Design Luxury

Hotel Calimala (FI)

by Clara Galanti

Inside Palazzo degli Angeli, an ancient sixteenth-century building in the heart of Florence and historic home of the poet Aldo Palazzeschi, Calimala is a surprising design-hotel with a panoramic rooftop bar and a view of both the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria up to the hills that embrace the city.

The history of the Hotel Calimala begins in 2018 from the desire of the art curator Carmen llan to give an exclusive experience to travelers who wish to stay in the beating heart of Florence. The structure is, in fact, located within the coolest area of the city, between Piazza Stazione, Santa Maria Novella and via Tornabuoni, surrounded by fashion boutiques and the most famous restaurants.

After over a year of renovation and an interior project entrusted to the Israeli designer Alex Meitlis, also chosen by the guru of veg cuisine Yotam Ottolenghi for his London establishments, Calimala embodies a perfect balance between sixteenth-century charm and ultra-chic contemporary taste. In the early twentieth century, the palace was the home of the Italian poet Aldo Palazzeschi who hosted, among the many intellectuals and writers of the time, the main artists of Futurism: Marinetti, Boccioni, Carrà, Soffici and Papini.

We wanted to create an extraordinary experience where ancient charm and contemporary design blend and complement each other.

(Lucia Alvarez, Event Manager)

The beautiful building, called Palazzo degli Angeli in reference to the decorations of cherubs and flowers that embellish the facades, is located in the street that gave the hotel its name, precisely via Calimala. The etymology of the word has uncertain origins and it seems it could refer to the ancient Florentine art of international wool trade, one of the most flourishing ones in the city. In fact, in the Middle Ages, numerous related shops overlooked Via Calimala.

Meitlis’ project favored the use of rich materials such as pietra serena and Tuscan marbles to preserve the Florentine soul of the building and, at the same time, create a contrast with the contemporary and déco-style of the furnishings, such as the headboards and wardrobes mirror, personally chosen by the designer. The common spaces, such as the delightful lounge where black and white vintage films are screened, are decorated with prints and works by international artists including Carmel Ilan, Mosh Kashi, Marina Economides, and Tzachi Nevo.

The restyling project gave life to 38 rooms including 14 Superior, 12 Deluxe, 1 Superior Balcony, 5 Deluxe Twin, 4 Comfort and 2 Premium Balcony, all characterized by very high ceilings, exposed brick walls and traditional “terrazzo” floors. The amenities are very accurate, such as the courtesy kit with Calimala branded fragrance and a well-stocked mini-bar for those who want to sip the last drink “in déshabillé” or an excellent coffee made with the Nespresso machine.

On the panoramic rooftop, there is the spectacular Angel Roofbar & Dining which, in addition to the internal rooms, offers two terraces with a truly extraordinary view of Florence and the surrounding hills. Also open for external guests or for events, it offers the opportunity to have an aperitif, with a dedicated menu, or to dine, tasting the delicacies prepared by the chef, which include fresh pasta, meat and fish mains (including oysters and bubbles), and vegetarian options in the name of Mediterranean cuisine with international touches. Do not miss the Sunday appointment Brunch & Bubbles, to enjoy a super-chic brunch while sipping champagne.

In the morning, the international breakfast is served inside the roof bar where a sweet and savory buffet awaits guests who can choose from fragrant brioches, freshly baked cakes and pancakes, eggs & bacon or the best Tuscan products, such as local cold cuts and cheeses.

For the fitness-addicted, Calimala also offers a gym, in-room massages and wellness treatments, as well as a reception open 24/7 and a valet parking service to allow its guests to experience the best of Florence completely carefree.

The Secret

In the marbles used to make the walls of the bathrooms, it is possible to admire a herringbone mosaic in white, black and green. This is a tribute to the Baptistery of San Giovanni and to the Florentine Romanesque style, with a clear reference to white marble from Carrara and the green one from Prato, with all its beautiful shades ranging from light green to “green-black”.

Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)
Hotel Calimala (FI)

Useful Info

Hotel Calimala
Via Calimala 2
50123 Firenze
Tel.+ 39 055 0936360

Rooms: starting from 300 euro
Breakfast: 26 euro

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