Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
As Florence’s historic center becomes ever more crowded, savvy travelers looking for a peaceful retreat outside the hubbub will find one at Collegio alla Querce, the first hotel by the esteemed Auberge Resorts Collection in Italy.
What to expect
Collegio alla Querce is more like an urban resort than a typical city hotel, with a cabana-lined pool, a serene spa, two restaurants, a bar, a theater and a daily activities schedule that includes sound healing, wine tasting, pasta making and olive oil mixology. The design feels like a sophisticated interpretation of Tuscan countryside chic, with around 300 works of contemporary art scattered around the property. Glass cases display scholastic memorabilia, including old photographs and sports gear.
Background
Built in the 16th century as a noble palazzo, Collegio alla Querce became a boarding school in 1868 and educated some of Europe’s brightest minds before it ceased operations and lay abandoned for nearly 20 years. A top-to-bottom renovation restored it to its original glory while updating it for today’s affluent travelers. The architects honored the building’s history, preserving the coat of arms featuring an oak tree on the floor. It’s run by Auberge Resorts Collection, a hospitality group that currently operates 30 five-star hotels and resorts in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe.
Location, location, location
The hotel is located in Le Cure, a residential neighborhood about a 15-minute drive north of Florence’s historic center. A complimentary shuttle ferries guests between the hotel and Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, which is a quick walk from the Duomo.
Where you’ll sleep
The 83 rooms and suites are done up in neutral color schemes with bespoke wardrobes and luxe touches such as bath products created for the hotel by Aquaflor. Some rooms have high ceilings, while others have original frescoes. My suite had a bedroom with a walk-in closet, a spacious bathroom with a separate shower and tub, a powder room, and a sitting room with views of the Duomo. Minibars are stocked with bottled Negronis and snacks like truffle chips.
Dining & drinks
The main restaurant, La Gamella, has al fresco seating on a patio overlooking the garden. For breakfast, a buffet loaded with homemade pastries, local cheeses, prosciutto, and more is laid out on a kitchen counter by Officine Gullo. In the evenings, it takes on a more refined air, with Tuscan dishes like pici with seafood in a shellfish bisque. At Café Focolare, I enjoyed a wood fired pizza for lunch by the pool. The old headmaster’s office has been transformed into Bar Bertelli, which feels like a cabinet of curiosities filled with books, science instruments and old photos of past students.
Service notes
There is a very high level of service here, with porters who will immediately whisk away your bags, valets who will park your car and a concierge available to make restaurant reservations, book tours and organize experiences, like a perfume making workshop at Profumoir. I appreciated little touches, like the way a server brought over a taste of refreshing granita and a slice of watermelon while I was hanging out at the pool and the waitress who offered her recommendations for dinner at La Gamella.
Spa time
At Aelia, an Auberge Spa, I had a signature massage and facial that was so relaxing I nearly fell asleep. There’s no sauna or steam room, but you can book a treatment in the couples suite, which has a plunge pool, or relax in the tranquil garden, which can also host yoga lessons. Wellness programming includes functional stretching and sound healing in a vaulted frescoed room next to the well equipped gym.
Family perks
There’s no kids club, but the property engages young visitors with treasure hunts around the grounds and activities like pizza making classes. Small dogs are welcome in the rooms and public spaces, including the restaurants.
Accessibility
- The hotel has ADA friendly rooms and bathrooms.
- There hotel has an elevator.
Features & amenities
- City
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Paid parking
- Pool
- Spa
- Garden
- Fitness room
- Pets allowed
- Family friendly
Contacts
Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection
Via delle Forbici 21B, Florence
Tel. +39 0554049000
