Hotel Calimala: Your Home Away from Home in Florence

An Unforgettable Florence Experience: Inside Hotel Calimala

Looking for a unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury in the heart of Florence? I recently had the opportunity to stay at the boutique Hotel Calimala, an experience that perfectly balances classic and contemporary design across two distinct buildings. Housed within meticulously restored historic structures enriched with modern elements, the hotel offers a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere ready to welcome you.

The East Building: Renaissance Roots, Modern Style

The East Building resides in the historic 16th-century Palazzo degli Angeli, once the residence of the poet Aldo Palazzeschi. Meticulously restored to preserve its original character, the building now incorporates contemporary design elements. Led by designer Alex Meitlis, the restoration project masterfully balances the building’s historical features with modern aesthetics, utilizing authentic materials like pietra serena and Tuscan marble to maintain its unique character. This part of the hotel opened in 2019, offering guests a luxurious experience steeped in Florentine history. The name “Calimala” itself is derived from the street Via Calimala, historically central to Florence’s vital medieval wool trade.

The West Building: Gothic Grandeur, Chic Interiors

Opened in 2023, the West Building is located inside a nineteenth-century Gothic-style structure designed by the famous architect Pietro Bardi. Its interiors have been tastefully redesigned by Alex Meitlis, incorporating velvet, brass, and marble to cultivate an atmosphere of modern elegance.

Rooms & Suites: Your Florentine Retreat

Hotel Calimala offers a variety of rooms and suites across its two buildings (38 in the East, 65 in the West). Each space is designed for a luxurious and comfortable stay, often featuring distressed stone walls and unique pieces of contemporary artwork. Many bathrooms pay homage to the Baptistery of San Giovanni with striking tricolor flooring. Options include:

Superior Rooms: Blending elegance and modernity with high ceilings, exposed stone, and tricolor terrazzo floors – perfect for a romantic getaway.
Deluxe Rooms: Offering refined furnishings, high ceilings, and a sophisticated design in a spacious setting.
Twin Deluxe Rooms: Featuring elegant furnishings and unique design elements, ideal for friends or family traveling together.
Comfort Rooms: Providing a king-size bed and a single bed, perfect for relaxation after exploring Florence.
Prestige Rooms: Accommodating up to four people with spacious, well-appointed interiors and modern comforts.
Junior Suite: Presenting contemporary luxury perfect for two people.
Premium Balcony Rooms: Boasting a private balcony with breathtaking views of the historic Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, balancing comfort and style.
Executive Suite: Providing the most spacious and luxurious accommodation with stunning city skyline views.

Dining Experiences Worth Trying

The hotel features two distinct restaurants that offer truly great experiences:

Angel Roofbar & Dining: Located atop the beautiful East Building, this standout rooftop venue spans three levels, providing stunning 360-degree views of the Florence skyline. It’s perfect for business meetings, sunset toasts, dinner, or private events such as weddings, anniversaries, and welcome parties (accommodating 250 standing or 100 seated). The talented chef crafts a menu mixing Southern-Mediterranean cuisine from the best Italian tradition with international flavors. The bar boasts signature cocktails alongside local and international spirits.
Mezè Wild Dining: Situated in the West Building, Mezè offers a unique “Wild Dining” concept focused on small, shareable dishes blending local and international flavors – a true tapas haven. It also features a curated selection of wines and cocktails from skilled mixologists.

Service and Recommendation

The international staff is young, very kind, and ready to satisfy your every request. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Florence, Hotel Calimala is definitely worth a visit. It’s a fantastic destination for any special occasion, and we highly recommend it to our readers as an ideal venue for creating unforgettable moments.