A New Breed of Italian Luxury Hospitality
La Gemma Hotel in Florence is the first award-winning 5-star hotel designed, developed, and launched by the innovative and multi-talented Cecchi family. It stands as a jewel in the heart of historic Florence, offering a captivating and unique blend of classic and contemporary hospitality.
Founded by Massimiliano Cecchi and his four siblings, the La Gemma Collection is a young, independent, and fast-growing Italian hotel group. La Gemma Hotel Florence perfectly embodies the finest elements of a modern and discerning Italian lifestyle.
Following the successful launch of La Gemma Hotel in 2023, the Cecchi family is currently working on five impressive new properties, all set to open by 2030. The next hotel will be in Milan in 2026, followed by openings in Rome, Capri, Venice, and Como—destinations known for their high tourist and cultural value, aligning with the brand’s identity and vision of hospitality.
The La Gemma Collection of 5-star properties will each capture the essence of Italian design within historic and desirable locations throughout Italy and potentially beyond.
History and Heritage
Set within the stunning 19th-century Palazzo Paoletti, this stylish award-winning 5* hotel includes an elegant 1st-floor gourmet restaurant and a tranquil private spa located in the historic cellars of the palace. Most significantly, the striking interior design concept of this impressive new project attracts guests who truly appreciate the art of contemporary design.
Palazzo Paoletti was originally constructed in 1895 and designed by the architect Tito Bellini. Previously, the building on this site was the residence of the Guild of Hoteliers. Bellini constructed a much more imposing structure using rather grand, finely cut ashlar. The palace, while simplistic in its architectural style now stands rather grandly on the via Calimala.
Design Concept
Architecturally, La Gemma Hotel marks a new era for this prestigious Florentine property and its transformation fittingly draws inspiration from its surroundings.
Masterminded by ‘Design by Gemini’ Studio in Milan, the interiors have been created to pay homage to the city’s stunning Cathedral. With the hotel’s eye-catching aesthetic drawing inspiration from the ’Duomo’s’ distinct colours and sculptural design elements. La Gemma Hotel’s interior reflects the beauty of the famous cathedral with a palette of vibrant greens, powder pinks, and gentle ivories alongside bold geometric patterns,
opulent marbles, sumptuous textiles, and bespoke furnishings.
Rooms and suites give off an air of relaxed luxury which effortlessly exude old-school glamour. References to the Art-Deco era can be noted in the handcrafted king-size beds finished in muted shades of green and pink velvets, while a silk feature wall adds warmth and interest to the space. Rooms are impeccably presented and finished with vibrant textiles, Italian bed linens, and bathrobes by Rivolta Carmignani. Marble bathrooms are furnished by Devon & Devon with ceramics by Gio Ponti. Complimentary products are by Votary whose Rosemary & Chia series is both elegant and naturally perfumed.
LUCA’s by Paolo Airaudo
At the heart of La Gemma Hotel is the gourmet restaurant LUCA’s by Paulo Airaudo, a high-end dining concept devised to showcase classic Tuscan cuisine at its very best.
Working together with the Cecchi family, Italian/Argentinian chef Paulo Airaudo brings to LUCA’s a wealth of international experience along with a passion for seasonal ingredients and his trademark contemporary style. Airaudo has steadily made a name for himself globally, having worked in many prestigious restaurants in Geneva, Tuscany, London and Columbia and, most recently, in Spain and Hong Kong. His innate skill, infectious passion and dedication to refined Italian cuisine led to him achieving two Michelin stars in San
Sebastion.
“Working in Tuscany again is very exciting for me, LUCA’s menus celebrate casual Italian
dining yet with cuisine that is both refined and elegant”. says Airaudo. “LUCA’s offers something different, something new, but at the heart of all that I do is classic Italian cuisine. Here in Florence you can expect freshness and innovation from me.”
Celebrating locally sourced Tuscan ingredients, menus at LUCA’s by Paulo Airaudo pay homage to the much-loved classic dishes which are given a modern twist and presented with exceptional artistry. This exciting new dining concept allows friends and family to savour a true taste of Tuscany in a sophisticated yet welcoming setting.
Relax in the City
Gemma Cafe features several beautifully designed spaces inspired by the Art Deco era and the fashionable glamour of Florence. A secluded street-side café evokes the classic ambiance of the city, while the lounge is a welcoming area enhanced by a glamorous cocktail bar and an opulent chequerboard marble floor. Additionally, a stunning private courtyard adorned with natural greenery offers an exclusive al-fresco space where friends
can meet, relax, and enjoy vintage jazz, sample signature cocktails, or participate in a mixology masterclass.
In summer 2025, the cafe launched a new pintxos menu, celebrating small bites that perfectly complement its impressive cocktail and wine selections. Curated by Michelinstarred chef Paulo Airaudo, the pintxos reflect the flavours of Tuscany while paying homage to their Basque roots.
These sophisticated savoury snacks make the perfect accompaniment to cocktails, with La Gemma’s elegant menu showcasing delights like battered artichokes with citrus mayonnaise and Colonnata lard, as well as more avant-garde offerings such as veal heart sweetbreads with black garlic and parsnip foam. like the veal heart sweetbreads with black garlic and parsnip foam.
ALLURE Spa
Completing the La Gemma Hotel experience is the sophisticated sub-terranean spa ‘Allure’ which offers guests the ultimate setting for total escapism. A tranquil space designed to restore the mind, body, and soul. Allure Spa is furnished with natural materials and features a muted palette that further adds to the sense of calm.
At the Allure Spa and Wellness, therapists use Biologique Recherche offering guests the highest quality bespoke treatments in a serene space dedicated to relaxation. The Biologique Recherche Method is based on a scientific and visionary approach allowing ultra-personalisation of beauty treatments.
Featuring a boutique wellness area, Turkish bath hydro-massage bath, ice shower and two therapy rooms Allure’s team of experienced therapists offer tailor-made treatments and bespoke therapies.
Experience Florence & beyond
La Gemma Hotel sits within the most prestigious shopping and dining area of the city making it the ideal choice for guests wishing to immerse themselves in local culture. The 24hr Golden Key Concierge is available to tailor-make unique experiences, bespoke activities and VIP excursions. La Gemma Hotel’s highly experienced concierge team can arrange exclusive access to private artisan workshops, design studios, art collections,
perfumeries, wineries and more.
La Gemma Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the city of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Staff can arrange a luxury Helicopter tour over the city or VIP wine tasting in an exclusive private cellar.
Why not head to the hills for a gourmet truffle hunt or learn the art of pasta making with a farmhouse cooking class. Whatever your interest, Hotel La Gemma’s concierge team can tailor-make an unforgettable Tuscan experience, just for you.
Click here to make contact with our team and find out more.
