Created by designer Paola Navone and her team, who drew inspiration from Dante’s epic The Divine Comedy, 25hours Hotels’ first Italian hotel will open in a storied location later this month.

25hours Hotels’ characteristic verve and energy is very much in evidence here in Florence.

A hugely ambitious hospitality project

Opening on 8 September 2021, 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino will revitalise an entire block connecting Via de Fossi and Via Palazzuolo in the Santa Maria Novella district of Florence. This lesser-known neighbourhood places guests within easy reach of the train station, right by the Museo del Novecento.

The eagerly awaited property takes over the former premises of Monte de ‘Pegni, the lending company of the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, with 66 rooms in the original monastery next to San Paolino’s church. It’s the result of a controlled demolition, newbuild and restoration project, which has seen the enhancement of the historic core with a new annexe housing 104 guestrooms with balconies and the small Casetta del Giardino apartment with private pool and garden.

The 171-key property has been brought to life by Milan-based designer Paula Navone and her team, with light-hearted references to Dante’s epic poem The Divine Comedy hidden away throughout.

A new social hub

Taking over the historic glass-domed palazzo, Restaurant San Paolino is the centrepiece of the hotel, with other public areas including a courtyard garden, neighbourhood food store, classic Negroni bar and lively piazza, offering tasty food and drink options.

Another highlight is the Companion Bar, which aims to feel both authentically Italian and international. Classic and reinterpreted Negronis are served for aperitivos or late-night drinks, with a ‘hole in the wall’ Buchetta del Vino then offering glasses of wine on the pavement out front.

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