J.K. Place Firenze, Florence

A tall, elegant town house in the absolute heart of Florence: it’s one of the city’s most sought-after boutique hotels. Defined by the atmosphere of a discreetly luxurious private residence the 20-room J.K. oozes style and class.

The location couldn’t be better. It’s just seconds from the door of the iconic church of Santa Maria Novella and from the famous 700 year old Farmacia (apothecary) of the same name.

It is here the fictional character Hannibal Lecter makes some perfumed purchases. You smell nice, Clarice.

Unpretentious

Especially popular with a young, hip and fashionable crowd, J.K.’s extremely well curated décor offers sophisticated, understated luxury.

Only a small chrome plaque at the door reveals the identity of J.K. Florence. It’s an apt preamble to the things to come: the interiors are highly refined, the service discreet and unassuming. The check-in, with a drink in hand is performed in a dark wood library filled with books and art objéts.

The service is perfectly balanced between immaculate and homely, with every need and desire of guests anticipated.

Style and space

It goes well with the overall décor: muted colours throughout, with crisp cream soft furnishings, occasionally contrasted with dramatic black.

Tall mirrors hang on the walls, accompanied by framed life drawings and prints, images and books, sculptures and lacquered oriental pieces. Here and there, many restored historical features adorn the rooms.

Overlooking Santa Maria Novella

The building is part a historic palazzo and part modern townhouse. The two halves come together around a glass-covered lightwell, which drops to an airy dining room.

Arranged around it are the hotel’s 20 bedrooms: snazzy, characterful, no two alike—from cosy little dens to spacious master rooms and the penthouse suite with wrap-around windows offering spectacular views of the piazza and beyond.

Lounging and dining

The hotel has plenty of spaces to lounge. There’s a library room with sofas and armchairs arranged in front of the fire and the elegant main lounge is filled with art books. A panoramic teak deck with loungers and flickering candles on the top floor of the hotel is a romantic must-visit.

JK Lounge is JK Place’s bar and restaurant and one of Florence’s hippest lounge bars. It has a small but perfectly formed menu of light bites and aperitifs. The Sunday brunch here is said to be one of the best in Florence.

Breakfast is served around a large oval table in a glass-covered courtyard—a communal affair, though guests can also order to the room.

One of the more surprising spaces of the hotel is the “Pink Room”—filled with a pink neon light, with cushions and comfy sofas. Girly? Nah, just über cool.

in our opinion

This trend-setting boutique hotel is a go-to place for the cool-looking fashionista travellers—but a safe bet for everybody else too. Top location, impeccable service and style, without pretense. The best to book is the penthouse—comes with plenty of space and great views towards the iconic Santa Maria Novella church. Or book the multilevel Duplex Double Deluxe—it also offers views over the Piazza.

*Update: check out our reviews of J.K. Capri and J.K. Roma!

What we love

• Great location on the Piazza Santa Maria Novella—the famous church can be seen from many of the rooms;
• Watching the sun set over Florence’s red top roofs, from the rooftop terrace;
• The sophisticated atmosphere of understated modern luxury;
• Guest rooms are well soundproofed and equipped (flat screen TV, DVD player etc) and decorated in calm cream-greys;
• Very high level of service with the second to none concierge—they can arrange private access to museums, personal shopping, sightseeing and more. Staff-to-guest ratio is 2:1;
• Complementary: drinks throughout the hotel, mini-bar and coffee, tea, breakfast and snacks during the day;
• The Pink Room!

What you should know

• J.K. Place is just 15 minutes by taxi from the airport and a 5 minute walk from the local train station (also, it’s just about ten minutes to the Ponte Vecchio);
• The facilities are limited: there is no no spa, gym or swimming pool;
• Breakfast is served at a large communal table;
• The Classic rooms are on the small size, and have less-desirable views;
• Children under 12 stay for free. The hotel can arrange babysitting;
• The hotel is a favourite place of celebrities: among the former guests are Kylie Minogue and Stella McCartney;
• The pedestrianized Piazza Santa Maria Novella is a popular spot all-year round, but especially in summer, with plenty of neighbouring bars and restaurants. Can get a tad noisy at night;
• J.K. Place Firenze was named Fodor’s Top 100 Hotels 2013.