La Gemma Hotel emerges as both an accommodation and a chapter in the living history of Florence. Here, within the historic walls of the 19th-century Palazzo Paoletti, the legacy of the Cecchi family unfolds—a testament to their creative genius spanning the realms of fashion, architecture, and the fine arts. Our recent sojourn at La Gemma was more than a stay; it was a moment to live in a world, where every detail is luxury reborn.
La Gemma Hotel Florence
The interior of La Gemma Hotel is a visual masterpiece. Its botanical-print silk-screen walls, bespoke furnishings with Art Deco influences, and a cosmopolitan lounge create an ambience that blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Every detail pays homage to the city's enduring Renaissance spirit. The Cecchi family has woven a golden thread through the very fabric of the hotel, a celebration of Florence’s cultural heritage in every corner.
Upon arrival, the hotel invited us to unwind with a drink at Lucas's Bar, as a prelude to our enchanting experience. The mixologists crafted a cocktail with the freshest seasonal ingredients. Together, the libation, the stunning courtyard, and the gracious hospitality made for an unforgettable harmony.
The signature rooms, in particular, are a cut above, some featuring balconies with a front-row seat to the live theatre of Florence's bustling main streets. Each room and suite is adorned in quintessential Florence green, complemented by elegant pink fittings and furnishings, creating an ambience of timeless beauty and sophistication.
Cutting-edge technology is seamlessly integrated into all 39 rooms, ensuring your stay is as convenient and enjoyable as possible. La Gemma Hotel exudes a dedication to excellence that permeates every aspect of your visit, from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart.
The luxurious stay is complete with accommodation that defines comfort and opulence. Whether you decide on a standard room or one of the signature rooms, you'll have every convenience at your fingertips. An iPad in your room allows you to communicate with various hotel departments, book treatments at the Allure Spa, and access various services.
LUCA's Restaurant is a culinary sanctuary, named after the owner's father. Each morning, LUCA's becomes a breakfast oasis, where an enticing array of bread, pastries, cakes, and self-service fruit juices await. The morning menu, though small, is carefully curated, letting begin the day on a delicious note.
In the evening, at LUCA's, you can order à la carte. However, during our stay, we decided to embark on a culinary journey with a thoughtfully crafted menu that showcased the artistry of Chef Paolo Airaudo and his team. Our unforgettable dining experience began with an exquisite selection: Monkfish paired with delicate white asparagus and trout roe, followed by Red Shrimp with beetroot, dill, and a tantalizing touch of sour cream. The journey continued with the sublime flavours of Amberjack, accompanied by turnip and refreshing tomato water with ume kosho. One of the highlights of this culinary experience was the Lobster Risotto, elegantly paired with pumpkin and offering a perfect balance of flavours and textures. For the grand finale, dessert was a revelation – Jerusalem artichokes combined with the subtle sweetness of white chocolate, a delightful surprise for the palate.
Throughout this extraordinary dining experience, the sommelier displayed an exceptional talent for wine pairing, enhancing each course with carefully selected vintages that elevated the meal to new heights. Classic Tuscan cuisine is reborn with contemporary flair, resulting in dishes that are not only exquisite but also unforgettable.
It was heart-warming to witness the passion and dedication of the kitchen crew, whose culinary craft left an indelible mark on our evening. The attentive and knowledgeable waiter's staff, who guided us through this epicurean adventure gracefully and enthusiastically, was equally commendable. LUCA's Restaurant is not only a dining establishment; it's a place where every dish tells a story, and where every sip of wine is an ode to the joy of gastronomy.
While our recent visit to La Gemma Hotel found us in love with its haven in Italy, we can't help but look forward to the future. Rumour has it that the Cecchi family plans to expand La Gemma Hotel to other countries, a prospect that promises to surprise and excite luxury travellers worldwide.
With the Cecchi family at the helm, there's no doubt that these future locations will be nothing less than fantastic. Their creative mastery, evident in every corner of the Florence establishment, assures us the family knows what they're doing; they exemplify mastery in every detail. As we eagerly anticipate the next act in La Gemma Hotel's story, we can be sure that it will be a theatrical experience like no other, a masterpiece that brings magic to new audiences worldwide. The curtain may not be up yet, but the anticipation for the encore is palpable, and we, for one, can't wait for the Cecchi family's next act on the global stage.
La Gemma Hotel's official website
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Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Editorial Team
As editor-in-chief, Raffaele infuses the magazine with a cosmopolitan flair, drawing from his experiences in London, Berlin, New York, and Barcelona. His 20-year tenure with luxury brands, coupled with a love for travel and food, enriches the magazine's content.