiques, lacquered oriental pieces, 1950s
and 1960s lamps, and an eclectic collection of artworks. And everything is cast in the warm glow of flickering candles. The bedrooms - which range from cosy little dens with four-posters to the spacious Master Room overlooking the piazza, and the panoramic penthouse suite - are on four floors built around a small internal courtyard hung with Moroccan lamps. There is also a roof terrace for hot summer evenings. Breakfast is served around a huge, polished antique table in the glass-covered courtyard (or guests can order breakfast in bed). This is a seriously stylish hotel, much favoured by the fashion crowd, but it never seems aloof, thanks largely to the young staff. It manages to strike the right balance between immaculate service and genuine warmth. No wonder the guest book is full of superlatives.
WHEN TO GO
May and September; or in winter to avoid the tourists.
ROOM TO BOOK
The penthouse suite is on two floors and there are incredible city views from the
top-floor bathroom.
CONTACT
JK Place, piazza Santa Maria Novella 7, Florence, Italy (00 39 055 264 5181; fax: 265 8387; www.jkplace.com). Doubles from €215; suites from €410; penthouse suite from €430; Master Room from €500
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