Hotel La Gemma

Hotel Description

You know what hit me first when I walked into Hotel La Gemma? The smell – and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s this mix of old Florentine wood and something faintly floral, maybe from the courtyard they’ve got tucked away in back. The place sits right on Via Dei Cavalieri, which honestly most tourists walk past without noticing, but that’s exactly why it works so well. You’re literally a three-minute walk from the Duomo, but the street itself is quiet enough that you’re not dealing with the usual chaos of tour groups at 7 AM.

I’ve stayed at plenty of five-star places that feel like they’re trying too hard, but La Gemma actually earns that rating. The rooms – well, mine faced the internal courtyard, which I initially thought might be disappointing, but it turned out perfect. No street noise, just the occasional soft conversation from the breakfast area below. The restoration work they’ve done is incredible; you can see original frescoes peeking through in the hallways, and they’ve somehow managed to blend modern bathrooms (seriously good water pressure) with 15th-century architecture without making it feel like a theme park. The staff genuinely knows the neighborhood – when I asked about avoiding crowds at the Uffizi, the concierge didn’t just hand me a brochure, he actually sketched out a route through the Oltrarno that I never would have found otherwise.

What really gets me is the breakfast situation. They serve it in this glass-roofed space that feels like eating in a secret garden, and the coffee – I mean, this is Florence, so you expect decent coffee, but theirs is actually better than most of the tourist spots around Santa Maria Novella. The whole experience feels effortless in a way that’s hard to find. Like, you’re not constantly thinking about the hotel when you’re out exploring, which is exactly what you want. The location means you can walk to pretty much everything worth seeing, but when you come back in the evening, you’re stepping into this calm, elegant space that feels completely removed from the tourist madness outside. It’s expensive, sure, but for Florence – especially for something this close to everything with this level of service – it’s actually reasonable. Plus, they store your luggage without any fuss if you want to explore after checkout, which saved my last day when I had an evening flight.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $460. Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $537. Superior Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $589. Deluxe Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $692. Junior Suite with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $795. Deluxe Studio with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $976. Deluxe Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,273. Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $1,506. Two-Bedroom Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Couldn’t have had a better stay that was convenient + luxurious – Lau from United States – 14 July 2025 (10/10)

  Breakfast was great how you could pick and choose. Scrambled eggs were the perfect texture. Sheets were so so soft.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• A stylish and impressive home to return to repeatedly – Lubna from Oman – 10 July 2025 (10/10)

  Decor, attentive staff and impeccable service.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb – Darren from United Kingdom – 28 June 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent service, extremely stylish room, great bar and a perfect breakfast. A wonderful stay!
  
  What could be improved: A small issue, but would have loved a quiet place (business centre) for a zoom call. The bar was OK but had background music.

• Exceptional – Erica from South Africa – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  The staff were especially helpful, and the location very central for tourist attractions

• We enjoyed a fabulous stay – with great food, decor and locations. – Richard from United Kingdom – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  The breakfasts and dinners were delicious and included a great choice and quality.
  The staff were very friendly and helpful .
  The location, decor and facilities were very good.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing !

• You will not find a better hotel in Florence. Old school glamour, stylish and cool with a true family feel. Xx – Michelle from United Kingdom – 8 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything!! The location is amazing, but it’s all about the hotel. It’s luxurious with an old school, glamorous, cool vibe. The staff are exceptional, even before our stay the communication and advice was impeccable. I was offered ‘dining with the stars’ private dining on the roof terrace for my fiancés birthday. The tasting menu was outstanding, as we sipped champagne overlooking Florence and enjoying the sunset. An all around magnificent evening, special memories made…thank you!! The staff made it wonderful, Vito, Fillippo, Daniel and Florin…thank you xxx
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Exceptional – Jon from United States – 3 June 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent breakfast, comfortable beds, great location! Beautiful hotel with attention to every detail! Kind, attentive staff. Definitely the place to stay in Florence!

• A stylish accomodation that excels in every category…absolutely 5 stars. – Timothy from United States – 18 May 2025 (10/10)

  Loved that this splendid hotel is right in the middle of all the action yet very quiet.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• lovely – Daisy from Netherlands – 17 May 2025 (9/10)

  beautiful atmosphere and amazing vibe.
  the breakfast was amazing, best scrambled eggs I had in a very long time.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Elegant and chic-perfect in every way – Ron from United States – 14 May 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location near the city center, but on a quite side street. Excellent cooked to order breakfast

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities