La Gemma Hotel is a Hidden Gem in the Heart of Florence
Palazzo Paoletti was originally constructed in 1895 and designed by the architect Tito Bellini. Previously, the building on this site was the residence of the Guild of Hoteliers. Bellini constructed a much more imposing structure using rather grand, finely cut ashlar. The palace, while simplistic in its architectural style, now stands rather grandly on the famous Via Calimala, surrounded by the city’s most iconic landmarks and stylish shopping streets - moments from Piazza della Repubblica, the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo, and via de’ Tornabuoni. La Gemma Hotel offers an oasis of serenity in the heart of Florence’s vibrant city centre.
Architecturally, La Gemma Hotel marks a new era for this prestigious Florentine property and its transformation fittingly draws inspiration from its surroundings. Masterminded by ‘Design by Gemini’ Studio in Milan, the interiors have been created to pay homage to the city’s stunning Cathedral. With the hotel’s eye-catching aesthetic drawing inspiration from the ’Duomo’s’ distinct colours and sculptural design elements. La Gemma Hotel’s interior reflects the beauty of the famous cathedral with a palette of vibrant greens, powder pinks, and gentle ivories alongside bold geometric patterns, opulent marbles, sumptuous textiles, and bespoke furnishings. Rooms and suites give off an air of relaxed luxury which effortlessly exude old-school glamour. References to the Art-Deco era can be noted in the handcrafted king-size beds finished in muted shades of green and pink velvets, while a silk feature wall adds warmth, depth, and dimension to space. Rooms are impeccably presented and finished with vibrant textiles, Italian bed linens, and bathrobes by Rivolta Carmignani. Marble bathrooms are furnished by Devon & Devon with ceramics by Gio Ponti. Complimentary products are by Votary whose Rosemary & Chia series is both elegant and naturally perfumed.
At the heart of La Gemma Hotel is the gourmet restaurant LUCA’S, named after the Cecchi’s family’s grandfather and an ode to sharing meals and memories together. Led by Chef Paulo Airaudo, a two star Michelin Chef from Argentina, who brings a wealth of international experience, along with a passion for seasonal ingredients and his trademark contemporary style, to the high-end dining concept devised to showcase classic Tuscan cuisine at its very best. Celebrating locally sourced Tuscan ingredients, the menu pays homage to the much-loved classic dishes, which are given a modern twist and presented with exceptional artistry. This exciting new dining concept allows friends and family to savour a true taste of Tuscany in a sophisticated yet welcoming setting. Options include a tasting menu and an à la carte selection. The wine selection features Italian as well as international labels from around the world.
Chef Airaudo has steadily made a name for himself globally, having worked in many prestigious restaurants in Geneva, Tuscany, London and Columbia and, most recently, in Spain and Hong Kong. His innate skill, infectious passion and dedication to refined Italian cuisine led to him achieving two Michelin stars in San Sebastian. "Working in Tuscany again is very exciting for me, LUCA's menus celebrate casual Italian dining yet with cuisine that is both refined and elegant. LUCA's offers something different, something new, but at the heart of all that I do is classic Italian cuisine. Here in Florence you can expect freshness and innovation from me,” says Chef Paulo Airaudo.
Design-wise, the dining room of Luca’s is an intimate space with a partially open kitchen that provides the backdrop for fresh, modern cuisine. The restaurant is adorned with deep green velvet cocktail chairs and banquettes and a wall of wines that glows like a Byzantine altarpiece. Gentle arches divide the room into comfortable dining areas, while the panelled walls, open wine cellar and handcrafted bookcases add warmth, character, and charm. Perfectly complementing the restaurant is LUCA’s lounge, accentuated by a glamorous cocktail bar and opulent checkered marble floor. Luca’s lounge is the perfect space to meet with friends, relax and listen to a little vintage jazz, sample a signature cocktail, or enjoy a mixology masterclass. Learn to make a traditional Italian Negroni. Legend has it, the cocktail was invented here in Florence in 1919 at Caffe Casoni by Count Camillo Negroni who asked his friend, bartender Forsco Scarselli to strengthen his favorite drink, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. The menu includes a selection of La Gemma’s signature cocktails, created by the Cecchi family with touches of nostalgia, humour and ingenuity. Sample Massimiliano’s naughty Negroni before dinner or a refreshing summer-scented Sgroppino created by Mariasole.
Despite offering an oasis of serenity in the heart of Florence’s vibrant city centre, La Gemma’s location is ideal for those wishing to explore the bustling city Florence by foot. Set on the famous Via Calimala, surrounded by the city’s most iconic landmarks and stylish shopping streets, the hotel is just a moment’s walk from Piazza della Repubblica, Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazza del Duomo, Via de’ Tornabuoni, Basilica Santa Maria Novella, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Galleria dell ’Accademia, Palazzo Pitti, Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale di Michelangelo, and much more.
Guests can also shop from the comfort of the hotel as accessories from Mariasole Cecchi’s fashion and accessory brand “Les Petits Joueurs” are on display and available for purchase in the lobby.
After a day spent sightseeing and shopping, La Gemma welcomes guests back to the comfort of the hotel with luxurious terry cloth robes and velvet slippers found in each room, beckoning them to slip into something more comfortable and head down to La Gemma’s private, subterranean Allure Spa for a relaxing sauna or steam room session, jacuzzi, facial, manicure, pedicure, or massage treatment. The perfect home away from home or ‘palazzo away from palazzo.’