La Gemma, Florence: ‘Not Just Five-Star, It’s Five-Star With a Soul’
By Michael Bociurkiw, My Savvy Traveller
My recent visit to La Gemma boutique hotel in Florence was unlike any other. From the moment I arrived, I felt not just welcomed but truly valued as a guest. In a rare gesture of hospitality, a member of the owning Cecchi family personally escorted me to my suite—proudly explaining its history, including how it had once been used by his sister for her wedding. This kind of personal connection set the tone for a stay that was both luxurious and intimate.
A two-room suite at La Gemma. Each room features curated touches, enhanced with the colours of Florence. Credit: La Gemma
A Suite with Character and Comfort
This was no ordinary room. The suite radiated warmth and character, with thoughtful touches everywhere: the subtle fragrance in the air, a handwritten note of welcome, a curated box of chocolates, and a mini-bar stocked to perfection. Italian linens, a supremely comfortable mattress, oversized TV screens, and even a high-quality radio for pairing devices combined to create a home away from home. I especially appreciated the curated selection of books and artwork that made the space feel more like a private residence than a hotel.
The soaking tub was an indulgent delight—though I found myself wishing for bath salts. Minor quibbles aside (slightly tricky lighting controls, and water that could have been hotter), the overall experience was close to flawless. The private terrace off my suite, offering quiet seclusion in the heart of Florence, was another highlight.
Curated Elegance Throughout
What impressed me most was how the entire property felt carefully curated—from the art and candles to the lighting and books tucked into corners. The art deco hotel is housed in Palazzo Paoletti, a 19th-century building which used to occupied by the Zara clothing chain. Everywhere you looked, there was intention. The calm professionalism of the family-run team added another layer of charm. Running a hotel with so many relatives could easily invite tensions, yet here everyone seemed genuinely happy, a reflection of strong values and harmonious management.
Dining and Rooftop Pleasures
Meals at La Gemma were a highlight. The breakfast was consistently superb, with fresh berries, pastries, and perfectly presented dishes. The Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine are not to be missed! Multi-course meals at the restaurant, Luca’s, named after the family patriarch, showcased Florence’s culinary richness with a modern flair influenced by the Argentinian roots of Michelin-starred chef Paulo Airaudo. (Pro tip: ask to be seated at one of the oval tables with a view of the kitchen). The bars—both second floor and ground floor—offered distinct offered excellent handcrafted cocktails and carefully chosen wines, many from the region. The bartenders deserve a special mention for their first-class service and craft. We sampled too many dishes to list here, but my palate will always yearn for the parsley risotto with red shrimps from Mazara del Vallo. Oh - and the Red Snapper with bagna cauda sauce. Bellissimo!
Breakfast at La Gemma presents another reason to wake up early! Perfectly prepared Eggs Florentine
Immersive Experiences Beyond the Hotel
What made this visit truly memorable was how it extended beyond the walls of La Gemma. The hotel arranged a half-day perfume-making masterclass at a Florentine perfumery, Profumoir, an olfactory library, where I created my own fragrance, Danza della Foresta (“Forest Dance”). The perfumery effortlessly leverages “the celebration of nature, the enhancement of raw materials, the alchemical research, the iconographic expression and the high artistic craftsmanship.” To this day, whenever I catch its scent, I’m transported back to Florence, to La Gemma, and to that remarkable morning. Feel like staying in the hotel? The subterranean Allure Wellness and Spa’s wonderful staff offer a wide range of treatments blending ancient wellness traditions with modern amenities.
La Gemma offers guests a host of immersive experiences, including a perfume-making master class at the legendary Profumoir
Final Impressions
La Gemma is one of those rare places where you almost don’t want to leave the property—even when you’re in a city as dazzling as Florence. The combination of personalized service, curated elegance, family warmth, and five-star comfort makes it a standout destination. For anyone seeking authentic luxury—elevated but never ostentatious—this is the place.
But wait! The Cecchi family is on an expansion binge, telling me that they feel there’s a gap in the luxury boutique hotel space in Italy. Next up - in the latter part of 2026 is their new boutique hotel in one of our favourite cities, Milan. It will undoubtedly be endowed with the same flair for design and service as La Gemma.
La Gemma Hotel
Via dei Cavalieri 2/c, 50123 Firenze
Tel. +39 055 0105200
Luca’s Restaurant
Tasting menu: 130 to 185 euro (4 or 8 courses, excluding wines)