Location
This hotel is located in one of the best locations in Florence. A short walk from Piazza della Repubblica, the Uffizi Galleries, and Ponte Vecchio, this gem of a hotel is close to everything you want to see and do during your stay in Florence. If you have been to Florence and remember the famous leather market near the bronzed wild boar on Via Calimala, then you have found the stunning building housing the Calimala hotel.
Tip: The hotel is named after the street it is on (Via Calimala), so finding it is quite easy. Grab a gelato at Venchi next door and do some luxury shopping at Rinascente, a luxury department store in the center of Florence. My favorite place for people-watching is Caffe Gilli on Piazza della Repubblica. This is the oldest cafe in Florence and it has excellent coffee, cocktails, and snacks. If you are in Florence during the colder months, make sure to try a hot chocolate at Gilli.
Rooms
I have had the pleasure of staying in both the East and West wings of the Calimala and enjoyed them both. The West wing is the newest addition with larger rooms. The East wing houses the Angel rooftop bar with the most stunning views of Palazzo Vecchio.
Rooms can accommodate solo travelers as well as families with diverse room layouts in their suites. The design is a fusion of ancient and modern, bringing Italian design to the forefront of this hotel. The bathrooms are covered in stunning tiles and the attention to detail, from the fixtures to the aromatic tuberose-scented toiletries, make this a luxury stay.
Tip: When booking a room, request one with a tub. These rooms tend to be larger and the stand-alone tubs are big enough for two.
Amenities
This hotel has a 24-hour front desk and concierge services. Each wing has its own small gym and in-room spa treatments are available for booking. Calimala East has its breakfast room on the top floor and Calimala West has its breakfast room adjacent to the lobby and bar. You can choose to have breakfast in either location and it is served buffet style. A fun feature is the croissant bar where you can fill your pastry with cream, Nutella, pistachio, or marmalade.
Tip: In the warmer months, try to grab an early breakfast on the rooftop. The early morning hot air balloons fly right over the hotel and it is quite an amazing sight.
Dining
This hotel boasts two restaurants. Angel is located on their terraced rooftop and even in winter the hotel provides heaters so visitors can enjoy the spectacular views all year round. A reservation is recommended as this is a popular rooftop bar available to non-hotel guests as well. Angel also serves delicious food combining Italian and Middle Eastern flavors.
Meze Wild Dining is their newest culinary addition providing tapas-style dining. Both restaurants are solid choices for non-traditional fare in the center of Florence.
The Verdict
In my opinion, this is a 5-star hotel masking itself as a 4-star. The attentive staff and luxury accommodations justify the high season rates. However, if you travel during the off-season, rates are much lower and more than fair for the quality and level of service this hotel provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Calimala located in Florence?
The Calimala is on Via Calimala in the heart of Florence, just steps from Piazza della Repubblica, the Uffizi Galleries, and Ponte Vecchio. It is in the historic leather market area near the famous bronze wild boar statue.
Does The Calimala have a rooftop bar?
Yes, the Angel rooftop bar on the East wing offers stunning views of Palazzo Vecchio and the Florence skyline. It is open to both hotel guests and the public, so reservations are recommended.
Is The Calimala good for families?
Yes, the hotel offers diverse room layouts including suites that can accommodate families. Both the East and West wings have rooms of varying sizes to suit different needs.
What is the best time to visit The Calimala?
Off-season rates are much more affordable while still offering the same quality and service. If you visit in warmer months, request early breakfast on the rooftop to watch hot air balloons fly over the city.
References
- The Calimala hotel official property information and room descriptions.
- Florence hotel location and neighborhood guide for Via Calimala area.
