April 16, 2025. Via delle Mantellate, Florence. The Housewarming Party at The Hoxton, Florence’s latest open house-style hotel, was a who’s who of people doing cose ganze, or cool things, in central Italy. Clearly the place to be these days (and nights) in this city of ours, your average evening at the resident natural wine bar Enoteca Violetta sees international journos, on-trend DJs and local lawyers all catching up over a glass of orange wine paired with chic bites. Over in the adjacent restaurant, discerning travellers from around the world tuck into the freshest fish and seafood at Alassio, a stylish bistro with an open kitchen, retro chairs and vintage prints. Wine and food aside, what hits home about The Hoxton is the capacious courtyard, a chill island within the sprawling complex, complete with its very own bar, leafy seating and central fountain.
Belonging to Ennismore, the same UK group as 25hours Hotels, the in-house AIME Studios styled the interiors, allowing the original details to shine, such as the elegant external colonnade, frescoes and stuccowork, alongside lively colour schemes and bold patterns. Vintage furniture sits next to made-to-measure items in a blend of Italian craftsmanship and home comforts. The 161 hotel rooms are situated across two buildings (the main one dates to the sixteenth century and was originally owned by the Ricasoli family, while the second block was an 1980s construction) bookending the courtyard, plus the independent House, a three-bedroom apartment with a private entrance and living area that’s perfect for families, friends and even creative residences. Sunset/rise yoga is led up on the seductive 130 square-metre rooftop of the edifice designed by Andrea Branzi, the founder of Archizoom and part of the Memphis movement, whose façade consists of modernist wooden slats manoeuvrable by guests, while the rooms have received similar treatment featuring asymmetric wardrobes, monochrome striped table lamps and exotic-leaning materials.
Don’t miss La Riserva, a long, barrel-vaulted cellar tucked away in the basement that boasts a stylish bar for private dining, wine tastings and masterclasses.
