Italy: Luxury boutique property The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564 has opened in Florence, designed by James Cavagnari.
Born in London in 1964 and raised in Florence, James Cavagnari is an architect and designer with a career spanning luxury retail and hospitality. He has designed more than 200 boutiques for Salvatore Ferragamo and led the global retail redesign for Bulgari.
The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564 has been transformed from Cavagnari’s childhood Renaissance palazzo. Originally a convent, it was built in 1564 and retains many Renaissance features including an off-centre doorway, vaulted ceilings, and an inner courtyard.
It now offers 14 suites, the 1564 Lounge Bar, and The James Restaurant. The hotel’s F&B venues will serve traditional Italian dishes with a Mediterranean twist alongside cocktails that feature rare spirits and botanicals.
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s original mobile wardrobe is also housed at the hotel, crafted from mahogany wood with compartments for garments, scarves, and accessories. The wardrobe is on display alongside a portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth.
The hotel forms part of Manfredi Fine Hotels Collection.
Highlights:
• The James Suite Hotel Firenze 1564 has opened in Florence.
• It has been designed by James Cavagnari who has transformed his childhood home into a luxury boutique hotel.
• The hotel retains original Renaissance elements such as vaulted ceilings and a courtyard.
• It features 14 suites, a restaurant and bar, and Queen Elizabeth II’s historic mobile wardrobe on display.