In the quiet, winding streets above Florence’s Le Cure neighborhood, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to come by in most parts of the city—especially compared to the crowded tourist spots around the Duomo or Palazzo Vecchio, where sweltering visitors packed the streets during my visit on an unusually warm May day. Among the elegant villas scattered across these hills, the only sounds are birds singing in the trees and the rustle of leaves from an olive grove hidden behind a stone wall. It’s the kind of serene setting that makes you understand why, centuries ago, this landscape inspired artists who helped ignite one of history’s greatest cultural revolutions. And here, behind a discreet gate, lies Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection—one of the year’s most talked-about new hotel openings.
From the moment I arrived, it was clear why this hotel has generated so much buzz in Florence’s competitive luxury market. The entrance alone is unforgettable: a grand driveway lined with classic Tuscan cypress trees leads to a majestic 16th-century noble residence, framed by vibrant red bougainvillea and young oak trees. (The hotel’s name, “alla Querce,” nods to the towering oaks in its terraced gardens, and the oak motif appears thoughtfully throughout the decor.) The property’s impressive scale comes from its 19th-century transformation into a boarding school for Florence’s elite—alumni include Salvatore Ferragamo and Stefano Ricci. One charming touch? A display of vintage class photos and memorabilia, alongside stylish merch inspired by collegiate sports gear, like sweaters and caps embroidered with “Querce Sport Firenze.” It’s refreshing to see a hotel go beyond the usual logo-emblazoned tote bag.
Stepping inside the bright, marble-floored reception hall, it’s immediately clear that this is no dusty relic. After a smooth check-in—handled by a team of impeccably dressed, impressively polished staff, especially considering the hotel had only opened weeks earlier—I was escorted to my third-floor suite. There, the real showstopper was revealed: the breathtaking view. Through the open window, Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto’s bell tower rose above Florence’s terracotta rooftops, framed by wispy clouds and the soft, hazy hills beyond—like something out of a Leonardo painting. No other hotel in Florence offers this perspective while still being just a 30-minute walk (or quick taxi ride) from the city center. If Lucy Honeychurch from A Room with a View had stayed here, she certainly wouldn’t have complained about the lack of a Duomo vista.
But the interiors are just as striking as the views. Designed by local firm ArchFlorence, the 83 rooms and suites celebrate Tuscan craftsmanship without falling into the dark, heavy style of some older grand hotels. Thanks to the spacious layouts, antique furnishings feel fresh and uncluttered.The interiors feature earthy tones with accents of burnt orange or pastel blue, while original architectural details—including some preserved Neoclassical frescoes—pay homage to the building’s history without feeling stuffy. One thing that stood out after touring different room categories is that nearly every space has a unique layout. A quick chat with the booking team can help you find a room that suits your preferences perfectly.
This sense of privacy and flexibility extends to the intimate yet well-equipped Aelia Spa, which offers a rare plunge pool and steam shower available for private hour-long sessions—best paired with a massage using local olive oil or organic herbs from the hotel’s gardens.
Of course, people don’t just visit Florence for the spa—they come for the food. Collegio alla Querce delivers on that front too. The flagship restaurant, La Gamella, is led by executive chef Nicola Zamperetti, who blends Tuscan traditions with Sicilian influences, bringing a stronger seafood focus than typical for the region. Think silky spaghetti with fresh prawns and lobster or perfectly cooked sea bass in acqua pazza. Tuscan classics like pici and panzanella also make an appearance—don’t miss the standout dessert, Biancomangiare, featuring melon spheres paired with almond ice cream and toasted almonds for crunch.
Be sure to stop by Bar Bertelli for an aperitivo or digestivo. The wood-paneled space, once the headmaster’s office, retains charming nods to its past, from portraits of former students lining the shelves to cocktails inspired by historical textbooks discovered during renovations. The Timoteo, for example, mixes tequila blanco with cucumber cordial and a touch of yogurt for a refreshing, tzatziki-like sip—unusual but surprisingly delicious.
Outdoors, the cabana-lined pool stretches an impressive 35 meters—the longest in the city—and sits beside Café Focolare, serving grilled fish and wood-fired pizzas with perfectly charred crusts.
Despite its resort-like atmosphere, the hotel is just a short distance from Florence’s center. The concierge can arrange tickets to major attractions, but for those seeking something different, the hotel offers unique local experiences. On one visit, we crafted custom fragrances at Profumoir Firenze, tucked away in the San Niccolò neighborhood, blending scents at an antique table surrounded by apothecary-style shelves. Another day, we explored a hidden workshop near the Duomo, stepping into a quiet courtyard where artisans handcrafted leather goods—a far cry from the usual tourist trails.In the courtyard of Palazzo Pucci—the stunning palace owned by the Pucci family for centuries, which once housed Emilio Pucci’s vibrant fashion empire—his daughter Laudomia now warmly guides guests through her family’s archives and art collections, often over prosecco and biscotti. While the hotel’s dining options are more than enough to satisfy, the Collegio team takes pride in pointing guests to beloved local spots for hearty Florentine steak or fresh pasta with wild boar ragù.
The standout experience? A morning meditation session in the former chapel, where an opera singer performed a live “sound bath” as sunlight streamed through the high windows—an unexpectedly magical moment that would be hard to find elsewhere in Florence.
Despite the post-meditation calm, my stay coincided with a bustling week in the city. The hotel hosted a candlelit garden dinner for design enthusiasts, followed by an influx of fashion editors attending Gucci’s cruise show nearby. (While the official afterparty was at Santa Maria Novella, the real late-night gathering unfolded in Collegio’s halls and suites.) Overheard conversations among departing guests already hinted at word spreading among New York’s stylish circles.
The real buzz around Collegio alla Querce comes from its pedigree. Though Auberge Resorts Collection is primarily known in the Americas, their first Italian venture feels effortlessly established, blending seamlessly into Florence’s charm. With thoughtful design and a strong sense of place, it feels more like an independent gem than part of a global group. As the saying goes, great things grow from small beginnings—and Collegio alla Querce is proof.
Book Now