AdAstra Florence boasts exclusive views of Torrigiani Garden
Forget the huge hotels with hundreds of identical rooms. If you’re planning a trip to the Tuscan capital of Florence, Italy, consider the intimate 18th-century palazzo of AdAstra. Not only is each and every one of its 14 rooms totally unique, but the storied, luxe mansion overlooks a secret garden with a gorgeous neo-gothic fairytale tower designed for observing the stars.
An aerial view of Florence at sunset, including the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio
Location
AdAstra Florence is located in Florence’s artsy Oltrarno neighborhood, just south of the Arno river. It offers guests the best of both worlds: it’s a little removed from the crowded tourist destinations, yet just a 10-minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio and 15 minutes to the city center.
The History
The historic palazzo sits overlooking Torrigiani Garden, a botanical garden of much renown in the 16th century. When Marquis Pietro Torrigiani inherited the property in the early 19th century, he expanded the small garden and constructed the neo-gothic tower as an observatory — which inspired the name, since ad astra means “to the stars” in Latin.
Today, the 17-acre garden holds the title of the largest privately owned garden within the boundaries of a city in all of Europe. While the B&B occupies the first and second floors, the current Marquis (yes…there is a current Marquis) lives on the mansion’s ground floor, meaning guests will be sleeping in the same house as Italian nobility.
What To Know
While a stay at AdAstra gives guests sweeping views of the serene gardens set in the midst of bustling Florence, it should be noted that guests do not have access to stroll the gardens themselves. (That right is still reserved for the Marquis and his family.) However, it’s easy to soak up its beauty while sipping a cocktail, reading, taking a meal, or enjoying sunset from the hotel’s expansive wraparound terrace.
The Vibe
Artsy and funky, with a glamorous centuries-old patina.
Original herringbone floors, chandeliers, ceiling frescoes, and funky vintage finds are mixed in … [+]
Architecture and Decór
Old world elegance and contemporary funk collide at this 18th-century mansion turned modern B&B. The mansion’s current iteration is a collaboration between architect Francesco Maestrelli, with interiors by brothers Matteo and Marco Perduca.
Think antique gilded chandeliers, ceiling frescos, time-worn herringbone floors, claw foot tubs, and velvet settees — all punched up with contemporary pop art, film posters, framed illustrations and textiles, art books, and a treasure trove of quirky vintage finds.
Number of Rooms
14
Highlights
- Enviable views of Torrigiani Garden, the largest privately owned urban garden in Europe
- Each room has its own distinct personality and decór
- Ideal location set apart from tourist hotspots, yet a 15-minute walk to the city center
- An excellent buffet breakfast that can be eaten overlooking the garden
Each of the 14 guest rooms is completely unique
Accommodations
Each of the 14 rooms are uniquely curated, with a playful mix of contemporary and vintage art, and objet, Expect to see ornate crystal chandeliers and grand, gilded oil paintings next to funky pieces like boot-shaped lamps with camo lampshades, framed mod Pucci scarves and funny t-shirts.
Four of the rooms open up directly onto the wraparound terrace, several have garden views, and others overlook the quaint Via del Campuccio.
All are equipped with freestanding roll-top bathtubs and showers, C.O. Bigelow bath products, slippers, hot water kettles and espresso makers, HD TV, and complimentary WiFi.
The salon, which overlooks the garden, serves as a breakfast room, lounge, and honor bar
Dining
A complimentary buffet breakfast of eggs, pastries, cheeses, cured meats, and fruit is served daily in the chic salon. Or, when the weather is nice, on the grand terrace overlooking the expansive gardens.
While there is no restaurant, the salon also serves as an honor bar with a good selection of wines and spirits that you can enjoy on the salon’s cushy sofas, bring to your room, or sip outside on the terrace.
Who It’s Best For
- Couples
- Solo travelers
- Business travelers
Notable Services & Amenities
- Fun and funky decór
- Complimentary WiFi
- Honor bar
- Bathtubs and showers
- C.O. Bigelow bath products
- Hot water kettles and espresso makers
- HD TVs
Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens
What’s Nearby
- Boboli Gardens
- Villa Bardini
- Palazzo Pitti
- Ponte Vecchio
- The Duomo
For more information or to book a stay, visit AdAstra Florence.
